A Fortnight on Kodiak.

Having been left stranded on the beautiful Alaskan island of Kodiak, after choosing to miss my ferry (hoping there would be another in 2 or 3 days) things worked out rather well.

When Rowland headed out to work (almost 77 years of age, but an absolute workaholic) at the machine shop I'd take on the house keeping duties.

My usefulness became apparent to Rowland who made as much use of the helpful yeti residing beneath his roof. I took to

Kodiak Island

It was 10pm. It was hammering down and I had an 8 mile cycle to the Ferry Terminal. I was donning warm clothes with full waterproof attire over the top and a large yellow plastic refuse sack draped over my backpack. I wondered would the rain every stop. Then it did.

The ride to the good ship Kennicott was far more enjoyable with rain water only splashing up from the road, as opposed to hammering down and in to my face.

The ferry was set to leave port at 2am. My hopeful intention was to get aboard early, crash in my little cabin and get a little shut eye rising early to see the Barren Islands.... and that's exactly what happened.

I woke at 5.30am just in the nick of time to see these beautiful land masses. The sun had just rose. I could have done with a lot

Homer - Week II

Another week has slipped by in Homer.

I've been writing and writing and writing.... With a little fishing session thrown in for good measure.

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I won't prattle on about the fishing, most folks couldn't give a hoot.

The locals like to 'snag' or 'snatch' the king salmon by allowing the river current to sweep the fishing line across their mouths. Once they feel this resistance the rod is snatched in to the air, pulling the hook in to the outside of the salmon's mouth.

I'm more sporting than that, nor am I trying to fill my freezer with protein.

I'd rather catch them fare and square. I used a little lure fishing set up. A 7ft rod and little fixed spool reel loaded with 10lb test line and a large spinner. Everyone thought I was insane. The locals were loaded up with long heavy rods and reels loaded with 30lb monofilament.

Whilst the 'snaggers' caught plenty, I managed to land one of the fish of the day. Almost 25lb! This king salmon took me over 10 minutes of

Homer.... and some how the Isle of Man TT....

Living on the outskirts of Homer is lovely experience. Homer is true fishing town. I'd be very surprised indeed if any marriages take place between the beginning of June and the end of September! Homer consists of town which tapers off to a natural spit of land 4.5 miles in length. The spit houses, restaurants, cafes, bars and the main fishing harbour and marina.

Catie has been a wonderful host allowing me to make full use of the facilities, including the hot tub on the decking overlooking the mountains across Kachemak Bay. Most evenings I cook for myself, Catie and Garrett (a young commercial fisherman who is currently working 12 hour days to get a boat ready for the 8^th June). Catie is getting ready to head off to her daughter's graduation and then off to meet her husband Tom, fishing from Pilot Point from the 15^th June until some time in August.

Since being here I've been salmon fishing with Silver Fin Guide's Gary Sinnhuber on the Ninilchik river. There are many rules and regulations here which almost put me off sport fishing. The rivers are