Homer Alaska Hotels

A life measured in dog years

I got married in the breed basset.

One day in Twin Falls, Idaho, after running the Snake River Canyon from rim to rim, I met a fine young woman with a picnic after the race. His basset hound grabbed the sandwich in my hand, and owner, Ann, from my heart said.

This was more than 25 years. Since then, Ann and I shared many memorable moments with the gentle, long ears, nose and eager dogs often stubborn.

There were dachshunds at our wedding, and another on our honeymoon.

When my newspaper career took us north to Alaska for 11 years, our bassets joined us as we hiked through grizzly country, fished for salmon and picked fall berries in alpine meadows. In one memorable experiment, we briefly hitched our booty-clad basset, Homer, to an Iditarod racer's sled for a pull through the snow.

But bassets as sled dogs never quite caught on.

When we moved to the Pacific Northwest, Ann decided she wanted to check out field trials, which give your hound a chance to match his scent and tracking skills against other bassets.

We joined a small, eclectic band of basset-hound brethren who have kept field trialing alive in our region. Most come from Washington or Oregon, and a handful from as far away as Idaho and California.

These dogs initially were bred in France as low-slung hounds that could help hunters pursue small game. The field trials are a way to honor this hunting heritage. The trials are held along a stretch of land in Southwest Washington piled with Mount St. Helen's ash dredged from a nearby river. This land has been reclaimed by a motley mix of Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberries and grasses, all of which provide prime cover for rabbits.

These competitions typically begin soon after daybreak. Most participants form a line known as "The Gallery" and walk forward slowly, beating the bushes with sticks or poles in hopes of flushing out a bunny. Eventually, someone cries "tallyho!" as a rabbit scurries out of the brush.

Then, two bassets are walked up to the point where the bunny was last seen. They are left on the bunny's trail for several minutes. That's enough time for two judges to decide which of the dogs does a better job of following the scent.

(Hunting is forbidden at field trialing, and bassets are bred to flush out game, rather than track them down and pounce on them. And the dogs are caught and leashed long before they would have the chance to catch and harm the rabbits they pursue.

Practical Reading Before Traveling To Homer, Alaska | Celina ...

Homer is a town located in the shore of Kachemak Bay in Alaska, that lures visitors with the beauty of its glaciers, breathtaking mountains and variety of wildlife. Visitors can find numerous entertainment alternatives and a selection of Homer vacation rentals to pick from.

Next, we share some interesting attractions and things to do.  Additionally, you will find some useful tendencies for this interesting places as well as great lodging options.

Finding a way to spend your time while visiting a Homer, Alaska is never hard. From exciting 4-wheeling, scenic horseback riding and hiking, Homer will not dissatisfy outdoor fanatics. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy whale-watching or bear-watching. There are many available Homer vacation rentals for those looking for a less expensive trip.

Whether you want a short-day trip, an overnight trip or extended excursions; Homer offers ample 4-wheeling alternatives. Guided ATV tours and Ranger rentals are available. Those looking for a great adventure should definitely consider booking a Homer hotel.

For those looking for something different, Homer offers unique Bear viewing opportunities. Guided tours to the “Alaskan Bush” to observe and learn more about the brown bears are available. Book a Homer, Alaska vacation rental and don’t miss the chance to take extraordinary pictures.

What about an unforgettable hiking time? Grewingk Glacier Lake offers visitors an amazing hiking experience through a mature forest of large spruce and cottonwoods. Be in front of a glacier is a picture that you won’t never forget. There are many tours available and you should be ready for a blast!

Another popular activity in Homer, whale watching tours are available usually from 9 am to 6 pm. Around 415 humpback whales have been identified in the area since 1999. If you enjoy watching these mammals in their natural habitat, book a Homer vacation home and go on a whale watching adventure.

Kachemak Bay State Park is a must-visit in Homer. It is a huge park, full of waterfalls, glaciers, rivers and a beach for kayaking and amazing fishing. Those looking for wildlife viewing won’t be disappointed.

It is a great spot to investigate:

Homer Alaska Lodge : Bear Essentials Lodge provides rustic lodging located in Anchor Point, Alaska. We are in a remote location surrounded by the beauty of Alaska views, scenery, and wildlife.Our Alaskan Lodging is located minutes away from fishing, hunting, clamming, sightseeing, hiking, wildlife photography, and many other Alaskan adventures and activities that Alaska is famous for. We offer clean comfortable rooms at very reasonable rates. Our rates vary by season, duration of stay, and the number of guests. For more information and pictures, please log into property ID#218589 at rentalo.com.

The Alaska Almanac, Facts about Alaska

50 Fabulous Places to Retire in America

Washington

Frommer's Alaska 2010

Alaska