Hope, Alaska

After leaving the Zatz's in Homer, we decide to stop for the night in a City of Soldotna sponsored campground. It's right on the beautiful Kenai River which is famous for it's fishing.

Entrance to Swiftwater Campground

Fishermen on Kenai River

The campground has long boardwalks lining the banks for easier fishing access. This area is not only beautiful, but is home to large salmon runs. Needless to say, it's very popular with fishermen. Unfortunately, not all the fishermen are as impressed by the beauty. We are dismayed to find lots of garbage left along the river as well as people fishing with bait right next to signs prohibiting the use of bait (i.e. fly fishing only). 

Boardwalk along the Kenai River

Turquoise blue of the Kenai River

The next morning we're on the move and are treated to a sunny day with views of the surrounding mountains on the Kenai Peninsula.
We stop at a day use area along Lake Kenai. From the parking lot we cross a small bridge.

Day Use area at Lake Kenai

View from bridge

At first we don't notice anything unusual, but then we look more closely at the water towards where people are pointing...  we see a school of salmon swimming in a stable location together.  As we watch, small groups of salmon split off and swim around each other in what appears to be spawning behavior.

Large school of salmon

Small group swimming apart

Spawning couple?

We are thrilled to see such a sight and watch in wonderment.  After awhile we decide to move on as the mosquitoes have discovered us.

Reflections of mountains on Lake Kenai

Not feeling like leaving the Kenai quite yet, we decide to take a side trip to camp at Hope, a former mining camp for the gold strike on Resurrection Creek. The road into Hope is less traveled and we both enjoy the drive.

Road to Hope

Views of mountains

After checking out the different camping options, we end up at the Seaview RV Park, which is right on Resurrection Creek at its confluence into Turnagain Arm.

Seaview RV Park office & cafe

Our campsite with a view

Resurrection Creek

Again we find ourselves at a popular fishing spot.

Fishermen and women line up along Resurrection Creek

The next day we check out the town. Hope is known for having some of the best preserved buildings of the gold strike era.

Cabins still in use

Old cabin

Gift shop

Some of the homes and businesses are much nicer than we expected at our first look at the town.

Large well kept home

Coffee shop sign

Home and Art Gallery

Hope is a lovely spot, but we are starting to tire of fishermen as several late night campers have kept us awake during the night.

View of mountains across Turnagain Arm from Hope