Seldovia, Alaska

While in Homer, we decide to take the Seldovia Ferry across the bay to the town of Seldovia.
Seldovia was originally a native settlement in which the Russians established a fur trading post in 1788. Its Russian traditions are still very much alive today.

Russian Orthodox church

Orthodox crosses in the cemetery

The town is sprinkled with carved wood sculptures. Some we wonder how the artist managed to execute.

Fisherman at dock

Anchor with wooden chain

Seafarer riding the waves

Sea otter

Wild salmon ride

A bench for Patti

The town itself is charming and the people are very friendly.

Coastal bay home

Grocery store

We hike the "Otter Bahn" trail to the beach.

Entrance to Otter Bahn trail

Devil's Claw, which can give you blisters

Bugs working flowers

The forest is full of interesting trees and logs.

Gnarly tree stump

These roots look like an octopus

The trail comes out to a long board walk crossing a marshy area.

Salt water marsh

The beaches are rocky and after a short hike northward we find a nice picnic area.

Rocky beaches

Ship for kids by picnic area

From the beaches, we take the roads back into town where we meet a woman who graduated from UCSC's Porter College. UCSC alums pop up in some unexpected places. We learn the town was once about 2000 people while Homer was a small village of only 300. However, after a road was built into Homer, the population reversed with Homer now having around 4000 residents and Seldovia only 300. Still, like Homer fishing remains a mainstay business.

Even the realtors have gone fishing

Large fish cleaning station on the wharf.