May 9, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Kodiak, Alaska

Where in the World Are WE?

We are in Kodiak, Alaska.

KODIAK, ALASKA, USA
BEST KNOWN FOR THE MIGHTY KODIAK BROWN BEAR AND RICH WILDLIFE
The domain of grizzlies and brown and black bears, Kodiak Island, is a raw, wild, and utterly authentic Alaskan wilderness.
The Emerald Isle is the USA’s second-largest island, and with a wilderness stretching out over 3,670 square miles, it’s
a thrilling voyage into the Alaskan unknown.

The weather may get a little cloudy at times, but the locals actively welcome a covering of clouds – perhaps partly
because the clouds and fog are said to have deterred Japanese attacks during World War II’s hostilities. Be sure to
bring your camera with you; it’s nigh on impossible to take a bad photo of these irresistible vistas – and you’ll quickly
see why Kodiak Island is the destination of choice for wildlife documentary producers.

Cinematic setpieces regularly play out as eagles soar over expansive sweeps of fir-tree forested mountains and
still lakes, releasing occasional piercing calls. Some of the animal kingdom’s most feared and revered creatures call
Kodiak Island home and your first sight of a bear reaching a massive paw into the water or treading through a gently
burbling stream will live with you forever. Soar in a seaplane to track the bears with an expert guide. Masters of
disguise, it often takes a trained eye to spot the bears in their natural habitats.

The waters of Kodiak Island are also home to some of the world’s most productive fishing. Try out your skills, or
accompany a seafaring fishing vessel to witness life on the waves first-hand as they plunder the ocean’s depths.

KODIAK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE VISITOR CENTER
The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Kodiak exhibits primarily the Kodiak brown bear, a film about the refuge and a bookstore. The 1.9-million-acre Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to about 3,000 Kodiak brown bears. The refuge is renowned for bear viewing, while the Karluk River and the Ayakulik River offer world-class fishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead. Other recreational opportunities include kayaking, rafting, photography, and camping.

SIGHTS

Alutiiq Museum
Kodiak History Museum
South End Trail
St. Herman Theological Seminary
Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park
Pillar Mountain Trail
Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral

Today’s Excursion – Kodiak Highlights

We discovered Kodiak Island’s diverse culture and sites of interest during this scenic, half-day tour of Kodiak City, Alaska’s first
Russian settlement.
Depart the pier for the drive past Cannery Row and the boat harbor en route to the city. Upon arrival, photo opportunities
abound as you explore the city’s historic landmarks and Native American and Russian legacy.

Kodiak History Museum
See Kodiak’s rich history, from Alutiiq culture and the Russian colonial period to the early American era, WWII, and the present day. The Kodiak History Museum is located within Kodiak’s 200-year-old National Historic Landmark building, the Russian American Magazin, or the Erskine House. Museum employees and your guide are on hand to assist you as you view Kodiak’s history through displays and photographs.

Fort Abercrombie
Following your visit, a short drive north takes you to Fort Abercrombie, a historic defense installation for the North Pacific
during World War II. At the Bunker Museum, you can take sweeping panoramic vistas of both land and sea.

Alutiiq Museum
Your tour continues with a visit to the Alutiiq Museum for an in-depth look at Alaska’s native culture.

Fisheries Research Touch Tank and Aquarium
This venue provides a close and personal look at various local sea life, from sea stars to halibut to crab. The touch tank is a favorite of visitors, young and old, giving all the opportunity to “meet” a wide array of creatures.

After our excursions, we met Mary and Marion. Marion and John share a passion for landscaping and gardening. Marty and Marion picked us up after our excursion, and we shared a wonderful afternoon. They took us to their home with beautiful gardens and views, served a halibut hamburger and potato salad lunch, and showed us more of Kodiak.

Marion wrote the New York Times bestseller Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. She has also been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Reader’s Digest, and Organic Gardening. Here are three websites I subscribe to:

Gardening Club & Coach: https://gardenerscoach.com/membership-home/
The UpBeet Gardener (YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyXH694HaYuwwUCFkAhrsbg
Marion Owen Photography: https://www.marionowenphotography.com/index

COMING SOON TO A PIANO NEAR YOU

WITH MUSICAL HUMORIST DALE GONYEA

At the age of five, Dale Gonyea got up very early one morning and, without
a single lesson, spontaneously began playing the piano. His parents were
astonished because they did not have a piano. They decided he needed
therapy or music lessons. Therapy was expensive. They bought a piano,
and a career was born. He is a University of Michigan music graduate who
now uses the piano as the springboard for his unique humor.

Gonyea is an Emmy winner, a Clio nominee, and Grammy-nominated.
He has written songs for Disney, including Goofy’s Anthem, “You Can Always Be Number One,” and the Genie’s song for The Return of Jafar, the sequel to Aladdin.

The Los Angeles Times proclaimed him “heir to the piano-comedy throne.”