The sun shines over Kachemak Bay on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, in Homer, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

The sun shines over Kachemak Bay on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, in Homer, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Out of the Office: Homer holiday

On one of the first sunny days this month, I decided to drive to Homer. There’s something about putting on sunglasses for the first time after a long winter — and this season felt like a long winter — that makes me happy. Nothing beats taking a long drive with the sun on your face and the music playing while you cruise along the coast.

With an early 2000s playlist on shuffle and the snowy peaks of Cook Inlet’s west side acting as a backdrop, I took my time heading south, taking detours in Ninilchik and the overlook near the “Welcome to Homer” sign. I poked into some of my favorite Homer stores and stopped frequently to marvel at the beauty of Kachemak Bay.

This was before the official first day of spring and before daylight saving time took effect, but the spontaneous day trip offered a taste of Alaska springtime magic. It was easy to picture the hustle and bustle of the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival and all of the shop signs on the Homer Spit flipping from “closed” to “open,” and hard not to feel excited.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

I rounded the excursion off with a white garden pizza from Fat Olive’s, which I ate parked near Bishop’s Beach. I watched the sun go down while watching the waves silently lap the shoreline through my windshield. Others with the same idea parked nearby, and I expressed quiet gratitude for whatever instincts pull people together in beautiful moments like that.

It’s the time of year where, coming out of a long winter darkness, anything feels possible. I’m making lists of things I want to do this summer and was invigorated by how a sunny day in Homer was a small taste of what’s to come.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in Sports

tease
Post 20 Twins enact mercy rule on Eagle River

The visiting American Legion Post 20 Twins defeated Eagle River 11-0 in… Continue reading

tease
Tri Nikiski draws 79 participants

The ninth annual Tri Nikiski was held Saturday starting from the Nikiski… Continue reading

Runners start from Homer High School during the Homer Spit Run 10K to the Bay on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Running to the finish

The Homer Spit Run on Saturday drew nearly 250 participants.

The Peninsula Oilers have announced the sale of their building at 601 
S. Main Street in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Oilers look to sale of building to return to field in 2026

This is just the second summer since 1974 that the Peninsula Oilers… Continue reading

tease
Sunday: Twins lose in semis of Midseason Classic

The American Legion Post 20 Twins lost 14-1 in five innings to… Continue reading

Soldotna's Beau Johnson competes in Chute Dogging on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in the second Soldotna Equestrian Association rodeo of the year at the Soldotna Rodeo Grounds in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna Equestrian Association holds 2nd rodeo of season

The Soldotna Equestrian Association is holding its second rodeo of the season… Continue reading

Malakai BeDunnah and Ari Miller of the American Legion Post 20 Twins are congratulated by head coach Robb Quelland on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Alaska 529 Midseason Classic at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo by Stephanie Burgoon/Alaska Sports Report)
Saturday: Twins reach semifinals of Midseason Classic

With two ties Saturday, the American Legion Post 20 Twins moved into… Continue reading

tease
Friday: Twins start Midseason Classic by topping South

The American Legion Post 20 Twins defeated South Post 4 10-6 on… Continue reading

Most Read