First of all, I’d like to give a shout out to S., a webbie friend from RAINN. I promised him some more Alaskan pictures yesterday and did not get to it, so here you go . . . some more shots from Monday’s trek to Homer.

This is a shot of the Ninilchk Russian Orthodox church. The Transfiguration of Our Lord Russian Orthodox Church is the most photographed building in Ninilchik. Its services began in 1846 with the arrival of lay missionary Grigorii Kvasnikoff. This present building was designed by local architect Aleksei Oskolkoff and dedicated in 1901. (from Ninilchik, Alaska info page.)

If you are looking for the way to this church, be sharp-eyed. The turn sneaks up on you as you head southward toward Homer and if you aren’t careful you’ve already passed it and are on the way through Ninilchik proper.

There is a path from the church down into the old village, but it is a narrow path and you have to be fleet of foot to walk along it. (or maybe you just have to be younger than I.) You might be better to drive down into the village. We didn’t do that this trip as the road was blocked off by road construction crews. There used to be a store and gift shop open in the village. I don’t know if they are still there.

Next to the church is a small white house – I’m thinking maybe it is a rectory for the visiting priest? Yes, they still hold services in this church. I don’t think the outhouse next to it is still in use . . . although it just needs a new hinge to be available for use – that, and a path cleared to the door. The devil’s club and other flora has taken over the path so that it is barely accessible.

Behind a fenced area in front of the church is the cemetery for the orthodox. You might be able to see that the orthodox cross is different than the one we are most used to. Here’s an explanation I found:

The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross. The top bar represents the plaque that was hung over Christ’s head. The middle bar, as in Western Christianity, is the cross beam on which Christ’s wrists or palms were nailed. The slanted bottom bar is the footrest – and Christ’s feet are represented as being nailed individually rather than together.

On the other side of the church – outside the fenced area – is the American Legion cemetery. It really is a lovely spot overlooking the old village, Cook Inlet and the mountains.

Maybe I’ll post some more pictures later, but I hope you enjoy these for now.

Hubby and I drove to Homer today – and took along one of the grands who has not had time alone with us like his siblings and cousins. All but the youngest has made a trip with us so it was D’s turn.

What to do while on such a trip? The weather was gorgeous – hot by Alaskan standards! The mountains weren’t as visible as I’d like – there was a lot of mist coming off Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay obscuring the view somewhat.

But . . . while there was some wind, it wasn’t chilly . . . and we all smell of the sea now. I love that outdoorsy – seaweedy smell.

What to do, what to do . . . well the guys (im)patiently stood by for me to take pictures of them, of course.

Here they are at the farthest westerly point in the US reachable from the highway system. This is at the beach in Anchor Point.

Here they are having a heart to heart chat at the end of the road in Homer. We sat for quite awhile watching a line of fishermen (and women and kids) catching a LOT of small flounder right off the beach.

On the way back up towards Kenai they, of course, had to stop to seek some female companionship. (oh, these boys, what WILL we do with them?)

yes . . . the chicks refer to freshly out of the shell hatchling chickens . . . but it’s always good for a picture.

We laughed, we talked, we ate (of course!!!) we shopped for dessert and for a book for him. We had a great time. And, now he is settling in on the couch for his first sleepover with us.

Hope your day was great, too!

Come join us in a Pool Party . . . get all the info and join in the fun.

Come on in . . . the water’s fine. (you know you wanna)

I am on Annual Leave????? Thanks for the link, lessa!

the love of a Father . . .

IronMan