A Traveler's Experience

Alaska's Marine Highway (AK)

The trip from Homer to Unalaska was a dream come true. Our weather was a little rainy and cold, but every new bird I added to my life list and every whale sighting or breathtaking view of the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak, and the Aleutians made it worth it. Many of my fellow travellers enjoyed exploring Homer's Islands & Ocean Visitor Center and museums before heading out. Along the way, the stops were brief, with the highlight a trip into Izembeck National Wildlife Refuge - there was a drawing for the limited seats available. The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Naturalist was on board to point out birds and marine mammals along our whole route, as well as significant geological and historical sites. I ended my trip in Unalaska, but heard that folks who round-tripped were rewarded when the weather turned clear and some of the spectacular scenery along the way was better revealed.

Plan on spending time in Unalaska if you can - the WWII and Museum of the Aleutians were fantastic. Kodiak also had a lot to offer. On the way there the Barren Islands offer great birding if the trip is done during daylight hours. The state park and museums are well worth exploring to learn about the island's history and do some birding. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is planning a new visitor center near the ferry terminal - something else to add to the packed itinerary during the Kodiak layover.

If you can't get a cabin on this trip - do it anyway! Quite a few folks camped on deck using tents, pads, and sleeping bags and were very comfortable. I saw grandparents down to youngsters and all seemed to enjoy the adventure.