So Long, Kodiak

It finally crept up on us.  The inevitable.  It was time to leave Kodiak.  I was more sad than I ever thought I would be, that's for sure.

Based on the amount of bitching I did about the rainy, gloomy weather over the last 3 years, you'd think I would be doing a jig as I danced onto the ferry.

Not so.  To my surprise!

And of course, it was sunny out as we waited for our ride, the M/V Tustemena, to arrive at the port.  Kodiak's last laugh, right?

Our ride, the M/V Tustemena

We had a whole bunch of folks surprise us and come by the harbor to see us off as we queued up to board. It was unexpected, and so welcome!  Yet another very Kodiak touch to our last day on the island.

We popped up the Cricket, cracked some beers, and were practically camping at the port while we waited for the boat.  Add in the steady stream of friends dropping by to say goodbye and it was a damn party.

Our road trip gypsy wagon, popped up while we waited for the ferry

We reserved a room on the ferry since we opted for the 11pm departure time, and the plan was to sleep until we arrived on the mainland in Homer about 10 hours later.  Worked like a charm.

I get extra points for not getting sea sick.  Thumbs up to calm seas!

Our stately state room

He makes for a good bunk bed model, no?

Ferry fun

We spent the day in Homer, and stayed at the same hotel we stayed in on our way up here, The Driftwood Inn.  Cute place, lots of character.  We took a walk around downtown Homer and along some of the trails and beaches, mostly took it easy before hitting the road.

We also had an out of this world dinner at a local place called Fat Olive's.  Incredible pecan crusted salmon with roasted veggies.  Top notch eats!  So of course, I was a happy lady.

Oh, by the way, the dog was beyond pissed off at us.  Dogs are allowed on the ferry, but unfortunately they have to stay in your vehicle on the car deck for the duration of the trip.

So he was alone in the Jeep all night.  This did not make for a happy Pugbull.  I swear, he wouldn't even make eye contact with me for the whole next day.  How hilariously grumpy is he here?

That's one angry pup!

Not to worry, he bounced back to himself pretty quickly.  He's nothing if not adaptable.

So, our reality for the next several weeks will be driving, camping, driving, hotels, driving...and more driving.  With magnificent scenery and some stories to tell along the way.  It's our Grand Adventure, part deux.  Stay tuned!

Ta-ta for now.