{"id":22628,"date":"2019-06-20T08:10:25","date_gmt":"2019-06-20T14:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=22628"},"modified":"2022-01-15T15:23:49","modified_gmt":"2022-01-15T22:23:49","slug":"poot-peak-kachemak-bay-state-park-alaska-9-1-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=22628","title":{"rendered":"Poot Peak, Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska (9-1-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 29 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

7:40 AM, Homer Spit<\/em> – Ten minutes after Mako’s Water Taxi<\/strong><\/span><\/a> opened, Lupe sauntered in.\u00a0 The American Dingo had such a good time on the Alpine Ridge trail going to see the Grewingk Glacier yesterday, that SPHP wanted to find out if there was any chance she might be able to return to Kachemak Bay State Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> for an attempt on Poot Peak<\/span><\/a> (2,585 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Absolutely!\u00a0 Lupe can depart Homer Spit aboard the Orca at 8:00 AM, with a 4:30 PM pickup at Halibut Cove Lagoon.\u00a0 $85.70 total round trip for SPHP, all fees and taxes included, and Dingoes ride free.<\/p>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Sounded great!\u00a0 Without the slightest hesitation, or even giving it a moment’s thought, SPHP agreed.\u00a0 After forking over a credit card for payment, Lupe was all set.\u00a0 Half an hour later, the Carolina Dog was aboard the Orca racing across Kachemak Bay toward Halibut Cove for the second day in a row.<\/p>\n

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Sea-faring Dingo Lupe aboard the Orca.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Leaving the Homer Spit on Kachemak Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP stayed up front sitting on a tote box outside the skipper’s cabin.\u00a0 The sky was clearer, and the wind greatly diminished from the conditions prevailing yesterday.\u00a0 The voyage aboard the Orca was much smoother than the bumpy, sometimes jarring, ride over choppy seas aboard the Smokey Bay the day before.\u00a0 Colder out today, though.\u00a0 SPHP’s hands were soon freezing hanging onto the metal railing.\u00a0 Should have worn gloves!<\/p>\n

The only other passengers, a couple from Illinois, stayed in the heated cabin.\u00a0 Once across Kachemak Bay, the Orca dropped them off at the Glacier Spit trailhead.\u00a0 Lupe was next!\u00a0 Poot Peak<\/span><\/a> (2,585 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight as the Orca entered Halibut Cove Lagoon on the way to the big dock at the S end near the ranger station.<\/p>\n

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So that’s Poot Peak<\/strong> there on the R? Looks kind of steep, doesn’t it, SPHP?<\/em> Aboard the Orca in Halibut Cove Lagoon<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The skipper pointed out sea otters playing in the lagoon.\u00a0 The little wakes they made in the water gave away their positions, but they were too far from the Orca to get a good look at them.\u00a0 A few minutes later, Lupe was disembarking at the huge dock.\u00a0 As soon as Lupe and SPHP were safely off, the Orca turned and sped away.<\/p>\n

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At the huge dock at the S end of Halibut Cove Lagoon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Orca departs. Photo looks N across Halibut Cove Lagoon<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8:40 AM, Halibut Cove Lagoon dock<\/em> – As the Orca receded, Lupe and SPHP turned and went up the metal ramp leading away from the dock to the ranger station.\u00a0 An impressive sign welcomed Lupe to Kachemak Bay State Park, but the ranger station was closed.\u00a0 SPHP filled in the registry, and took a look at the posted map of the trail system.<\/p>\n

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Cool sign, don’t ya think, Loop? …… Yes, indeed, SPHP! Kind of reminds me of the sign at that other park. What was it again? Jurassic Park, I think. Be sure to say something if you see any T Rexes or Velociraptors lurking about!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Trail system map posted at the ranger station.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Past the ranger station, a long stairway led down to a small clearing.\u00a0 Two big planks crossed a tiny stream, beyond which a trail disappeared up into the forest.\u00a0 Lupe followed this trail as it snaked higher through a thick jungle of ferns and bushes beneath a canopy of tall trees.<\/p>\n

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Crossing the little stream beyond the ranger station.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Five minutes out, suddenly a disturbance occurred in the forest not far from the trail.\u00a0 Lupe started running ahead to investigate, but SPHP called her back.\u00a0 Branches cracked, and bushes shook only 25 feet away, but nothing could be seen of the cause.\u00a0 A moose?\u00a0 More likely a bear.<\/p>\n

Whatever it was, was so close to the trail that trying to get past it might be asking for trouble.\u00a0 As the cracking and shaking drew nearer, Lupe and SPHP backed quietly away.\u00a0 After several short retreats, Loopster couldn’t take it any more.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog whimpered softly.<\/p>\n

Immediately a great commotion erupted.\u00a0 Violent cracking and shaking!\u00a0 Something big was fleeing!\u00a0 Lupe was tremendously excited, but didn’t budge.\u00a0 Ten seconds, and the jungle fell silent again.\u00a0 Carefully making sure the coast was clear, Lupe resumed her explorations along the trail.<\/p>\n

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Probably a T Rex making itself scarce. They know Dingoes rule the earth these days!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A junction was just ahead.\u00a0 Lupe could go R to the official Halibut Cove Lagoon trailhead, which was different from, and a bit W of, the ranger station trailhead.\u00a0 The other option, and correct choice, was L on the China Poot Lake trail.<\/p>\n

After following the China Poot Lake trail S for half an hour, Lupe came to a high point where a spur trail on the R went steeply down to the shore of First Lake.\u00a0 Why not?\u00a0 Would only take a few minutes.\u00a0 Lupe found lily pads floating on the still waters of a sheltered cove, but the spur trail didn’t go any farther.<\/p>\n

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First Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By now, Lupe had gained 500 feet of elevation since leaving Halibut Cove Lagoon.\u00a0 The China Poot Lake trail leveled out as it crossed a broad ridge heading SSE.\u00a0 Nothing could be seen except the surrounding jungle.\u00a0 The trail was easy to follow, although tree roots made the pathway uneven.<\/p>\n

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Deep in the green jungle along the China Poot Lake trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once Lupe made it across the broad ridge, the trail began switchbacking down a slope before turning E.\u00a0 For the first time since she had been aboard the Orca, Loopster started catching glimpses of Poot Peak.\u00a0 The mountain was still surprisingly far away.<\/p>\n

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Poot Peak<\/strong> from the China Poot Lake trail. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Poot Peak<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After going E for a bit, the trail turned SE.\u00a0 Lupe soon came to a junction with the Moose Valley trail.\u00a0 The China Poot Lake trail turned SW (R) here, while the Moose Valley trail continued SE.<\/p>\n

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At the intersection with the Moose Valley trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loopster stuck with the China Poot Lake trail.\u00a0 She caught glimpses of Two Loon Lake off to the SE (L), before coming to several side trails, all of which went W (R).\u00a0 Ignoring the side trails, Loop crossed a bridge over a rushing stream, and then a second bridge over a dry wash.<\/p>\n

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Sign at an intersection with the Coalition Loop trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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At the junction with a short spur trail to the public use cabin on China Poot Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Crossing the bridge over the dry wash.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Lupe reached it, China Poot Lake was a bit of a disappointment.\u00a0 The American Dingo was heading S on the China Poot Lake trail only a few feet from the E shore, but trees and bushes still managed to prevent her from getting any clear views of the lake.\u00a0 Part of this section of the trail was slow going, too.\u00a0 Full of exposed roots, the trail made a series of small steep climbs and descents on an embankment crowding the shore.<\/p>\n

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A rare glimpse of China Poot Lake, even though the trail went right by it. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:10 AM –<\/em> Shortly after the trail left China Poot Lake heading SE, Lupe arrived at a junction with the Poot Peak North trail.\u00a0 Checking the time, SPHP’s heart fell as a sudden realization began to sink in.\u00a0 The American Dingo’s attempt on Poot Peak<\/span><\/a> (2,585 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was almost certainly doomed to failure!<\/p>\n

2.5 hours had already gone by.\u00a0 The Poot Peak North trail was supposed to take 3 to 4 hours round trip, plus an additional 1 to 2 hours on the Summit spur to reach the top of the mountain.\u00a0 That totaled 4 to 6 hours to summit and get back here, plus another 2.5 hours to return to Halibut Cove Lagoon.\u00a0 If those figures were right, Lupe wouldn’t be back ready for pickup until 6.5 to 8.5 hours from now, or 5:40 PM to 7:40 PM.<\/p>\n

Scheduled pickup was 4:30 PM.\u00a0 The gal at Mako’s had said they might run 15 minutes late, but Loop would still be at least an hour later than that.\u00a0 Only yesterday Lupe had run out of time to complete all that she’d hoped to do up on the Alpine Ridge trail, and this situation was far worse.\u00a0 How could SPHP have let this happen?\u00a0 Why hadn’t the slightest attention been paid to how long it would take simply to get to Poot Peak before booking the water taxi?<\/p>\n

Not a single valid excuse.\u00a0 Lupe wasn’t going to make up Poot Peak, and it was all SPHP’s fault.<\/p>\n

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At the start of the Poot Peak North trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, Loopster!\u00a0 I’m so sorry!<\/em><\/p>\n

Why, what’s wrong, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m not used to these timed events.\u00a0 If I’d given it even 30 seconds thought I would have insisted on a pickup time 2 or 3 hours later, or just told Mako’s to forget it.\u00a0 I was so excited that a water taxi was available to get us over here right away this morning, that I didn’t stop to consider how long this was going to take.\u00a0 We can’t make it to Poot Peak.\u00a0 It’s already too late in the day.\u00a0 You’ve come all this way, but we’ll be forced to retreat before you stand any chance of reaching the summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

So this is it?\u00a0 Do we have to turn around now?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not yet.\u00a0 We can probably go another hour and 20 minutes, and that’s pushing it.\u00a0 We will have only 3.5 hours to get back.\u00a0 I can’t believe it!\u00a0 Looks like we are going to spend all day running around in the jungle without ever seeing anything.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, we still might see a T Rex.\u00a0 That would be something!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll grant you that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, enough of this standing around, SPHP!\u00a0 As the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood, I have a reputation at stake here, even if you don’t.\u00a0 Faced with defeat, I can’t slink back tail between my legs.\u00a0 Let’s see how far we can get, unless you have a brighter idea.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP didn’t, which was no great surprise.\u00a0 So once again, a race was on!\u00a0 The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood took off leading the way along the Poot Peak North trail.\u00a0 Lupe had only gained 200 feet of net elevation so far, with another 2400 feet to go to get to the summit of Poot Peak.\u00a0 5 hours and 20 minutes from right now, she was supposed to be back at Halibut Cove Lagoon.<\/p>\n

An initial up and down section wasn’t that bad, but then the Poot Peak North trail started climbing steeply.\u00a0 Wet grass and bushes overhung the unmaintained route, although whether due to rain last night or a heavy dew was unclear.\u00a0 In practically no time, Lupe was drenched, and SPHP was soaked nearly to the waist.\u00a0 The trail seemed to be braided in some places.\u00a0 At times, SPHP wasn’t at all certain Loop was on the main route.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog came to a long stretch where a series of chutes of slick mud and smooth rocks made it difficult for SPHP climb any higher.\u00a0 The chutes were separated by less troublesome sections, and often were only 10 or 12 feet high, but were still problematic.\u00a0 Yesterday Lupe had come to 4 ropes at treacherous spots on the Alpine Ridge trail.\u00a0 The Poot Peak North trail could have used 20 such ropes, but had none.\u00a0 However, by clinging to whatever was available, SPHP managed to creep up or bypass each chute without incident, though doing so chewed up time, and SPHP dreaded the return descent.<\/p>\n

Beyond the last of the chutes, the trail finally leveled out to some extent, but was so overgrown that SPHP often wasn’t even able to see it.\u00a0 Each step forward was an act of faith.\u00a0 Meanwhile, however, the forest was starting to thin out.\u00a0 Parts of Poot Peak could sometimes be seen rising sharply hundreds of feet above.<\/p>\n

At last, Lupe reached a meadow of tall grass, where the trail was almost flat.\u00a0 One more push higher up a steep scree slope beyond the meadow, and the American Dingo came to a junction.\u00a0 She had made it to the end of the Poot Peak North trail where it met up with the Poot Peak South trail.\u00a0 Loopster was only 0.25 mile N of Poot Peak<\/span><\/a> (2,585 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/p>\n

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In the meadow before the last push up to the junction with the Poot Peak South trail. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On the L is part of Poot Peak’s 2100 foot N ridge<\/strong>. Part of the summit ridge is seen on the R. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe reaches the junction of the Poot Peak North & South trails where the spur route to the summit begins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:50 PM, Junction of the Poot Peak trails & Summit Route<\/em> – The bad news was that only 1.1 miles on the Poot Peak North trail had taken SPHP an hour and 40 minutes.\u00a0 Only 10 minutes until it was time to turn around.\u00a0 This junction of the Poot Peak North and South trails was at a mere 1,800 feet of elevation.\u00a0 The glittering, glorious, soaring summit of Poot Peak loomed another 800 feet higher.<\/p>\n

Sigh.\u00a0 Simply impossible!<\/p>\n

At least this junction was above the forest on open ground.\u00a0 For the first time since entering the jungle, Lupe had some beautiful distant views.\u00a0 Back to the NW, parts of Halibut Cove Lagoon, China Poot Lake, Two Loon Lake and Kachemak Bay were all in sight.\u00a0 To the SE, Lupe could see the Wosnesenski Glacier amid high peaks and smaller snowfields.<\/p>\n

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At the junction of the Poot Peak North & South trails. Part of China Poot Lake<\/strong> is seen beyond Lupe. Two Loon Lake<\/strong> is near the sign. Halibut Cove Lagoon<\/strong> is on the R. Kachemak Bay<\/strong> is in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking SE toward the Wosnesenski Glacier<\/strong> (slightly L of Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Another look with help from the telephoto lens. Wosnesenski Glacier<\/strong> on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop and SPHP took a short break while enjoying these first real views of the day.\u00a0 Lupe was far less despondent than SPHP.\u00a0 She’d been having a whale of a good time finding squirrels along the North Poot Peak trail while SPHP struggled with the slippery chutes.<\/p>\n

To the S, the Summit spur trail wound up a very steep slope of bushes and scree.\u00a0 No way.\u00a0 1:00 PM.\u00a0 Time to start back.\u00a0 4 hours and 20 minutes elapsed since drop-off.\u00a0 Only 3.5 hours until pickup.\u00a0 Yet SPHP hesitated.\u00a0 Surely it would be possible to quicken the pace going back?\u00a0 Going down the Poot Peak North trail would be faster than going up, and Lupe hadn’t been in any big rush on the China Poot Lake trail on the way here.\u00a0 SPHP hadn’t realized how short of time she’d been from the very beginning.<\/p>\n

800 feet higher, the Poot Peak summit was out of the question.\u00a0 In fact, there had been a good chance all along that Looper might never reach the top of the mountain.\u00a0 Rock climbing training was recommended for anyone attempting to go beyond a 2,100 foot ridge.\u00a0 SPHP had none.\u00a0 So it had always been likely that prudence would force SPHP to face defeat at some point, anyway.<\/p>\n

Yet that 2,100 foot ridge, the recommended turnaround point for most people, was only 300 feet higher than where Lupe was right now.\u00a0 She could see it.\u00a0 The ridge was right there!\u00a0 An extra 300 feet might make a huge difference in the views.\u00a0 Not the same as pushing on to the summit by any means, but still a substantial improvement and worthy goal.<\/p>\n

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Poot Peak summit<\/strong> (L). 2,100 foot N ridge<\/strong> recommended as the turnaround point for those without formal rock climbing training (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Really no time for this, but maybe Mako actually would run a bit late?\u00a0 If not, perhaps they would wait at least a little while, even if Lupe wasn’t back at the dock ready and waiting right on the dot?<\/p>\n

So are we doing this or not, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Puppy, ho!\u00a0 Onward!<\/em><\/p>\n

Going up the steep slope, SPHP clung to bushes.\u00a0 Loose scree clattered down, while Lupe easily powered higher.\u00a0 Above the bushes, SPHP had nothing much to hang on to, but the slope soon diminished.\u00a0 This wasn’t any worse than the Poot Peak North trail had been.\u00a0 Before long, the American Dingo was there!<\/p>\n

The 2,100 foot N ridge was roomy.\u00a0 Brilliant, beautiful tundra flourished where Loop came up from the E.\u00a0 Rocky high points extended out toward the N.\u00a0 This was so worth it!\u00a0 An Alaskan wilderness panorama extended from the ocean at Kachemak Bay all the way around past the low jungle to snow-clad mountains and the Wosnesenski Glacier.<\/p>\n

Only to the S were views blocked by a steep conical scree slope leading to the base of a ragged cap of solid rock atop Poot Peak’s summit ridge.\u00a0 Another 500 feet up!\u00a0 Didn’t look that far, but that capstone didn’t look that easy, either.\u00a0 Hard to tell from here how difficult it might really be.<\/p>\n

No time to think about that.\u00a0 This was the end.\u00a0 A short stay, and Lupe would have to be on her way.\u00a0 Just look, look, look – drinking it all in!<\/p>\n

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The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood on Poot Peak’s 2,100 foot N ridge. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The rocky N end of the 2,100 foot ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking SSW toward the summit of Poot Peak<\/strong> (L). No doubt Lupe could have gotten a lot closer to the top of the mountain, but whether SPHP would have been capable of summiting remains forever in doubt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looper on the Summit spur trail as it reaches the 2,100 foot ridge. Photo Looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The tundra was gorgeous! All Christmasy red and green.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Dazzling beauty in miniature.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Wosnesenski Glacie<\/strong>r (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Similar view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Cook Inlet<\/strong> (L), Home Spit<\/strong> (Center), and Kachemak Bay<\/strong> (R). Part of China Poot Lake<\/strong> is close by on the R. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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China Poot Lake<\/strong> (L), Two Loon Lake<\/strong> (closest on R), and Halibut Cove Lagoon<\/strong> (distant R). Kachemak Bay<\/strong> in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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China Poot Lake<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Homer Spit<\/strong> (Center) protruding into Kachemak Bay<\/strong> during low tide. Photo looks NW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Relaxing on the beautiful N ridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On Poot Peak’s 2,100 foot N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:45 PM, Poot Peak’s 2,100 foot N ridge<\/em> – Egads!\u00a0 A paltry 2.75 hours to pick up time at Halibut Cove Lagoon.\u00a0 20 glorious, precious minutes on the 2,100 foot ridge had shot by.\u00a0 A reluctant farewell, Poot Peak!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP started down the Summit spur trail.\u00a0 The race was on again.<\/p>\n

Well, sort of on.\u00a0 Lupe could run around practically anywhere, but SPHP had to exercise caution on the steep scree slope back to the Poot Peak North trail, and then again at the many treacherous, slick chutes going down that trail.\u00a0 It wasn’t until Lupe was past all the chutes to the up and down portion of the Poot Peak North trail that SPHP could consistently move at speed.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, there was another cracking of branches and swaying of bushes off in the jungle to the L (SW).\u00a0 Again nothing was seen.\u00a0 Whatever the source, it was fleeing, and hadn’t been that close to the trail to begin with.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP paid little attention, hastening on by.<\/p>\n

3:25 PM, China Poot Lake trail<\/em> – Going down the Poot Peak North trail hadn’t been as bad as SPHP feared, but had once again chewed up a ton of time, due to the caution required.\u00a0 Only an hour and 5 minutes left, and more than 3 miles to go!\u00a0 Hurry, hurry!<\/p>\n

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Back at the China Poot Lake trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Progress was encouragingly faster on the China Poot Lake trail, until 15 minutes after leaving the Poot Peak North trail behind, Lupe suddenly dashed ahead intensely excited.\u00a0 Movement in the forest to the R of the trail!\u00a0 Very close by!\u00a0 Both Lupe and SPHP saw it.\u00a0 A black bear, only 20 feet away!<\/p>\n

Remaining on the trail, the American Dingo barked aggressively.\u00a0 SPHP called her back.\u00a0 Loop came instantly, and was quiet.\u00a0 No great cracking of branches and swaying of bushes this time around.\u00a0 This bear did not flee.\u00a0 Retreating only a few feet deeper into the shady forest, the bear turned and peered back at Lupe and SPHP.<\/p>\n

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Only the bear’s black ears (Center) are visible, as it peers back from the jungle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Was the bear merely curious?\u00a0 Feeling aggressive?\u00a0 Hungry?\u00a0 For 20 long seconds the staring went on both ways, a silent, motionless contest.<\/p>\n

The bear decided to move off, but slowly, pausing every few seconds to check on Lupe.\u00a0 It was enough.\u00a0 Quietly, stealthily, Lupe and SPHP slunk away.\u00a0 Got by the bear!\u00a0 Hit it!\u00a0 The race against time resumed.<\/p>\n

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Cooling off in Moose Creek<\/strong> after the bear stare down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Even though I never made it to the summit, this Poot Peak adventure has been quite a day, don’t you think? Between the water taxi ride, jungle exploration, scaredy-cat T Rexes, squirrels, views from the the 2,100 foot ridge, and now bears, its been pretty exciting!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:49 PM, Halibut Cove Lagoon<\/em> – The ranger station was still closed as Lupe and SPHP rushed by.\u00a0 The dock was empty and quiet.\u00a0 19 minutes late.\u00a0 No water taxi.\u00a0 No one at all.\u00a0 Completely relaxed, having a fun, mellow time, a lone sea otter played lazily in the incredibly blue, cold waters of Halibut Cove Lagoon.<\/p>\n

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A sea otter enjoys a sunny afternoon in Halibut Cove Lagoon<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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While the sea otter relaxed, Lupe finally could, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the second day in a row, nothing to do at the end of a failed race against time, but wait.\u00a0 No telling for how long, but the dock at Halibut Cove Lagoon was an awesome place to be.\u00a0 Lupe relaxed watching the sea otter paddle and play.\u00a0 A giant sea squirrel was just about the strangest thing ever!<\/p>\n

Within 10 minutes, the drone of an engine could be heard.\u00a0 A boat was heading this way!\u00a0 The Orca?\u00a0 No.\u00a0 As the craft drew near, SPHP could see it was the considerably smaller Blue Too.\u00a0 The Blue Too pulled up alongside the dock, and a couple of passengers disembarked with all their gear.\u00a0 In smaller letters up on the side of the Blue Too’s cabin roof were the words SPHP was looking for – Mako’s Water Taxi.<\/p>\n

The skipper soon asked if Lupe was waiting for pick up.\u00a0 Yes, indeed!\u00a0 Minutes later, Loop and SPHP were out in front of the cabin windows in the cool breeze, while the Blue Too sped across the smooth, sheltered waters of Halibut Cove Lagoon.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was amazed to see whole flocks, herds, packs of the giant sea squirrels!<\/p>\n

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Hah! Made it back in time after all!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before heading out to Kachemak Bay, the Blue Too stopped by the Saddle trailhead in Halibut Cove to pick up 4 more passengers.\u00a0 Out on the open sea, it was sunny with big clouds.\u00a0 The return voyage was delightful until one of the clouds decided to let loose with a downpour.\u00a0 The shower was brief, but effective.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP got soaked.\u00a0 No worries.\u00a0 Loop dried off in the breeze before the Blue Too cruised into the Homer Spit harbor.<\/p>\n

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Approaching the Homer Spit aboard the Blue Too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Journey’s end.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5:35 PM, Homer Spit<\/em> – Upon disembarking from the Blue Too, Looper’s adventures in Kachemak Bay State Park were over.\u00a0 Neither the Alpine Ridge trail to see the Grewingk Glacier yesterday, nor Poot Peak today had gone exactly as planned, but both had been memorable days in the stunningly beautiful Alaskan wilderness.<\/p>\n

Still sopping wet, SPHP drove Lupe over to the Marine Park at the start of the Homer Spit.\u00a0 Dinner in the G6 with that grand view of Kachemak Bay, followed by a stroll along the beach.\u00a0 On the far shore, Lupe could see Grace Ridge<\/span><\/a> (3,136 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, site of her first ever adventure in Kachemak Bay State Park two years ago now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The mountains of Kachemak Bay State Park<\/strong> from the Marine Park at the start of the Homer Spit. Grace Ridge<\/strong> at far R. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Grace Ridge<\/strong> across Kachemak Bay<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a change into dry duds for SPHP, Lupe left Homer at 8:05 PM.\u00a0 She made it to a deserted beach at Ninilchik in time to see the golden sun set between Iliamna Volcano<\/span><\/a> (10,016 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Redoubt Volcano<\/span><\/a> (10,197)<\/span><\/strong> beyond Cook Inlet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset across Cook Inlet<\/strong> from the beach at Ninilchik<\/strong>. Iliamna Volcano<\/strong> (L) and Redoubt Volcano<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Iliamna Volcano<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
What a fabulous evening! Iliamna Volcano<\/strong> (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Day’s end at Ninilchik.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A beloved American Dingo at the end of a long day of adventures in wild Alaska.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Redoubt Volcano<\/strong> from the Sterling Highway after sunset. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In Soldotna, SPHP stopped at Safeway for fried chicken and orange juice.\u00a0 It was late and pitch black when Lupe reached Bottenintnin Lake for the night.\u00a0 (11:33 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Poot Peak’s 2,100 foot N ridge<\/strong>, Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska 9-1-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mako’s Water Taxi<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Poot Peak Fact Sheet & Map<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Kachemak Bay State Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Kachemak Bay State Park\u00a0 and Wilderness Brochure & Map<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

On the Alpine Ridge trail to see the Grewingk Glacier, Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska (8-31-18)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Sailing the North Pacific Ocean to Grace Ridge, Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska (8-26-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

W<\/em>ant more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska Adventure Inde<\/strong>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 29 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska! 7:40 AM, Homer Spit – Ten minutes after Mako’s Water Taxi opened, Lupe sauntered in.\u00a0 The American Dingo had such a good time on the Alpine Ridge trail going to see the Grewingk Glacier yesterday, that SPHP wanted to find out … Continue reading Poot Peak, Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska (9-1-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22605,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[997],"tags":[704,105,106,1141,1140,750,104,1101,1139,1142],"class_list":["post-22628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-yukon-northwest-territiories-alaska","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-halibut-lagoon","tag-home-spit","tag-kachemak-bay-state-park","tag-lupe","tag-makos-water-taxi","tag-poot-peak","tag-wosnesenski-glacier"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/IMG_1676.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22628"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36616,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22628\/revisions\/36616"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/22605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}