Hiking trails need to be signposted.

The day started with me dropping Fran off at the eagles nest and heading off in the opposite direction for a quick hike up and down a steepish hill. I calculated that I would have to move fast if we were to make it to the boat to Seldovia, but felt up to the challenge.

I found the road to the trail no problem, parked the car and set off with a purpose in my stride. The first mile was down a dirt road and I made good progress. The wildlife was dominated by rabbits. After 13 minutes I reached the trail head. Oh, there are two trails. The trail guide does not mention 2. I pick the one on the left and start to descend. 7 minutes later - beach. Well at least we will not be late for the boat. It was supposed to be a mile and a half. Back to the car, pick Fran up and away we go.

Catch the boat to Seldovia, we stand outside in the hope of Seeing some wildlife. It's freezing, but sea otters, bald eagles, puffins, common mures and cormorants keep things interesting. We arrive at Seldovia and plan to do the Rocky Ridge Trail. Hike in direction of trail, guess right direction and voila, we are on the trail. Up and up we go - presumably to the ridge. Fran's knee does not like the climb. We come to a fork in the road, but no sign. Left or right? We pick left and the trail rises and rises. We end up at a water pool and have lunch. The trail has ended. As we go back down, we note the trail on the right denoted by a bear's head. Some form of code, perhaps. Not wanting to take another chance we go by. As we get towards the foot of the trail we encounter other hikers who let us know that the bear's head was in fact the Rocky Ridge trail.

If this was not the first time this had happened, it would hardly be worthy of a mention. Alaska is riddled with excellent trails, but every one we've been on has been poorly marked and included other trails to confuse a hiker.

In Seldovia we sat watching an eaglet eating a seagull while mum and dad stood guard. They did not like the fact that Fran and I were in the vicinity and were calling out to warn the youngster. In total, today I saw 15 bald eagles.

On the return journey, we lucked out and saw a hump backed whale and her calf. Fran has some great photos. I would have got some video if someone hadn't blocked my view at the critical time.

We checked out the Salty Dawg Saloon, but kept going and enjoyed more clams, halibut and fries.

The next two days are supposed to be rainy. It could be interesting. Homer could close down. There is, however, a Homer brewery. I wonder if they do sampling tours. I did have to pick up some more beer and they were selling Moosehead Green at the liquor store. Guess what, despite its New Brunswick origin, it's selling for $11.99 in Alaska. That's considerably cheaper than in NB, go figure.