Alaska: Kenai to Homer

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In October 2009 Kent held a four-day Metalworking Intensive in Anchorage (see photos). Immediately following that workshop he headed to Kenai to personally deliver a brand-new C-Frame Air Power Hammer to Scott Hamann of Metal Magic. He helped Scott get his new machine set-up, and then did a day of training at his shop on metal shaping and using the hammer. Then it was on to Soldatna and Homer to visit two Bearhawk builders and TM customers.

Leaving Anchorage

After a long stretch of cool, rainy fall weather and being cooped up inside prepping, teaching, and packing up after a successful workshop, we scored beautiful weather for our trip to Kenai. A good friend loaned his giant pick-up for the trip. Fresh air, blue skies, and lots of sunshine. Can’t beat this.
Amazing Alaska

Stunning vistas to behold in God’s country.
Coffee break

Veronica’s was an amazing surprise find. More great Alaska coffee and hospitality, and a fantastic lunch.
Historic setting

Vernoica’s and the buildings surrounding it are nearly 100 years old, including the charming Russian Orthodox Church (Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary).
Metal Magic

Next stop: Scott Hamann’s shop. At left, is his new C-Frame Air Power Hammer, ready to shape some metal. At right, a TM Tech English Wheel.
Metalshaping class

Kent also gave a one-day metal shaping workshop at Scott’s shop.
Don’t see this in California

There’s always fun things to see along the way in Alaska, including moose wandering thru town, and dog team crossing signs.
Letting traffic go by

Stopping to let the dog team cross the road. There was no snow, so they’re doing a dry run with a 4-wheeler.
Soldatna

We discovered this great sheet metal sign in Soldatna at Ken’s. Check out their smoked salmon link.
Restoration project?

Kent discovers an old Polaris snow machine in need of a little work.
First view of Cook Inlet

Perfect fall weather, with changing trees, and puffy clouds greeted us at the stunning Cook Inlet outside of Homer.
Like Texas, everything is big here

Because of it’s long summer days, the snapdragons and other flowers were mammoth.
Last stop - Homer

If you like Halibut, this is the place to get it. Homer is a charming little village with some excellent restaurants, more great coffee, and several very nice art studios/galleries.
Our intrepid host

We were hosted by Bob Romanko from the Alaska Bearhawk group. A really great guy. Here’s Kent and Bob at the “Homer Spit.” The mountains (across the inlet behind them) are rumored to have a lot of grizzlies running around.
Deadliest Catch

If you were a fan of the show, and remember the “Time Bandit,” they have a shop in the Homer Boat Harbor, and their rig is frequently seen here.
Clouds meet fog

Fog and clouds can pour in quickly (and disappear quickly) in Cook Inlet.
After the fog lifted

On our last night in Alaska we were lucky enough to get this amazing sunset.
Sundown

The sky was so red it looked like it was on fire.
The real deal

Alaska salmon — caught for us by workshop participant Mark Moyle — ready to be shipped to us in California. Thanks Mark!