Yesterday, we went gallery and museum sightseeing throughout the Homer area. Weather was cooperative, and the day turned out great. We spent most of our time at the Norman Lowell gallery, a local artist that has spent the last 50 years at his homestead near Homer. He was born in Iowa, and moved to Alaska shortly after getting married. The upper left is an inside shot of the homestead cabin he built. His wife and him raised 5 children here, burning their own wood for heat until only a few years ago, when his age preventing him from continuing to chop trees. Though the picture doesn't do the gallery justice, it's a wonderful building and presentation. It's not at all what you would expect to find on a hillside in the mountains. The gallery itself is probably close to a half-million dollar structure, with four large rooms and galleries. About 90% of the art is Norman Lowell's, with a smattering of other local artists. It was a wonderful find.

We also visited Ben Firth's gallery. Mr. Firth does some wonderful work on natural materials, including carvings on moose horns, and oils on birch bark. His work was so unique and wonderful, Jeff didn't make it out the door without making an investment.

And finally, we went to the Homer visitor's center, which was a great museum on the history and current scientific research going on in the area.

Today is Jeff's birthday (he's getting so old!!), so we'll have to take it a bit easy. Planning to move to Cooper's Landing in preparation for out guided Salmon fishing expedition tomorrow. We get to meet our guide at 4:30 A.M., so we won't be partying too late tonight.....sorry, Jeff!!

Tim, Jeff, & Gus