Day trip down the cost and market day

July 1^st, 2026

Soldotna, Alaska

Woke about 8am this morning and sat around for a bit to finish waking up.

Showered and got geared up and then grabbed the few things I would need on the bike for the days sightseeing.

Uncovered and loaded the bike and then plotted my route.

Rode a few blocks to the fuel station to fill the tank as it was almost empty.

We then headed south out of town and skirted along the coast for much of the distance, though the trees between road and coast block the view most of the time. 

But a few spots where you could see the water and across the inlet at the mountains on the other side.

Stopped at a view point for a few photos and then made my way south.

Came into Homer Alaska and found the road out onto the spit.

This 4.5-mile narrow spit of land stretches out into the bay and has several restaurants, shops and places to stay as well as the ferry terminals and lots of fishing options along it.

I rode out to the end (other than last short section which is part of a resort), and stopped at a public area to take some photos and watch boats coming and going and lots of people on the beach fishing. 

Talked a bit to a guy from Michigan here with his family before using the nearby restroom and then heading back toward the shops and such.

I thought about stopping for a snack, so pulled into one of the parking lots and looked over what was around.  I then decided to plot my next ride up to a small town north of here with a deep Russian heritage to eat at a small Russian restaurant.

However, as I was looking up the place, I found out that this year they place is not always open, and then you need to call and see if the owner will be cooking that day, and place orders ahead of time.

Since I did not even know what I wanted, and was hoping to get some advice at the place, and the hassle of getting there and not being open even, decided to just skip it and will find another place to try some Russian cuisine.

I looked again at the places around me to find a spot for lunch.  I decided to try a taco stand at the small boardwalk of shops right across from me, so rode over and parked again (very loose sand in this lot, could be fun getting out).

I walked up onto the boardwalk and decided to look over all the menus before I made a final choice.

One place was just pastries; another was closed for lunch.  Of the 3 open, the taco shop sounded the best, but by time I walked back over to it, the line was huge.  So, I decided the little shack at the end with the corn and other oddities would be it.

I decided to get the panini sandwich and a thing or mac and cheese.  I ordered and the girl asked me if I wanted a bowl or on the cob?  I thought perhaps she was asking about the size of the mac and cheese and I misheard, so said bowl.  Then clarified I wanted the panini and mac and cheese.

I thought the price was a bit high, so while waiting I looked over the receipt and turns out she has sold me some kind of corn curry in a bowl, along with what I wanted.  Not sure where she got it from, but decided it was far enough along I would just eat it, sounded like it could be good (Thai Curry Corn).

Everything arrived and it was all very good.  It was all very overpriced as well.

Once done eating I got back on the bike and headed north.  I decided I would skip going to the Russian village since I was not going to eat there, no other reason really to visit.

I plotted two side trips to ride two loops that would bring me back to the main highway each time, just to get off the main road, and closer to the coast, but again, mostly blocked views by trees or homes.

Once done with those detours it was a short ride back into town (last detour dropped my just a mile outside of Soldotna).

Once back at the hotel I got unloaded, secured the bike and then changed out of the riding gear.

I then got to work converting the 360 footage for use in videos so I can hopefully put a few more out in the next day or so.

While waiting for some exports to finish I was scrolling on Facebook and saw a post by a music group called the Harp Twins (Twin girls who play the harp).  They were giving a free concert at the park just down the street later tonight as the final stop on their Alaska tour.

I decided I would go eat at the same Mexican place I visited the other day for dinner, and then walk across the road to check it out.  Figured there must be something going on there today as the area was packed with cars and signs saying Event parking or no Event parking.

Grabbed my laptop and walked over to the restaurant and had a great dinner while I continued to convert files.

Once ready, I walked over to the park and saw signs for the Wednesday Market.

Looked like a local art/food fair.  At least 2 dozen food truck and quite a few vendor booths in the open park space. 

A small pavilion across the park was where the band was playing with everyone seated in front.

The group was doing a lot of talking along with music, and later included the Volfgang Twins as well on drums.  From the FB posts, I think the twins might be married couples that are both musical and touring, not sure though, not really looked up the history of the groups.

I also walked around the vendors a bit and talking to one vendor she indicated they do this every Wednesday and that half the non-food vendors had already packed up and left for the day, so it was much busier earlier.

I wandered a bit and then headed back to the hotel.

I noticed my mother had called while I was at the concert, so called back and talked while I walked.

Back in the room I took care of a few things and then got the laptop out so I could write this day’s blog and then will continue to convert files.

I have to be up earlier tomorrow to take bike over to a local shop to get oil changed.  So will try to get to bed bit earlier tonight.

Catch ya down the road!

Todays Route: