Memorial Weekend in Little Tutka Bay

I've had one of the most whirlwind weeks ever and it was wonderful! It hasn't left much time for technology of any kind, let alone blogging, and while it's been a nice little break I'm happy to be back at my desk during the quiet of nap time to share some photos and memories.

We went across the bay (from Homer) to Little Tutka (hear a radio show about it here, they interview my father-in-law) for the weekend, and it was a welcome escape from cell phone service and internet access. We were unplugged from technology but plugged into each other and dear friends and family for three days that passed by much too quickly.

Steve's dad shut down his business for the weekend and welcomed all sorts of old friends and family, who were traveling to Little Tutka for the memorial service of a long-time resident and influential member of the tiny community. Greg and his wife Sandy were Steve's family's closest neighbors (see their beautiful home in this post, here) and were both a huge part of his life growing up. Greg was loved deeply by many and is sorely missed, as was evidenced by the huge group who showed up for his memorial service. There was an element of sadness in our trip as it was Steve's first time being home since Greg passed this last winter. Greg is still so present in so many ways in the little bay and feeling his presence everywhere was very bittersweet. I feel so lucky that I got to know him for the relatively brief nine years that Steve and I have been together.

I know it was also very special for Steve to see his own son running around and exploring the very woods and beaches that he did as a child, and we had so much fun watching him get to know the area. He's been over there many times but this is his first time being there that he could walk and run and talk and truly get the feel of the place. We visited when I was pregnant with Riggs and so it was fun to be there while pregnant with this baby too. I hope we are able to make it back down after she is born before the season ends.

As usual I took lots of pictures and still wish I would have taken more. But most of the time I was busy soaking up life with my camera tucked away in it's bag rather than around my neck. I hope the beauty and serenity of this amazing place shines out through these pictures and fills you will peace as you look at each one. And if you get the chance, you should definitely visit Alaska and make a special trip to Kachemak Bay.

on the drive down we stopped for a potty break and to let Riggs stretch

his little legs. it was a beautiful afternoon so I pulled out my camera to get

a few pictures. these were taken overlooking Tern Lake right at the Seward turnoff. 

the boat ride across Kachemak Bay

and also stopping to greet friends and neighbors in Little Tutka

this handsome guy was there to greet us when we pulled up to the beach

exploring the woods and trails around Opa and Oma's house

sleeping with mama (see how bright it is at 11pm in Alaska?!)

the view from our bed/cabin

(at midnight the sun finally sets)

 perfect breakfast of fresh strawberries and sea salt dark chocolate

Riggs was excited to see that Grandma Dotti had arrived (see the sailboat?)

exploring the beach in the morning sunshine

driving the skiff with Uncle Ben

trying out the buoy swing in the back lagoon

he was obsessed with all the boats

more showed up as the memorial got underway

my nieces: Morgan and Evelyn

classic cousin pictures during the potluck

everyone who came to say goodbye to Greg & xtratufs everywhere

Riggs and Leroy-the-puggle getting good and dirty in the back lagoon

another gorgeous morning view of the Dolphin tied up at the mooring

after getting good and dirty playing on the beach it was time to

head back across to the Homer side and head home.

Riggs didn't last half the trip - being a little adventurer is exhausting!

Read more about our past Homer trips, here.