Turnpike Thoughts

If you could visit only one place in Alaska I'd suggest Homer in summer. It is not the guide-book or the celluloid Alaska that many are familiar with or expect to see. It is not noted for its In-to-the-Wild hostile tundra that would coldly snuff out McCandlesses. It is too warm for polar bears except those made in China and found in curio shops. It doesn't have enough magnetism to charm some Aurora Borealis(s) it's way. A winsome little fishing town pointing its geographical finger into the waters of Kachemak Bay, the only claim Homer makes is as 'the halibut fishing capital of the world'.

I have been smitten with Homer ever since I visited the first time. Please click here to read an account of the trip we made in 2004, serves as a good Homer primer if you are interested. Last weekend we ticked off one of the must-do-Alaskan things, fishing for Halibut in the high seas. Before you dismiss it as 'Bah, fishing!' let me tell you I am not a fishing enthusiast either. I have fished for salmon before and didn't find much pleasure in donning the waders and communing with a fishing rod for the better part of the day with zero results. Unless there is a salmon run(which is like Kumb Mela or the Carnival in Rio of the salmon kind) there is no guarantee that the rare masochistic salmon will choose your novice rod to impale itself upon. Unlike that, halibut fishing is a highly rewarding experience, it looks like no one returns empty handed from a halibut charter. If you have a heart strong enough to handle a few dead fish and bandwidth to justify your bravado,



Deckhand Tim readying the rod and the hook.
( Meet the keepers Davy Jones' Locker )

1. Complete the list: Martin Balsam, John Fiedler, Lee J. Cobb, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Ed Binns, Jack Warden, _____ _____, Joseph Sweeney, Ed Begley, George Voskovec, Robert Webber.

# Henry Fonda, 12 Angry Men

( The rest.. )