Homer Spit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Homer Spit is a geographical landmark located in Homer, Alaska on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. The "Spit", as it is referred to in the area, is a 4.5 mile long piece of land jutting out into Kachemak Bay.[1] The 1964 earthquake shrunk it to 508 acres, and killed most of the vegetation, making it today more gravelly than vegetative.[2]
Two different theories postulate that the Spit originates either from the tidal swells and currents of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay over a millenia of sand buildup, or that it was pushed into place by now-retreated glaciers. The Spit features the longest road into ocean waters in the entire world, taking up 10-15 minutes to cover by car.[3]
The Spit is also home to the Homer Boat Harbor. The Harbor contains both deep and shallow water docks and serves up to 1500 commercial boats at its summer peak.[4]
Along with this, the Spit houses a fishing hole, campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants including the Salty Dawg Saloon. Hundreds of eagles also gather there in winter to be fed by Jean Keene, the "Eagle Lady".[5]
[edit] External Links
[edit] References
- ^ Homer Alaska Chamber of Commerce:"About Homer"
- ^ Alaska Homer Visitor's Guide:"The Homer Spit"
- ^ Alaska Homer Visitor's Guide:"The Homer Spit"
- ^ Homer Alaska Chamber of Commerce:"About Homer"
- ^ Spit Map:"Spit Map"