Homer, Alaska
The Homer Spit, a long, narrow bar of gravel, juts out for 4.5 miles from the shore in Homer, Alaska. The road along the backbone of the Spit is part of the Sterling Highway, which is the main road through Homer. Adjacent the road is a multi-use bike and walking path that spans the length of the spit. The Spit has had quite a history, and it continues to be a center of activity for the town. In 1964, after the earthquake, the Spit sank 4 to 6 feet, requiring several buildings to be moved to higher ground.
Today, Homer Spit is the site of a major dock facility for boat loading, unloading, servicing and refrigerating. The deep-water dock can accommodate 340-foot vessels and 30-foot drafts, making it accessible to cruise and cargo ships. The Pioneer Dock can accommodate ships up to 800 feet. Homer is home port to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry MV Tustumena (transportation to Aleutian Islands and Kodiak Island) and U.S. Coast Guard vessels. The small-boat harbor on the Spit has a 5-lane load/launch ramp. Also in the small-boat harbor area are the harbormaster’s office, canneries, parking/camping areas, charter services, small shops, live theater, galleries, restaurants, motels and bed and breakfasts.
Photo by Sharon Nault
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