Thanks, Homer</MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 12:54 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2003

Thanks, Homer
As a recent visitor to Homer, I just wanted to say thank you to all the friendly residents I met during my stay. The folks at the Driftwood Inn run a clean, cozy establishment and made sure I knew my way around town. I found terrific food, great bakery items and a warm, laid-back atmosphere at Fresh Sourdough Express, where I had three outstanding meals and sampled several styles of desserts (the Orca brownies and the Otter bars top my list). As I was getting a sandwich to go the day I left Homer, Kevin Maltz, the owner, even asked how I did in the Homer Spit Run.

The people at Jakolov's Ferry Service held their 10 a.m. boat to make sure I made it, and also recommended a great hike in Kachemak Bay State Park. Gary Porter of Bald Mountain Air Service was a great host during my visit to Katmai National Park.

From the woman who made my sandwich in the deli department at Safeway to the lady who sold me stamps at the post office, people initiated conversations and impressed me as genuinely kind, caring individuals.

The Homer Spit Run, which I did my last day in Alaska, was extremely well organized and fun. The course was scenic and blissfully flat, which I appreciated since I had just run the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon June 21 in Anchorage.

I had been told by a friend who lives in Anchorage that I would love Homer, and I did. As I sit here sweltering in the 100 degree-plus heat index of St. Louis, I have nothing but cool memories of my days in Homer. I look forward to visiting again soon.

Doug Kaufman, St. Louis, Mo.

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