Homers Best Bets </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Homers Best Bets

On a recent road trip to Anchortown, the Betster got caught in one of those mile-long Seward Highway traffic jams that pop up like pushki in the summer. Sometimes the jams happen because one too many tourists have stopped to photograph the squad of Dall sheep that hangs out at Windy Corner. Other times traffic stalls because some driver impatient to stand in line at the Russian River Ferry had to try and pass six cars and a motorhome and took out a van load of good citizens.

Seasoned travelers know that at certain stretches either side of Girdwood you want to be ready to dive into the ditch. Many St. Christopher medals have been rubbed to bare metal driving along Turnagain Arm. Holy Saints alive! Sometimes you'd rather take your chances with moose, wayward bears and black ice than take a summer drive through Portage.

Photo by Aaron Selbig

Two-year-old Nevaeh Forwood dances to the music of Three Legged Mule during the first annual Street Faire at the East Village Shopping Center Aug. 1.

We're blessed to have highways that pass by some of the most amazing scenery in the world -- scenery that thousands come all the way to see. As Reuben Call said, "Slow down. What's the hurry?" When the fireweed, paintbrush and monk's hood bloom in that perfect moment, and the evening sun lights up the mountains, no sane driver would zip by such wonder -- even if you've seen it a hundred times. If you still aren't awed by Alaska's beauty, maybe you should move back east. In the tourist-clogged roads of America's Atlantic urban corridor, safety planners have devised a sure-fire way to minimize accidents: traffic moves at a crawl, and the best view is the Bronx fading behind you in your rearview mirror.

Fortunately, on the Betster's recent urban expedition, no one died in that traffic jam. A boat and trailer went walkabout from an SUV towing them. The SUV and trailer played pinball with the guardrail, and although much metal was bent, no one seemed to be injured. The Alaska State Troopers solved the traffic jam by shoving the trailer out of one lane using brute force from a trooper cruiser. You gotta love the men and women in the Smokey Bear hats: They take charge and address problems directly.

Those of us who live at the end of the road make a lot of trips north. Too many names of our neighbors grace those "in memory of" signs along the way. Sometimes you have to head north, but not always. There's plenty to do here, and plenty to buy. Hey, sometimes stuff is even cheaper, like seeing Jewel at the Mariner Theatre for $30 when it costs $50.50 in Anchorage. Stay home and check out the local happenings, like some of these Best Bets:

BEST BOOKS AND BOARD BET: Local singer and songwriter Hallie Hudson is off to another semester at Idyllwild Arts Academy in California. Help her advance her career at a fund-raising concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Bunnell Street Arts Center. Hudson sings some of her original compositions. Admission is a suggested $15.

BEST BURGERS AND BACH BET: It's the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra's annual summer festival, and throughout this week talented musicians play at noon to give you a little lunchtime entertainment. See the calendar for musicians, dates and locations, page 12 or on the Web at www.homernews.com.

BEST E.T. BEAT: The universe is big, really, really big, and who knows -- there might be other green skinned Betsteroids out there. Explore the possibilities of other life in the universe when Dr. Kelly Cline presents, "Astrobiology and the Science of Extraterrestrial Life" at 7 p.m. today at Homer United Methodist Church.

BEST CLICK IT BET: Whether megapixels or film, the eye is the thing. All this week photographers have been celebrating the art of photography. Catch lectures and see the winners of the Homer PhotoFest 2009 this week. For details, see the calendar, page 12 or www.homernews.com..

BEST SWEET RIDE BET: For $100, this chopper could be yours -- at least to sit on. Check out the Statehood Chopper on display 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Land's End Resort. Buy a raffle ticket to win this baby or just ogle it and wish you could trade up from your old moped. See story, page 3.

BEST BIG ART BET: Art abounds once again with First Friday, when you can see everything from amazing portraits to fine metal sculptures -- and photography, of course. See the First Friday wrap-up on page 16.

BEST LEFT BEHIND BET: The No Child Left Behind education act has made a few students and teachers sweat, particularly on test days. "Testing, Testing," written by Alan Haehnel, explores some of the trauma kids undergo. It's one of two Pier One Youth Theatre plays held this weekend. Taneeka Hansen directs "Testing, Testing" and "Lights Out," with help from her amazing student actors. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at the little red theater on the Homer Spit.

BEST LOOKING GOOD BET: If you graduated from Homer High School in 1989, don't forget the big 20-year reunion. That's right: 20 years. You're no longer 18, kiddos, and might have a few gray hairs and a little extra padding around the middle. But hey, you're looking good. The reunion is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Homer Head Start. Call 235-5107 for last-minute information.

Homer's Best Bets