Best Bets

Well, Homerites, it would appear Mother Nature has ceased her ill-natured boycott of the southern Kenai Peninsula. Happy days are here again! In the form of snow, snow and more snow.

Light and sparse, thick and wet — we’ll take it. We really can’t afford to be picky at this point. Just last weekend two high school cross-country ski meets scheduled in Soldotna and Seward were canceled due to lack of snow. An impromptu replacement meet was quickly whipped up and luckily executed at the McNeil Canyon trails, but it was starting to look like even that could become difficult if we didn’t get more of the white stuff.

Behold, the snow gods have heard our prayers (or threats — whatever you feel works best). And it couldn’t have come at a better time with the Homer Invite for Nordic skiing scheduled for this very weekend, and the Wine and Cheese Ski scheduled for the next.

The Betster suggests you all get out there and enjoy it while it lasts. If the snow isn’t your thing, check out these Best Bets (except for the last one):

BEST REMEMBER BET: Join Erin Hollowell for a two-hour writing class in which participants will examine how several writers have approached writing about memory, their own and others. Then, participants will have the opportunity to write to several prompts that center around memory using the techniques discussed. There will be some limited time for sharing of work generated in the class. The class is at 6 p.m. tonight at the Homer Public Library. Online Registration: https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library.

BEST BIKING BET: Join adventure guru Bjørn Olson in a three-day weekend workshop on winter fat biking and camping. Refine your packing technique and see firsthand what does and does not work for winter cycle camping. This course will be a mixture of indoor instruction at the Elk’s Lodge and outdoor biking down Bishop’s Beach. The goal is to leave you feeling inspired, confident and prepared to undertake your own Alaskan fat bike and camping adventure, with skilled Bjørn as our guide. The workshop is at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Homer Elks Lodge, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the same place, and at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Elks Lodge and Bishop’s Beach. The workshop offered through the Homer Folk School costs $120 for an adult, $260 for a family of three or more and $75 for youths.

BEST BETTER HEALTH BET: Join South Peninsula Hospital and SPH Physical Therapist Neil Schott, DPT at SPARC for the next “Walk with a Doc.” All are welcome from 9-10 a.m. Saturday for Schott’s brief talk on exercise and chronic pain and spend the rest of the hour walking at your own pace, chatting and asking any questions. This is a free event, open to all ages and abilities. There will be free blood pressure screenings, prizes, and refreshments. Please bring clean indoor walking shoes. Email wellness@sphosp.org, or call the SPH Health & Wellness Department at (907) 235-0970 with questions or for more information.

BEST BOOGIE BET: The Super Saturated Sugar Strings are set to perform at Alice’s Champagne Palace at 9 p.m. this Saturday. A modern Americana sound full of brass and stings boast chamber and folk sounds is what attendees can expect. This is one of Alaska’s most beloved groups. Admission supports Bunnell Street Arts Center’s annual programming. Tickets are $15.

BEST NEED FOR SPEED BET: The Homer Rope Tow is now open for skiing and snowboarding from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Located at Mile 2.5 Ohlson Mountain Rd., it costs $5 for students 18 and under and $10 for adults. For updated conditions, call 235-SNOW. Day passes are nominally priced (as above) and season passes are available for purchase at the hill as well. Skiers/ snowboarders 17 and under must have a signed parental liability waiver on file.