Alas, it appears our small, precious, eagerly awaited window of true, traditional summer has passed. The Betster hopes we’re not, (but knows we probably are) entrenched in the classic Alaska fall, aka rain season.

And yet, we persevere! Don’t let this gloomy weather hold you back or keep you indoors. We Homerites have always been of sturdy stock, haven’t we? Not the type to shrink away at a little drizzle. Not the kind of folks to let a little fall downpour get in the way of a good time.

With that in mind, there’s a bushel of exciting outdoor opportunities coming up, as well as some indoor options for those truly apposed to moisture.

When twiddling your thumbs this weekend wondering what to do, take a look at these Best Bets:

BEST BETCHYA DIDN’T KNOW THAT BET: While we may not be having the best luck catching salmon this season, there’s never a bad time to learn more about them. Head over to the Stowaway Cafe tonight from 7-9 p.m. for “The Lives of Salmon,” an in-depth look at the fascinating lives of salmon so you can get a better understanding of this amazing Alaskan resource. This presentation is with Sue Mauger, science director at Cook InletKeeper. The event costs $20 and is located at 3585 East End Road, #14.

BEST BUG DOPE BET: Who could pass up the opportunity to get outside and learn firsthand from a living Kenai Peninsula legend? Certainly not the Betster. Join the Homer Native Plant Society from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for “The Geology, Plant Life, and Forest of the Diamond Creek Trail” with Dr. Ed Berg. On this 2-mile round-trip hike, Berg will show and discuss the geological and botanical highlights of the trail’s unique terrain. Wear sturdy shoes for a descent and ascent of a possibly slippery slope (from rain), and use walking sticks if you wish. Bring lunch, water and bug dope, and dress for the weather. Meet at the Diamond Creek Trailhead off of the Sterling Highway.

BEST BENEFIT BET: Fancy a taste of the finer things in life along with a little local color? Atz Kilcher will perform at a benefit concert for Homer Folk School called “Songs of the Homestead.” The concert costs $32 and starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at the South Peninsula Athletic and Recreation Center (SPARC). Join in for an evening of music and stories. For more information, contact the Homer Folk School at homerfolkschool@gmail.com or 907-299-9117.

BEST BETTER-NOT-WEAR-XTRATUFS BET: It feels good to get a lil fancy now and again. Luckily, Homer often provides such opportunities, like the Ritzy Garden Gala: Fish to Flowers Fundraiser, which will be held from 7-10 p.m. Saturday at the Pratt Museum. The gala is to help the Pratt celebrate 50 years. It will feature fresh local fish, flowers and produce, as well as silent and live auctions, live music, libations and indoor and outdoor fun. Proceeds will benefit the many educational exhibits and programs at the Pratt. The gala costs $75 per ticket.

BEST BAGEL BET: The Betster is convinced that no true Homerite can dislike a classic bagel with salmon lox. But how much nicer would it be to make it yourself? Join the Homer Folk School for a workshop called Cured Salmon: Lox and Gravlax, to be held all day Sunday at the Wagners at 2096 Jakes Little Fireweed Lane. Join Ken Castner as he takes you on an edible journey of making cold smoked salmon. Ken will show you his smoke house, explain the conditions you need to create a superior product and give you taste tests from different stages of the process. This workshop costs $25. For more information, contact the Homer Folk School at homerfolkschool@gmail.com or 907-299-9117.

A fireweed flower blooms near the Homer News on Landings Street on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, in Homer, Alaska. Fireweed petals blossom from the bottom up, and according to Alaska folk lore, when the petals at the top have bloomed, summer is over. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)