Homer Alaska

Janie Myers, Homer
	"Alaska resident since 1947. Commercial fisherman, leading fisheries management spokesperson, nine-term state legislator, pioneer of Halibut Cove community." Who she is: Homer resident since 1969. School nurse for 20 years, ran a bed and breakfast for 14-15 summers. Age: 73 Don't miss: Go across the bay to Halibut Cove and the Saltry Restaurant

Why did you come to Alaska?

I came with my ex-husband, who'd been up here with the Air Force. We moved up to Fairbanks and homesteaded for seven years. Then we moved back out to Washington state, then to Homer in September of '69.

What's your favorite thing about living in Alaska?

It's home. I just like everything. I think the people in Alaska are special. It takes a certain kind of person to live up here. Of course, I sometimes get discouraged with the mud and the construction.

What is there about living in Homer that's unlike any other place in Alaska?

I think the people are different. We have learned to get along with things that we have. Because you can't get things here that bigger towns like Anchorage can. So everyone helps each other. Of course that happened more often when we first moved here, but that was because there was only 1,200 people living in Homer. Now it's more like 4,500. It's grown a lot. Don't know where else I'd rather live.

What's your favorite book on Alaska?

I enjoy reading books by Dana Stabenow and Sue Henry [Alaska mystery authors].

What's your favorite season and what do you like to do?

Summer-I like to work out in the yard and catch the sun.

How would you spend your perfect weekend in Homer?

Depends on what time of the year. I would go get the paper down the road, maybe spend some time working out in the yard. Sit on the deck in the sun, if there is sun. I do a lot of local activities. Try to get in a two-mile walk. In the evening, I would either go out to dinner with a friend or make dinner.

What's your favorite local hidden treasure?

I think the view of the Spit-the view at the top of the hill when you first get into Homer. I don't think any one else in Alaska has a Spit like ours. My B&B guests really liked the view from my house, which overlooks Kachemak Bay, the mountains, and the Spit. They really enjoyed the peace and quiet and privacy-being out of town-and all the nice wildlife. Moose would have their babies down below, on a bench just below my house.

Where's your favorite place to have breakfast in Homer? Dinner?

The Beach Combers Three by the bowling alley and the Duncan House, although most visitors tend to go to Lands' End. For dinner I like Captain Patty's and the Homestead.

What's one experience or attraction you think visitors should not miss in Homer?

I think you should go over to the Saltry Restaurant, across the bay in Halibut Cove. Also, the fishing hole in the Spit is pretty unique. People go over there and plant salmon fry and help pay to raise and feed them. It all started so kids could have a safe place to fish. Now it's become a big spot because there are king salmon and some pinks. And it's free!

What are top myths that tourists/outsiders have about Alaska?

That it's always cold. Or, how do you stand the dark, and can you sleep when it's so bright? I think a lot of people outside don't think Alaska is part of the U.S.