Scott McMurren photos

Okay, summer is officially here. No more excuses not to get out and see Alaska. C'mon -- the weather is beautiful, the days are long, and the fish are jumpin'!

Whether you're planning for your own adventures or plotting for visiting friends and relatives, I would encourage you to get off the road this summer. Oh, the road trips around Alaska still are so fantastic. The Kenai Peninsula, in particular, is a great destination. But just a short plane or boat trip puts you out of reach of the vast majority of other travelers. Odds are you will see more and do more when you're off the road system.

Here are some of my favorite adventures:

Kasitsna Bay: This is one of several bays just across from Homer. Halibut Cove, Sadie Cove and others also are just a few miles off of the Homer Spit. But Kasitsna Bay is home to "Across the Bay Tent and Breakfast"  (www.tentandbreakfastalaska.com) run by Tony and Mary Jane Lastufka. Take Mako's Water Taxi (www.makoswatertaxi.com) from the Homer Small Boat Harbor right to the beach in front on the Lastufkas' place. Instead of a dock, Mako simply gets a ladder off the roof and directs you into the salty brine. HA! Hope you brought your boots!

Your comfy wall tents are set back in the woods from the beach.

Clearly visible is the main house, where the Lastufkas serve up meals and guests gather to trade stories at the end of the day. Also notable are the decorative outhouses. "We are very clear about the outhouses," said Tony. "Honestly, we cater to folks who are comfortable with tents and outhouses," he said.

Mary Jane loves taking kayakers out to explore the coves--and they launch right from the beach. The protected waters of the cove means no experience is necessary prior to getting into the kayak. The Lastufkas have all the gear and offer good initial safety training.

In addition to the kayaking, many guests enjoy hiking or biking the nearby roads and trails. I know we did. You can see Homer across the bay--but it's a world away!

Kodiak Island: If you have not been to Alaska's "Emerald Isle", then you're missing out. Catch the ferry from Homer or Whittier. Or, grab a web special on Alaska Airlines or Era Aviation from Anchorage.

Either way, Kodiak is far enough away that most people never make the journey. Don't be one of those folks!  Once you arrive in Kodiak, you'll learn there is lots of history. Learn about the Native Alaskans (Alutiiq) who have lived here for thousands of years at the Alutiiq Museum (www.alutiiqmuseum.org). Learn about the Russian American history from the 18th and 19th century at the Baranov House (www.baranovmuseum.org). Then, there's World War II history up at Ft. Abercrombie State Historical Park. The two museums are located less than a block from the ferry terminal.

You also can walk from the ferry terminal to the small boat harbor, which is where the fishing boats are, as well as a couple of adventure kayak outfitters. We fished with Capt. Mel Roe on the Lana J for salmon and halibut. You can put your line in the water almost immediately after leaving the harbor. But the great part is after you're done, your boat pulls right up to the processor's dock. There, they fillet, pack and flash-freeze your fish so you can take it back with you! Sweet.