Bering Land Bridge Gallery
In mid September I traveled to Western Alaska on journey the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Here is a selection of favorites from that trip.
Changing Social Media
I started this blog some 7 years ago. It has served as a great platform to share both my experiences and the photos that are the result of my ventures in Alaska’s wilderness landscape. It’s hard to believe it has been that long. Writing in this venue is an odd thing. Often, I’m not really sure…
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Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
I just returned from a photo trip to the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve and my plans to access this amazing area took a delightful turn. Instead of hiking some 65-70 miles round trip through some seriously wet and difficult tundra travel, I caught a ride in and out by bush plane, thanks to pilots…
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The Seward Peninsula
I planned a trip to Nome many months ago and have been working on some details to refine the exact locations that I’ll visit. I’ve been there a few times, in different seasons, and the Seward Peninsula is a remarkably diverse place. If everything works out according to some loosely held plans, I’ll trek about…
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Autumn tundra and caribou antlers
I took this photo of the autumn tundra and caribou antlers just a short walk from my first camp in Denali National Park. The cloudy skies the night before gave way to clear skies as the morning unfolded. I’ll be back in Denali Park for more photography and post some of those photos upon my…
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Termination dust in Denali National Park
Last Friday in Denali National Park, I stepped out of the shuttle bus into a snow squall. That was a chilly way to start my 35 mile hike and packraft trip over the Labor Day weekend. I hiked off into the blowing snow convincing myself that the weather forecast was suggesting clear skies in the next day.…
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Angiaak Pass, Gates of the Arctic NP
During my hike to make some photos of Mt. Igikpak (I did see that mountain and will share some photos of it soon) in the Brooks Range, I deviated from Tupik Creek after a few miles and entered Angiaak Pass. A few tundra ponds made for a beautiful and colorful scene. Setting up camp with some altitude…
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Tupik Creek, Gates of the Arctic
The route I chose to access Mt. Igikpak during my recent trip to the Gates of the Arctic followed Tupik Creek, and then on through Angiaak Pass. After landing in the bush plane in the early afternoon along the Noatak River, I forded the river and hiked about 4 miles to a nice camp spot that…
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Trekking in the Gates of the Arctic National Park
I just finished a week long solo photography trek in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. In summary, neither the best collection of superlatives, nor photographs seem to adequately convey the overall experience. Especially on solo trips when trekking in the rugged Brooks Range, a lot happens inside your head and inside your body. The anticipation…
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Waiting out a rainstorm
It is Thursday, 8/21/2014, 10:02 a.m., marking the first lull in the rain spattering my tent since 7 p.m. last night. (I’m dry, thanks to my tarp tent stratospire, but I love you sun! ) Camped on a gravel bar along the Noatak River in the Gates of the Arctic National Park, I’m waiting for…
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Gearing up for Arctic adventures
I took the above aerial photo a few years ago, but I’ve never explored the area on the ground. But that will change soon as I’m about to head out on a solo trip in the Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska’s Arctic. I’ll be photographing and exploring the amazing sights near the headwaters…
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Savage to Sanctuary river, Denali
Last weekend I made a schedule shift due to poor weather in another part of Alaska, and decided to remain in Interior Alaska and enjoy the forecasted sunny skies–which have been lacking this year due to record rainfall in June and July. I went with a friend to Denali National Park to hike up the…
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Osprey Atmos 65 Backpack
I’m fond of Osprey backpacks, and even more after I called regarding a little wear and tear on my Atmos 50 pack and they reminded me of a full warranty repair service. It is off getting fixed or replaced for free. In the meanwhile, I picked up an Osprey Atmos 65, which has the same…
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2016 Fairbanks Calendar Cover
In the past, I’ve shared some options for the upcoming covers of my calendars, and have greatly appreciated the input from my blog readers. Although it was in question for a while, I’ve decided to continue publishing my Fairbanks and Interior Alaska calendar, which highlights images from Alaska’s interior region. I’ve made four mock-ups as…
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Baby moose
Baby moose are commonly observed along Alaska’s roadways in early summer, often in the early morning or later evening hours. I photographed this little one in Denali National Park. Very close by stood its mother and another young calf, as twins are commonly born in the month of May. At this young age, they are usually…
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The Power of a Sunrise
The power of a sunrise can infuse a day with tremendous energy. There is something about that first sparkle of light that begins a new day. My many days as paper boy in midwest America, watching the transition from morning darkness to the dawn of light has perhaps forever sealed in me a love for…
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Caribou herd in Denali National Park
I took this photo of a caribou herd in Denali National Park a few weeks ago. The caribou herds are larger than in many previous years, so it was an opportunity to visually portray the herd or migration aspect of these animals. The herd size is nothing like that of the caribou in northern Alaska,…
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Book signing at Gullivers in Fairbanks
If you are local to Fairbanks and are interested, I have a book signing tonight with co-author Debbie Miller.
Savage River, Denali National Park
Denali National Park is one of the most highly visited areas in Alaska. And it is so for a reason. The small Denali Park Road that weaves along a 90 mile route crosses rivers and mountain passes offering spectacular landscape views. Many come with hopes to see a grizzly bear, or other wildlife that populates…
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Climbing on Exit Glacier
While hiking up the Harding Ice Field trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, I watched some tourists climbing on Exit glacier. The trail, which is an awesome hike, but a robust one gaining 3000 vertical feet in 4 miles, parallels the Exit Glacier. I thought my 500mm lens would make a good composition, so I…
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Kayaking Bear Glacier lake
Just a short helicopter ride from Seward, Alaska is a beautiful lake filled with icebergs that have calved off of Bear Glacier. Bear Glacier is the largest glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park, and the kayaking can be visually stunning. There was a mix of weather during my short stay, but the wind remained…
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Camping in the Chugach National Forest
If you are thinking… wow, if camping in the Chugach National Forest looks like that, I’d love to camp there! Then you are thinking exactly like me. I spent a few days hiking and photographing in southcentral Alaska, near Seward, and the sights and views were splendid. I trekked with friends and colleagues Ron and…
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Red salmon harvest
A few weeks ago I traveled south of Fairbanks about 300 miles to the Copper River, which flows along the small town of Chitina in southcentral Alaska. It is a mecca during the summer for dip netters seeking to harvest red salmon through the personal use fishing permit system. A single member household is allowed 15…
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Packrafting the Ivishak River: Day 7 of 7
Day 7, June 20, 2014, 30 miles packrafting the Ivishak River. A 7 day, 170 mile wilderness backpack and packraft trip along the Ribdon, Ivishak and Sagavanirktok rivers in Alaska’s Brooks Range from June 14-20. We woke to no rain and light winds, at least in comparison to the night before. The clouds had lifted, and hints of blue…
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Packrafting through the Arcitc Refuge: Day 6 of 7
Day 6, June 19, 2014 45 miles packrafting through the Arctic Refuge on the Ivishak River. A 7 day, 170 mile wilderness backpack and packraft trip along the Ribdon, Ivishak and Sagavanirktok rivers in Alaska’s Brooks Range from June 14-20. While we would have welcomed the sunshine on this fine morning, it was not to be seen today. A short…
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