Mt. Rainier in Washington, visible from the window of my seat on the plane.A beautiful world of clouds, with a peek at the surface of the sea below, shadowed by the very clouds that make up this dramatic scenery.The wing of the plane on my side – I was in one of the rows in front of or behind the exit row, still level with the wing.
Welcome to Alaska – Fairbanks
Exploring Fairbanks
The Tiny Cabin where I stayed in FairbanksSnowy roads in FairbanksA red shed visible from the road near the Tiny Cabin in Fairbanks – the red was captivating against the white of the snow and the pale, bare birch treesThe bridge at Creamer’s Field, a prime spot for wildlife viewing in the summerThe Pond at Creamer’s FieldThis boreal chickadee was one of only a couple birds I saw during the whole trip – most had migrated south for the winterAnother pond in FairbanksThe Tiny Cabin at Sunset
Aurora Photo Tour
The guide hosting the small group aurora photography tour took us to a couple spots to look for the aurora – we hit the jackpot at this pondAnother angle of the pond, with different patterns visible that show how the aurora appears to moveGreen is the most common color, caused by solar particles colliding with oxygen atoms at altitudes of 100-300kmStreaks of less common red. Also, the thin white line in the top third slightly to the right is a meteor that I hadn’t even realized I’d captured until post-processing.Another shot of the streaks of red, with the temperature reduced in post-processing so the red is bit more purple and the green is less…greenAnother shot, with less emphasis on the pond.
Going From Fairbanks to Anchorage
On the Road
The drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage was a total of 8 hours. I split the drive into two parts and stopped for one night in Talkeetna.Closer to Fairbanks and Talkeetna there was a lot more snow on the roads than there was closer to Anchorage.At one point near Talkeetna I noticed this area wide enough to pull off the road and park in order to get out and look around, so I did.I’m glad I decided to stop, because the view of the creek winding through the mountains was absolutely gorgeous.One thing I did – which for safety reasons I do NOT recommend – was attempt to take photos through the windshield of my car without stopping. Since I wasn’t looking at the camera, just aiming it while focusing on the road, the images were mostly not great. Don’t do it.It’s snow great to be here!
One Night in Talkeetna
The interior of the dry cabin, with the jug rigged over the sink, and the furnace on the wallThe other side of the cabin – between the furnace and the bed, my night was quite cozy after all.The creek running behind the dry cabin I stayed in while I was in Talkeetna
Anchorage
Exploring Anchorage
Mountains at the Eagle River Nature CenterSunburst captured through a hole in this leafOne of a number of creeks along Turn Again ArmAnchorage in the distance, with the mountains and the sunrise behind itThe Photographer’s Gear
Private Photo Tour
I got to Alaska too late for bears, but moose were still a target species. We lucked out with this big bull.The day dawned gray and cold and wet as we set out to look for some moose.Another view of the area where we found the moose.As we stopped at one of a number of creeks along Turn Again Arm, my guide noticed these two Dall Sheep and brought them to my attention.While gray, rainy days may mean the lighting is more dim, it also means that colors will pop, like at this creek along the Turn Again Arm.Close-up view of the waterfall at the Turn Again Arm creek we stopped at.
Goodbye, Alaska – The Last Photos
Snowy roads and snowy trees as I drive back to Fairbanks, the day sunny and clear.A clear shot of a mountain in the rearview mirror of my rented car.One of the last views of white mountains clear against a blue sky.
