Like a moth to a flame, I am drawn back to Alaska time and time again. I originally came for the bears…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR, TC-14E II ISO 400 f8 @ 1/250
And, I still do but, I have discovered that there is so much more to this wild and wonderful place called Alaska. There is the dramatic scenery which makes a beautiful backdrop for the wildlife that abounds here…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II ISO 400 f9.5 @ 1/350
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II ISO 400 f8 @ 1/500
Who could ask for a better view right from the front porch of my cabin…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II ISO 200 f8 @ 1/180
I have learned to expect the unexpected and to be ready at a moments notice for those rare and wonderful moments that just happen like a pod of Orcas feeding in the bay…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II, TC-20E III ISO 400 f6.7 @ 1/1500
Or, Dall Porpoises frolicking in the bow wake of our boat…
Nikon D4, AF-S 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 VR ISO 200 f8 @ 1/500
And, I look forward with each visit to seeing my friends (the amazing crew at the lodge Bob, Angela, Shawn and Perry) who welcome me and my band of Excellent Adventurers with open arms…
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II ISO 200 f8 @ 1/250
Alaska truly is one of the last frontiers where you can safely have close encounters of the bear kind…
Nikon D4, AF-S 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 VR ISO 400 f11 @ 1/250
And, I for one count it as one of life’s greatest privileges to be in the bear’s territory and have them not only accept me but, to go on about their business totally unconcerned at my presence, moving about freely and occasionally passing by for a closer look of their own…
Nikon D4, AF-S 500mm f4 VR, TC-14E II ISO 1000 f8 @ 1/1000
All too soon the week is over and as the first float plane full of adventures lift off towards Kodiak, the heaviness in my heart is lifted with anticipation of returning next year …
Nikon D4, AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 VR II ISO 200 f8 @ 1/350
2013 Alaska Brown Bear Adventures…
June 9-16, 2013 6 spots, 4 available
August 11-18, 2013 Full, Taking names
well…the guys in the KAYAK….I close my eyes and picture myself there with the bear in the bushes…I would not be happier!!! lol I am wondering if the D4 is giving you the technical edge; cause your photos are superb!!! Glad you had a great trip….
BIG SMILE
It makes you wonder how much wildlife you pass by without even knowing it’s there. It sure pays to keep alert.
Nice stuff Laurie. Alaska is such a magical place. You do it great justice.
Thanks Megg, It truly is a magical place.
Great stuff, Laurie. Love the one where the kayaker appear to be oblivious to the bear. Kayak appears a little low in the back, is the paddler your bear bait?
B
Hey, someone has to be bear bait, right?
As usual, your posts from Alaska tear at me. The photography is always excellent, but it’s your expression of Alaska itself that does it. Alaska is special precisely because it’s remote and hard to get to, its weather can be harsh. It’s not that it’s wilderness, it’s the “wild”ness of it. You always have to take Alaska on Alaska’s terms, not your own. I know exactly what you mean when you say you’re drawn to it. The beauty of such wild places is that you go there not to conquer them, but to exist within them, even if for just a short while. It’s an experience that can change you.
Thanks for the great post.
See you in Yellowstone,
Craig
Thanks Craig. I know how much you loved your visit.
See you in a couple of weeks.
Nice!
Thanks
I especially admire the noble head of your bear. That’s a beautiful close up of his personality.
Love, Mary
Thanks Mary. Glad you are enjoying the bear photos.