Upon leaving Seward, on the Kenai Peninsula, we stopped at a roadside pullout to read the information boards about the Chugach culture. On a separate panel was a quote by Henry Gannett, the father of American map-making from the turn of the 19th Century. He said:
There is one word of advice and caution to be given those intending to visit Alaska . . . If you are old, go by all means, but if you are young, wait. The scenery of Alaska is much grander than anything else of its kind in the world, and it is not wise to dull one's capacity for enjoyment by seeing the finest first.
This image was captured at our campground in Seward, just a few minutes walk from our trailer. Unknown to me at the time, there was a serious bear attack not far away while I was out shooting.
Truer words about Alaska could not be spoken. They ring as clear and loud today as they did over 100 years ago. I’ve seen much of America, and I don’t want to diminish from the beauty of Yosemite or Zion, the beaches of Hawaii, or any number of other great and magnificent locations in our country. But it is hard to believe anything standing up to the overwhelming splendor of this place. We have been immersed in it for nearly two months and at times, we almost forget to recognize all that surrounds us. It is beyond my ability to put this scenery into words. My photographs do a small justice, but there is even more than a photograph can convey.
John Muir struggled with capturing the essence of the place in words also,
To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.
And in a separate writing, said,
Never before this had I been embosomed in scenery so hopelessly beyond description.
The Portage Glacier
In many ways, it is easy to be a photographer in Alaska. The subject is given freely from the moment I wake up and set foot outside my trailer until day’s end when I retreat back into the comfort of my soft bed. If I simply make the effort to hold up my camera and press the shutter button, I am certainly bound to capture something of the infinite beauty that surrounds me. It always helps to include a flower in the foreground or an interesting rock or animal. Anyone who can grasp the mechanics of operating a camera can certainly be a photographer in Alaska. I might add that when mountains are the main subject, it doesn’t matter which direction I point the camera. In this land of massive tectonic forces, any direction I point, I will likely hit a mountain.
Sunset over Cook Inlet and the City of Anchorage. Virginia’s niece told us that sunset from Flattop Mountain was a must do activity, so we made a point of staying up late. The time stamp for this photo is 12:11, but I think my camera was still on Yukon time, so it was only a little after 11:00. Still, it was clearly past my bedtime.
Dall sheep along the Seward Highway to the side of Turnagain Arm
Somewhere on the Kenai Peninsula.
Kenai Fjords National Park. We took a 9 hour cruise into the park and went as far as the Northwest Glacier.
Kenai Fjords National Park
There are many tidal glaciers in the park, but they are all receding. It is possible that my children may still enjoy them one day but I am unsure if my grandchildren will get the same thrill.
Harbor Seals taking a nap. It’s what seals do. I can relate.
Common Murres basking in the morning light.
More harbor seals
I love puffins. They are not aerodynamic at all. They flap their wings with all their might and splash across the surface of the ocean in the attempt to become airborne. Some succeed and others give up. A group of puffins is called a circus, a name that aptly fits.
The toe of Northwest Glacier. We witnessed minor calving. Even a small break was thunderous as the ice cracked and fell into the ocean.
Seagull city. There is no shortage of gulls here.
Steller sea lions. This one is a male with his harem.
Sunset from our campsite in Seward.
Worthington Glacier and fireweed.
Drone image over a roadside lake on the Kenai Peninsula.
The Matanuska Valley, on our way to Valdez.