Alaska Trip Phase III

This is the third and final phase of the Alaska Trip. It covers the remainder of Alaska, primarily Valdez, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Skagway. There are also a few shots from the homeward trip through British Columbia, and the American Rockies.

Valdez


Glacier in the distance on the road to Valdez


Distant mountains


Worthington Glacier


Bridal Veil falls


Salmon spawning in a stream no deeper than 6”


Spawning chum salmon stacked up against a fish wier




Juvenile black bear taking advantage of the recent salmon bounty


Finishing his meal


Sunset over the port of Valdez


Neighboring mountains




Sea Otter having breakfast


View from the stern


Ian with a silver salmon




Me with a healthy male silver salmon. This fellow put up quite a battle!


Blue water and snowy mountains


The day’s catch along with Jim and Paul; thanks for all the hospitality guys!


Ian alongside the Worthington Glacier


In an interesting ice formation; almost a door into the glacier


Rock worn smooth by the glacial passing

Wrangell- St. Elias


The Kennicott Mine in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park






Steam rising from the river bed


Sky reflected on the river




Near the Alaska/Canada border


National Forest rest stop complete with amazing deck


Mother Grizzle and one of two cubs


The two cubs, or fuzzballs



Skagway


Looking towards Skagway


Downtown Skagway back dropped by mountains


This fellow is what we believe to be a coyote/fox hybrid. Larger than a fox, but slender. The most amazing thing was that he showed absolutely no fear and hunted for mice right along the road side.

Return Trip Home


Nairn falls




Somewhere in Wyoming


Along the outskirts of Boulder, CO


The famous flat irons of Boulder


And so the trip comes to an end. It made for an amazing journey through some glorious scenery. Two best friends were able to spend good time together outdoors, and manage not to kill each other after 2.5 months, a feat unto itself. It’s odd how adaptable humans are. It began to seem normal to sleep in a tent every night. You naturally assume the rhythm of the day. Camp became home. My therma-rest and sleeping bag became as comfortable as any bed. And camp food tasted gourmet.

Things also start to make sense out in nature. I came back more clear and focused than I’ve been in some time, and I suppose that above all else is worth a great deal. In a way time stood still while out. Only after returning home did I realize just how much time had passed. Soon I’ll return to the trials and stress of a working life, but I’ll always carry this trip and Alaska with me. Places like Denali and Seward root themselves into your soul, always calling for you to, one day, return.