Southern Richardson Highway

As we continued south along the Richardson from Glenallen, we had spectacular views of the Wrangell Mountains of Wrangell-St. Elias Park that peeked out through the clouds.

The guys couldn't pass up a chance to fish at a creek along the Richardson Highway. This photo is nice, but doesn't tell the story of getting to the creek - hiking through chest high weeds & windfall, then sliding down the side of a mini-cliff in the rain. Ok, you're right - can't complain.

About 30 miles north of Valdez, we were stopped at your 'typical' roadside park along the Richardson Highway - an overlook of the Worthington Glacier.

Looking over the railing, we saw a trail leading to the edge of the glacier. Sara was particularly excited at the opportunity to stand at the edge of a piece of geology in action.

The glacier blue color was amazing. The photos don't do it justice.

We continued south through Keystone Canyon, through which the Lowe River flows (huh, think there are a couple juxtaposed letters in the river name). Apparently, railroad companies literally got into gunfights to secure this passage to the copper country north of Valdez.

Just before reaching Valdez, we were treated to two waterfalls in Keystone Canyon, Horsetail Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Fishing in Valdez

After settling into our hotel in Valdez, we drove down Dayville Road near the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery. The pink salmon were running which was drawing a crowd of fishermen of the two legged, four legged, and four flipper variety.

This shot was taken from Dayville Road at a stream descending from the ridge above. This particular stream passes near the Hatchery from Solomon Lake.

Surfs Up. The town of Valdez was demolished by the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964 and the ensuing tsunami. It was eventually rebuilt in a safer location to the North of the Bay.

The salmon attracted fishermen of all shapes and sizes. Here a brown bear is taking part in the sport.

Buffet! After several attempts the bear finally grabs hold of a salmon. After taking a quick bite, the bear would drop the fish and pursue another. He continued this routine for several minutes.

Another fish, another bite. Look at those claws!

What are you looking at?! It was about now that many of the tourists took a step back.

Competition? The bear spy's a pair of seals attacking the salmon from the ocean side. It was amazing to watch the fish being chased by the seals. The fish would be worked into a frenzy as the seals attacked, splitting into a chevron as the seals cut through fish.

Tiring of the spectacle, the bear exits the premises and disappears into the brush above the road.

Glenn Highway

The last day of our trip found us traveling the Glenn Hwy back to Anchorage. It was a cloudy day which obscured much of the spectacular views according to Quentin. However, Alaska is not one to disappoint, and towards the end of our journey we did get a few peeks at the Matanuska-Susitna Mountains and the Matanuska Glacier.

The Matanuska Glacier beyond the pines.

Another view of the Matanuska Glacier from the Glenn Highway turnout.

Mountain Goats mill about on the ridge above us. These were just a few of the mountain goats we'd seen on our trip. We were lucky enough for Quent and Christina to let us borrow their 100-400mm telephoto lens to capture this image.

A view from the Anchorage Airport. After topping of the tank of Nate's Truck near Wasilla, we drove down to Earthquake Park on Anchorage's waterfront to kill what remaining time we had left in Alaska. As the day came to a close so did our wonderful adventure. At the airport we said goodbye to our great friends and to the beautiful state of Alaska.

Night Scenes

The night we returned from Grand Marais Cloquet had fireworks to celebrate their summer fair. We were a bit late getting the camera set up and even more rusty at taking photos of fireworks but we were able to sneak a few.

After the fireworks ended we played around with some long exposures along Hwy 33 that runs through Cloquet.

Grand Marais

In late August we took a day trip up to Grand Marais with some friends of ours. One the way we stopped at Cascade River State Park. Lighting conditions didn't allow for many great photos but below are a few.

Upper Falls of the Cascade River.

Our friends Darren and Nicole sharing a laugh.

Sitting in the sun at Grand Marais.

Boats in the harbor.

St. Louis River Summer Afternoon

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is just north of Duluth on Scenic Hwy 61. We stopped here one afternoon to mill around the shore.

A sail boat sails.... err.. motors towards its harbor.

Boundary Waters

In late July we took our first trip into the Boundary Waters since our arrival in Minnesota. Two of my co-workers and their wife/girlfriend joined us for a short overnight trip to Bald Eagle Lake. We launched our canoes into the Little Isabella River which would lead us to the Big Isabella River and eventually to our chosen campsite on Bald Eagle Lake.

The motor and rudder of our vessel.

Due to the water environment that we'd be traveling in, we packed most of our gear in dry bags. We also left our D/SLR at home for this trip, favoring our less valuable point and shoot camera instead.


A canoe with legs. What strange creatures roam the norhwoods.

Taking the lead, and a break.

Beached. A view from our campsite.

Our campsite. To complete the scene we'd have to add audio so you could hear the millions of misqutoes swarming to greet our arrival.

Darkness falls.