Killer Whales

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Kenai Fjords, Photos, Travel 13 Comments

A pair of killer whales, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska.

A pair of killer whales, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska.

I can be difficult to catch these guys as the break the surface and “blow”, but that task was made much easier here thanks to the nice clear water – we could actually see them underwater getting ready to surface!  This was from my trip into Kenai Fjords National Park a couple of weeks ago.  Some people might be surprised to learn that killer whales are actually a member of the dolphin family.

Cute Bear Cub

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Lake Clark, Photos, Travel 10 Comments

A cute spring bear cub, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

A spring bear cub, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

This little guy was a really cute with lots of personality – he was an absolute blast to watch!

Last years Alaska bear and puffin photo tour was such a fun success that I have decided to do two of them next year (2011).  I have had a number of people express interest in this tour, and thought I would bring it up again – don’t wait too long,  we are down to just one remaining spot and I expect it could fill any day.

Caribou in Autumn

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Photos, Travel 27 Comments

Caribou along the Denali Highway, Alaska.

Caribou along the Denali Highway, Alaska.

I can’t decide on this photo – Does this one “work” for you?   I like this bull and love the colors, but was really hoping he would turn sideways, or better yet, turn towards me.  At least I can see his eye.  So, do you think having the caribou walking a way from me is a deal breaker?

Autumn in Alaska!

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Photos, Travel 12 Comments

Autumn colors along the Denali Highway, Alaska.

Autumn colors along the Denali Highway, Alaska.

This was from last Friday evening.  It is amazing how different this area can look depending on the season – almost all white in the winter, rich greens dotted with wildflowers in the summer, then to this!

Caribou

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Photos, Travel 11 Comments

Caribou and Fall colors, Alaska.

Caribou and Fall colors, Alaska.

Back from a quick trip across parts of the state in search of fall colors.  We found some nice stretches along the Denali Highway – a road often confused with the road into Denali National Park.  This is an old dirt road that years ago provided access to the National Park.  It traverses a beautiful area, and in some years, the fall colors can really be amazing up there – endless stretches of bright, rich reds, yellows and oranges.  This year we found some nice patches, but nothing like what we have seen in the past.  Fortunately, this caribou choose to stand in one of the best patches!

Denali

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Denali, Photos, Travel 9 Comments

Mt. McKinley, better know up here as Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska.

Mt. McKinley, better know up here as Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska.

Unfortunately, I have never seen a photo do the shear size of this mountain justice, but on those rare days when the mountain is out like this one earlier in August, it sure is an amazing sight!

I probably won’t be able to post to the blog until some time next week as we head off to photograph Alaska’s amazing fall colors.

Seward, Alaska

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Photos, Travel 15 Comments

Seward, Alaska.

Seward, Alaska.

This is my awesome little hometown during some nice weather last week!  Since I was flying in a helicopter with the doors off on my way to Bear Glacier, I thought I would grab a few photos of my favorite town.  I kinda like this photo as it shows not only the town, but the boat harbor and the trail up Mt. Marathon – two things that really help define this coastal community.  For those that don’t know, the 4th of July race up and down Mt. Marathon is the second oldest foot race in the United States, second to only the Boston Marathon – and a huge visitor draw to Seward each year.  Once upon a time I used to run the race, now I save the mileage on my knees for packing camera gear.