Last June I watched this fox repeatedly catch and release this poor little vole. At one point the vole got into some big rocks and almost escaped.
Vole Hunter
Crimps Cub?
This is one of those special moments that seem to happen throughout my bear trips – moments I’ll likely never forget, and what make each trip special and unique.
This young sub adult was feeding on the sedges in the meadow near the lodge. We decided to walk out and get a closer look and to make photographs. To avoid the heat, thanks to Alaska’s crazy hot summer this year, we decided to sit in the shade provided by a nearby “tree island”. Not long after sitting down the young bear started walking towards us, leaving any possible food source behind. That always gets your attention a little bit. The young bear reached the edge of the same tree shadow we were sitting in, and non-nonchalantly laid down in very close proximity to us. Even crossing its paws, which is a sure sign it didn’t feel threatened. The young bear then laid its head on its paws and relaxed, obviously very comfortable in our presence.
Some of my repeat guests immediately started wondering if this wasn’t one of crimps cubs. Crimp is a very popular sow who’s cubs were now on their own for the first time this summer. These are cubs I have watched grow up over the years from spring cubs, to now sub-adults out on their own for the first time. Without a specific marking like their mom’s crimped ear, there is no way of knowing if this really was one of crimps cubs, but given its behavior, I sure like to think so. 🙂
Given Crimps busy activity with the boars this spring, I would say it is very likely she will have another set of spring cubs this upcoming spring, and the amazing cycle will begin again. I’m already looking forward to the spring!
Standing Bear
I love the human like qualities bears take on when they stand.  From June.Â
Olympus E-M1X, 40-150 f/2.8 lens at 150. ISO 800, 1/250th second at f/2.8 Â
Play Time!
A couple of brown bears avoiding the heat by playing in the ocean – last June at Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.
More Aurora
From earlier this month – this weekend could be another great aurora show!
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Olympus E-M1X, with a 8mm f/ 1.8 lens at f/2.2, ISO 3200 and 3.2 second exposure. Really pleased with the lack of noise in the Olympus.
Hope, Alaska
Did some driving around and exploring during a private workshop yesterday – the Fall colors are really looking great!
Northwestern Fjord
This is one of my favorite overnight anchorage locations in Kenai Fjords. Beautiful sunrise from a few years ago.
Kenai Fjords Photo Tour
Well this is a late addition for next summer’s lineup, but one I’m really excited about. It has been many years since I have offered a photo tour into Kenai Fjords National Park – a place that has not only been my backyard for over 25 years, but also a location of many assignments and even my first book project! It is a shame I don’t have a trip here – well, now I do! This trip includes so much, and you can read all the details here: Kenai Fjords National Park Photo Tour.
I’m offering two separate tours next summer, one is already full thanks to folks from my mailing list, and one in June has two spots left. Here are the highlights:
- Four full days and three nights an a beautiful yacht where we will by staying in Kenai Fjords! We will be anchored in beautiful bays for sunset / sunrise, instead of making the long trip back to town each day.
- Helicopter flight with the doors off over the National Park – everyone will have a view seat. Then, an extended landing in the remote mountains.
- Jet boat and kayaking excursion into the incredible Bear Glacier Lagoon.
- Gold Star Service Alaska Railroad transportation between Anchorage and Seward.
- All meals and rooms including a nice hotel in Anchorage, and a very nice hotel, and restaurants in Seward. Plus, beer and wine.
- June trip is timed for what is historically a peak time for killer whales.
- Limited to only 4 guests – we will have lots of room on a modern 65 foot Bertram yacht.
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