THE BIG THREE
This photo was taken 3/21/2014. The weather was clear and the Big Three ( Mt. Hunter, Mt. Foraker, and Denali, the tallest mountain in North America at 20,320) were in there there full grandeur. Ive seen this range hundreds of times and each time I see it, I'm still amazed by the rugged beauty of the alaskan range.
Denali from the North
Just past Nielson visitor center inside Denali National Park, sits this amazing valley that sits at the base of the tallest mountain in North America. Denali sits at 20,322 feet above sea level. If you have never made a trip to Alaska, this needs to be on your list.
Middle fork of the Gulkana
FALL IN THE MIDDLE FORK
Tundra during the fall rivals the east coast of the United States in terms of fall colors. This photo is of the Middle fork of the Gulkana River. The light was magic. I can almost smell the cold crisp air from this photo.
Dusk on the Tundra
During a recent trip on the Denali Highway, I was able to get off the beaten path with 'Thor", the 6 wheel ranger. Dusk is an impressive time to see the tundra. During this trip, I was able to capture the moon, Mt. Sanford and Drum which are some of Alaska's tallest mountains. What an amazing site.
Home in the Valley
This is where I call home. My home in the Matanuska Valley is surrounded by mountains. Pioneer Peak, the crown jewel of the valley, is a vertical rise from sea level to 6,398 ft. What an amazing sight to see on a daily basis, but on those special days when the lighting is just right, its breathtaking.
Home in the Valley
In black and White.
Full Moon over Pioneer Peak
This shot was taken when the full moon rose over the Chugach mountains. Pioneer peak ( left of center) is an iconic landmark for those visiting the Matanuska Valley. Summertime in Alaska is the reason I suffer through the winters. What an amazing evening.
Ranger Country
Being able to get into the Back Country is the key to great photos. That was the case on this day. The Polaris Ranger is one trustworthy steed. Out in the back country of Alaska your life depends on quality equipment. The view from this point was breathless.
Alaska Range, Gulkana Glacier
This photo was taken off the Denali Highway near Paxson, Alaska. This just 4 of 20 photos that were stitched together. The Alaska range spans for hundreds of miles and includes North America's tallest mountain, Denali.
Matsu- Morning
A view of the Matanuska Valley with the first rays of sunshine.
DIckey Lake Sunset
About 15 miles south of the Denali Highway sits a beautiful lake that teams with Lake trout and Grayling. The area is full of Moose, Caribou, and bears. Oh ya, the sunsets are pretty magnificent as well.
noctilucent clouds
Considered the highest clouds on earth, noctilucent clouds are at the edge of space. In fact the clouds are formed by meteor dust as the meteors after our atmosphere. Only in the far north and far southern hemisphere can you see these unique clouds that glow blue.
Chugach Summer
Alaska is green in the summer. With the 24 hours of sunshine everything turns green. It seems to be enhanced after a rain storm. This photo was taken after a rainstorm.
Skilak Reflections
Skilak lake is one of the large lakes that separate the world famous Kenai river. The lake during the day can be a dangerous place to be with small crafts. This is due to the wind that will blow off the harding ice field and down to the lake. On occasion the lake is smooth as glass. This was one of those days.