Hi All,
I just came back from a week long Alaska trip. I wanted to explore the state for a long time now, but always ended up going some place else (like Patagonia, which is still very beautiful to me). Finally, this past weekend I rented an RV and with my wife drove all over the state. I gotta say, the place is just mind blowing. I had some good weather days and some bad ones, which is normal in Alaska. I've learned that August may offer some fall colors (and a lot less mosquitos) but chances of rain are 50%. So, during my staying there it rained on and off almost every day. Some people told me that the best time to go to Alaska is in May (only about 10% of chances of rain) but most roads are still closed. So, after some additional investigation I've learned that June/July is actually the best time to go even though the blood hungry mosquitos are on the full hunt (but days can be 20 or more hours long and chances of rain are still much, much smaller than in August). I have to say (again) that one week isn't enough, not even close. Next time I'll go for two or maybe even three weeks, and in July. I wanted to see Mt. Denali but nope, not this time. It was hiding in the dark rainy clouds throughout my staying - bastard
Anyway, here are a few images I was able to take while there. I added two images of animals which are part of the series, hopefully that's fine.
I'd like to thank Keith Williamson and Dave Behrens for landscape location hints and driving directions.
Greg, these are all gorgeous as usual. I kind of like the mystery of a shrouded peak, but that's me. The wolf and moose portraits are incredibly well done.
Stunning images, Greg! Numbers 2, 3, 6, and 7, are my favorites, but all of these are great. Looks like you made the most of your limited time there! Congrats!
Keith W.
kwilliam8 wrote:
Stunning images, Greg! Numbers 2, 3, 6, and 7, are my favorites, but all of these are great. Looks like you made the most of your limited time there! Congrats!
Keith W.
Thanks Keith. Yes, I tried maximizing my shooting time as much as possible. I drove 1470 miles. I had to pay extra for the milage because the company I rented my RV from allows only (included in a rental price) 400 miles. So I paid 20 cents per mile after that. It wasn't bad though as the extra (little over) a thousand miles ended up to be around $200. Anyway, I was bummed I couldn't see Mt. Denali (or McKinley). I so wanted to see it. It has this amazing shape I like. I wanted to go to the Wonder lake but midday shot isn't what I'm after. As you know bus would take me there only during the day, and I didn't want to camp at the lake (and had no tent). So instead I took the dirt Denali Highway road to Paxson. But, I'll be back there over and over. This is my favorite destination now Denali Park is nice but I also want to see the Kenai NP (I was close to it this time. This is where I took the shot of the moose and the wolf you see here). Once again, thank you for all the suggestions. I'd do the plane fly too but the weather wasn't cooperating... next time.
Is it bad that when I see Gregg's post in the forum listing, I already know I'm going to vote featured before I even click the thread to view the photos?
01Ryan10 wrote:
Is it bad that when I see Gregg's post in the forum listing, I already know I'm going to vote featured before I even click the thread to view the photos?
(but days can be 20 or more hours long and chances of rain are still much, much smaller than in August). I have to say (again) that one week isn't enough, not even close. Next time I'll go for two or maybe even three weeks, and in July. I wanted to see Mt. Denali but nope, not this time. It was hiding in the dark rainy clouds throughout my staying - bastard 
