Looks like Alaska to me

Pretty typical site around these parts in Alaska...lots and lots of aircraft.

Beautiful day in Palmer, Alaska

It's a gorgeous day in Palmer, Alaska. I took a walk down to the Knik River from where I am staying, and thought this view was really neat.  It took me a while to embrace the colors at this time of year, but they're actually very pretty.  The smoke is from a fire that we noticed yesterday.  It seems under control now, but it was really big last night.

Behind the scenes - Palmer, Alaska

This house in Palmer, Alaska near the Knik River is my home base for my three weeks in the state. My friend Bridget, who I graduated high school with, invited me to come stay up here at the house, after I messaged her on Facebook to try to learn about Alaska.  I hadn't seen her since the day we graduated, almost 20 years ago.  It's been a good stay so far, and I'm experiencing a different way of life than I've seen anywhere else.  Her and hey boyfriend Jeffrey have been great hosts.  I've stayed in so many neat places on this trip.  I love it.

Eklutna Lake

I enjoyed walking along Eklutna Lake in Alaska today, while chatting with my friend whose house I am staying at.  I shot a few photos, and I like this one the most because it has the best variety of colors.  I hope you enjoy it.  

Parks Highway

Parks Highway, somewhere between Talkeetna and Fairbanks, in Alaska, looking north. I shot this a few days back...a bit of what it can be like to drive through Alaska.

Nenana, Alaska

I took a few minutes to drive a few roads in Nenana, Alaska, and found this shack that apparently was occupied by people at some point...or maybe it still is?  Who knows.  I am happy with it as a photo.  I'd put it on my wall...if I had a wall.

One more Aurora shot

Aurora in the sky in Fairbanks the other night. I spent last night holed up in the hostel I am staying at, and am preparing to head back to Palmer, Alaska for the weekend.  I am quite pleased with this shot from the other night with some interesting colors in the sky.  I hope you enjoy it.

Aurora! (Pronounced like Eureka!)

Aurora Borealis just outside Fairbanks, Alaska When I booked my travel to Alaska about 6 months ago, I wondered if I'd see the Northern Lights.  It wasn't going to make or break my trip, but I was hoping it would happen.  Last night in Talkeetna, I saw a bit of them.  Tonight around Fairbanks, I saw much more.  The show didn't last long, and the clouds were messing with it, but I saw movement like I hadn't seen the night before.  I saw a streak of light move sideways across the sky, which was the highlight of it.  I'd say the whole thing for me was about 15 minutes long.  I tried to enjoy it and not be freaking out about getting the best photos.  But I think this photo came out great.  I hope you like it.

Aurora Party

I got invited to an aurora (Northern Lights) party by the river in Talkeenta, Alaska.  A big show was predicted, but it ended up being less intense than expected.  For this New York kid, it was still pretty impressive.  It was also fun to talk with so many locals.

Reality of the road - Talkeetna, Alaska

Here I am at the Talkeetna Roadhouse in Talkeetna, Alaska, 37 years old, crammed into a bunk bed I am paying $22 a night for, trying to do some work in private.   There is a common area I've done work at as well, but this evening I wanted more quiet than that. I have been eating stuff I bought at the grocery store for the most part, but I dropped a bunch of money on a scenic flight today.   My priorities on the road are pretty interesting sometimes!

Flightseeing Post #1

I went "Flightseeing" today.  It was a 2 hour or so adventure over the Alaska Mountain Range and Denali National Park, including landing on a glacier and hanging out for a bit.  Here is one photo - I'm sure there will be more to share.  :)  

Talkeetna Spur Road

I shot this tonight on Talkeetna Spur Road, which goes into Talkeetna, Alaska.  The view of Denali is quite impressive when it's not cloudy!

The Breakup

It's a nice day to walk around Talkeetna, Alaska.  Pretty clear views of Denali! I've talked with a fair number of people here, and I keep hearing the term "the breakup".  I figured out, and confirmed via google, that it means the time of year when the rivers become unfrozen and the snow melts.  Tourist season will be ramping up soon.  There aren't many other visitors around, so it's interesting for me.  It might not be the "prettiest" time of year, but I am enjoying getting a feel for how things work around here.

Matanuska Glacier

Oh yeah, I shot this the other day at the Matanuska Glacier. 

Denali

I arrived in Talkeetna, Alaska just a few hours ago, where I will be for 3 nights.  I've already made 2 trips to the river to try to see Denali.  The first time, there were clouds over the mountain, and I wasn't even sure if I was looking at the same thing.  The second time, I found this.  The clouds were still clearing, but I started to get a grasp on just how big a mountain it is.  And it's still kinda far away!  

Roadside Alaska

I shot this the other day in Palmer, Alaska.  I loved this scene, from a photography standpoint.  Amongst the natural beauty, I am still excited for my roadside style of photography that I do so often in "The Lower 48", but Alaska style.  Enjoy the photo.  Comments welcome, but political ones, I probably won't respond to.  :)  

More Matanuska Glacier

A little bit of what it's like to head towards the Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier, Alaska My hosts in Alaska took me to Matanuska Glacier today.  We walked around, I tried some ice climbing, and I took some photos.  As you can see, we weren't the only ones out there.  It was fascinating.  I couldn't take my eyes off the blue ice.

Dusty Day

Lots of dust flying around the Knik River in Alaska today.  It was pretty in its own way.  

Quick Stop

Knik River Road, Palmer, Alaska I pulled over because I liked the way the road led towards the mountain, and then I realized that these tire tracks in the road could make for a more interesting photo.  I still wasn't totally excited about it, until I showed my friend whose house I am staying at, and she informed me that she knew whose tire tracks they were, because someone she know had to slam on their brakes last year to avoid hitting a moose.  So that makes it more unique for sure.