Not Yet

We had heard that the aspens were beginning to turn up at Flagstaff, so we headed up there yesterday to see what we could see. As you can tell from the photo, there are signs that Fall is on its way, but we will have to make a return trip to see the aspens in all their glory. Have I mentioned that Fall is my favorite season?

The Swoop

The Swoop

Today’s image is yet another in my series of gulls captured with intentional camera movement. This gull was photographed “mid-swoop” as it flew over Katsitsna Bay in the early evening. The unpredictability of the result is a big part of the fun of doing this type of photography.

Night Wings

Night Wings

I just finished reading the deep, dark, soulful Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy for our book group. There is beautiful, evocative writing, an intriguing plot, some romance and tragedy- all within the framework of the last migration of arctic terns in a time when climate change has wreaked havoc on the animal kingdom. I didn’t set out to create this image in response to what I read, but the subconscious is an amazing thing. And I highly recommend the book!

Otter

Otter

Seeing otters is always a major highlight of any boat trip in Alaska, and we were able to see quite a few off Gull Island. Otters are always special to our family, because our oldest grandson was fascinated with them beginning when he was very little and continuing throughout his childhood. Now that he is a teenager living in Alaska, otters have become less exotic to him- but no one can really resist watching the playful antics of these delightful creatures.

Seldovia

Our cabin at Between Beaches was about ten miles from Seldovia, so we took the local taxi over there to have lunch on the boardwalk. The taxi driver let us out by the bridge so I could photograph the iconic houses on stilts. I was disappointed to see no water- the tide was out. But when we returned after our lunch, the tide was coming back in, so I was able to take a few shots.

Golden Path

Golden Path

The highlight of each day of our stay in the Alaska cabin was sunset. The days were long, but around 11 pm, the sun would start its descent. We sat outside watching the gulls and eagles making their last fishing forays- such a peaceful way to end the day.

Photography note- The sky was not this dark (it’s Alaska in the summer!). I chose to underexpose in order to keep the shape of the sun- an artistic choice.