This mini iceberg reminded me of a reclining ice maiden floating in the glacial waters of Spencer Lake.
Glacier!
The day before we flew home from Alaska, we took a 10-15 minute Alaska Railway train ride (fun!) with our family to the trailhead for the walk to Spencer Glacier. This spectacular glacier cascades down the mountain to Spencer Lake and these magnificent icebergs. When I converted this photo to black and white, the mountain behind disappeared in shadow, giving the impression of a night view.
Low Tide
We were lucky to have a great view from our little hotel in Homer. I especially was fascinated by the beach at low tide, which is displayed in this evening view of the Homer Spit with the mountains and glaciers in the background.
Glacial
One of the highlights of our trip to Alaska was seeing glaciers. Many glaciers. And a few up close!
This was our third visit to Portage Lake since the kids moved to Alaska- but the first time we have taken the boat ride across the lake to see the glacier! While Caitlin and Lonnie were buying tickets, the boys and I walked down to the water’s edge, and I was able to take this shot featuring one of the large chunks of ice floating in the lake.
We’re NOT moving!
These two sleepy otters were not the least bit perturbed by the approach of the Anna D. in the harbor at Homer!
Fireweed Impressions
Fireweed had just begun its bloom when we were in Alaska. I used a slow shutter speed with my iPhone to create this impressionist style image.
Homer From Above
We took a morning drive above the town to get a different perspective. Here is a view of Kachemak Bay, the mountains and glaciers beyond, and the Homer spit.
Fish and Chips. . . and a Hound Dog
Another interesting sight on the Homer Spit . . .
Wooden Boat Society
I came upon an amazing sight as we drove along the Homer Spit- old, rickety boats tied up or sitting amidst the wildflowers by the path along Kachemak Bay. After we ate dinner one night, I had Lonnie drop me off so I could walk along and take photos. At least one of the boats looked like someone lived in it or had lived in it. There was a small sign that said Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Society, so I googled it and discovered it is a non-profit organization “dedicated to sharing the history, preservation, and creation of wooden boats and maritime traditions. ” So cool! They have a wooden boat festival on Labor Day, but I don’t know if these boats are part of it or not.
I found this boat particularly appealing.
On the Spit
One of the features of Homer, Alaska is the Homer Spit- a narrow strip of land extending out into Kachemak Bay. It is lined with shops and places to eat, and has a harbor where fishing boats take off and return all day long. Here is a view of one of the rows of shops and eateries.
Wildflowers, Sea, and Mountains
We stopped at a viewpoint as we approached Homer- gorgeous!
Still More Glaciers
A view from the top- Alyeska ski resort
Revisited
I haven’t been doing much shooting lately- so thank goodness there are dozens of unprocessed photos to go through. Here’s a photo from last summer of the Matanuska River in Alaska.
OMG Another Bird!
Yes, another bird- and another artsy fartsy bird at that! This is a ptarmigan, perhaps a female or a juvenile (can’t remember), and it is the state bird of Alaska. This info is courtesy of my Park Service son-in-law, so I am breaking with my policy of not identifying birds, because I’m always wrong- or at least I believe everyone who identifies a bird incorrectly for me. Crossing my fingers here. . .
It was our youngest grandson, Henry who spotted it as we were walking a trail at the Nature Center. It was motionless in the grasses and probably scared out of its mind. I said, “Oh, look a grouse!” We all gathered on the trail watching it, as I snapped 4 or 5 shots. Then Justin gave the command to Penny, the golden retriever, who promptly flushed it out and away flew the grouse/ptarmigan/chicken(?) into the woods.
I gave it the clipping mask and stroke treatment, because it’s fun and I just can’t stop doing it. . .
Nature’s Watercolor
Like every other photographer, I’m drawn to reflections. This one caught my eye at the Eagle River Nature Center in Alaska. I loved the contrast between the bits poking above the surface of the water and the watercolor swirls beneath.
melinda anderson photography 