CAPTURING ALASKA

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

 

Grizzly Bears: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

 

   We had some family up from Seattle for the Thanksgiving holiday last weekend. After stuffing ourselves on the big day several of us were looking forward to getting out and exploring some Alaska!

 I especially was looking forward to getting out and shooting something for the fun of it. I've been doing a lot of inside assignment work lately. It's great for the work aspect but my true love is shooting outdoors.

   We've had plenty of fresh snow recently which was great. I was hoping for some clear skies so our guests could get a full on view of how stunning our state is. I like to show off Alaska when I get the chance! Well, the weather wasn't perfect but we all still wanted to head out. I decided to head to Portage Valley. The drive, when clear, is visually stunning and there are plenty of places to tromp through the snow and there's a nice easy hike up to Byron glacier. What makes it all even better is the fact that the Portage Glacier Lodge serves the best criss-cross fries in the state to go along with their delicious soups and sandwiches.

   We did some exploring and filled up on hot food. The weather wasn't clearing, in fact it was starting to snow, so we decided to check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which lies right at the entrance of the Portage Valley road on the Seward Highway. At the gate we were told that all of the animals were out and about except for the bears. They were already tucked away for the winter. Not the best news for out-of-towners who would love to see bears but the moose were still exciting and we decided to enter.

  With the snow and the oncoming darkness there weren't many people around. This is a nice change. In summer you sometimes have to stay one step ahead of the hoards flowing out of the tour buses.

 After getting right up close and personal with the moose and Elk we decided to drive down to the area where the Grizzly's usually were. We got lucky! All three Grizzly's were out and there wasn't anyone else around!

  It was such a treat to shoot the bears with the snow falling. Even though they are captive it's still awesome to be around them in a natural setting, hearing them breathe, having them stare at you through the snowfall.

  It was pretty cold and my companions retired to the car but I couldn't resist the opportunity and stayed out until they slowly rambled out of site. Maybe for the last time this year.

  Here are a few of my favorites plus a few others from the day.