By the bears

Right after an approx. one-hour flight and checking in to the lodge, the tour starts. We move around on trailers pulled by ATV’s in the Lake Clark National Park. That way we are agile and quickly at the right place. Soon the guests are rewarded with the first bear sightings.

We spend three nights in Lake Clark National Park. Weather is beautiful and almost too warm for Alaska. Nevertheless, the bears are regularly active and there is a lot to observe and of course to photograph. Two young males’ practice friendly fighting again and again. A female catches the first salmon, it is the beginning of salmon migration. Our stay is rounded off with a boat trip to an island where puffins live. Photographing the nimble birds is demanding, but everyone enjoys it.

Because of the exceptionally beautiful weather and the many sightings with highly active bears, Jeff and I have already christened the group as  “the lucky group”. The name should prove true many times during the further course of the trip.

Glaciers, whales, sea otters and much more

For the next day we have chartered a boat, just for our group, for a trip to the Prince William Sound. The boat is big with enough with space for everyone, especially for taking pictures. We start our tour through the fjords of the Prince Williams Sound in a beautiful weather. The landscape is incredibly beautiful. Waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers alternate.

We go ashore for a beautiful spot where the fireweed is still in full bloom. Later we make another stop at a lagoon near glaciers. In between we have again and again opportunities to take pictures of wildlife – whales, seals, different birds, and as a highlight the cute sea otter. Tired but happy we drive in the evening back to the hotel.

Tangible moose

As on for all our photo tours, we count on local knowledge. We hired Jeff, a local professional photographer, as our guide. Thanks to his insider know-how and his connections, we are always able to offer our guests things that would otherwise not be possible. Shortly before the start of the tour, Jeff was informed by a colleague that a moose would be observed in the vicinity of Anchorage this year, much earlier than usual. Since these animals are often only active in the early morning, we had to leave the hotel very early. During the drive we had a small breakfast in the van. After arriving at our destination above Anchorage, Jeff discovered a moose in the valley after only a few minutes. After about 15 minutes’ walk, we are pleased to discover that not only one, but three moose are eating there peacefully. Slowly we stalk until we have optimal positions for taking pictures. A great experience to see the animals so close! After intensive photograph session we drive back to Anchorage, where we had a well-deserved “real” breakfast. Hungry stomachs were filled with fried eggs, bacon and/or pancakes and French toast.

Glaciers and lagoons from the air

The next highlight was already waiting us the next day. We had chartered two helicopters for our group. On one side the doors were taken out. Each photographer is sitting in pole position to take the best pictures. “The lucky Group” has also booked best weather for today. After a spectacular early morning flight over glaciers we land at the edge of a lagoon, where we spend half a day taking pictures, hiking and sunbathing. After the flight back we drive to Matanuska Valley. On the way we see again few moose and it starts to rain for a change. We spend the evening in the cosy lodge. After intensive days, the rain allowed everybody to have a well-deserved break.

The next morning the grey clouds had already again disappeared. We drove a short distance for a beautiful lake. The fog mixed with the warm first light of the sunrise made great “Moody” pictures possible.

Mountain is calling

The journey continues towards Talkeetna. Some of the participants have booked an optional sightseeing flight for the late afternoon. The conditions are wonderful. Mount Denali is visible in its full glory. This is a highlight for every Alaska traveller.

The next morning we drive to the entrance of Denali National Park. We stop on the way to take some pictures, as Denali shows itself from its best side again.

At the park entrance we board into the bus that takes us to our Lodge, which is located inside the park. On the way there are repeatedly photo stops. Besides Denali there are beautiful landscapes, caribou, and a moose to photograph.

We spend four nights in Denali National Park. We have a privilege of exploring the park by bus, which is exclusively used by our group. After ten mostly genuinely nice and warm days in Alaska the weather is changing. After many great experiences this is not bad, especially since we are travelling in a pleasantly dry bus and had great wildlife encounters again and again. Wildlife appreciate slightly cooler weather and are highly active. We see and photograph grizzlies, black bears (a rarity in Denali National Park), caribou, moose, foxes and much more. After exhausting days, we take a break and enjoy the cosy fireplace in our comfortable cabins. The camp staff spoils us with culinary delights, and everyone enjoys their stay in the heart of the Denali National Park to the fullest.

Before returning home, we spent a night in Talkeetna, where we were rewarded on the last morning with a beautiful sunrise with Mount Denali in its full glory.

The tour with many great experiences and the cheerful guests in a very harmonious group, was great fun. We are already looking forward to the photo tour in Alaska next year.