Alaska By Land – Denali Part II
We saw five grizzly bears from the shuttle bus on the way towards our unit. Intimidating, much? We prepared for such encounters as best we could before setting off into the backcountry. Hiking in Denali has a few requirements. Contrary to Pacific Northwest training to walk single file along trails, Denali hikers are to spread out, preventing new trails…
Alaska By Sea
Speaking of epic, what better way to distract oneself from summer birding woes than to fly to Alaska? When I noticed ticket prices out of PDX were under $200 it was a no-brainer. I once visited The Last Frontier with my family about a decade ago, and I was long overdue for a return visit.…
Epic Summer Trip Part III: Elk Meadows
On day 3 I got greedy. I thought I should have seen more by this point. Where were the owls? Where were the Gray Catbirds? As I drove east and into the heat of the day, I stubbornly watched that small window of summer birding opportunity close. Nevertheless, I passed through gorgeous canyon scenery, laden with oaks and fir along the…