Back from Alaska, if anyone needs info

[Needsnow]

I just returned from 2 weeks in Alaska, cruise from Vancouver to Seward, then 3 days in Seward and 4 days in Homer. If anyone wants information, I have a few wonderful things I could recommend.

My photos turned out incredible, thanks to this web and lots and lots of practice. The practice was absolutely the key. Thanks to all who answered my questions.

As for my gear. Everything worked out great.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions.

[HighPlainsPhotographer]

I am curious what the highlights of your trip were in Homer and Seward - I just returned from a week on the Kenai peninsula. The highlights of my trip would be a boat tour of Kenia Fjords NP and a visit to Katmai NP to visit the bears. Here are a couple of bear pics http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=342951

Shaun

[cfcRebel]

Hi Needsnow,

I am planning for my 1st Alaska trip for 2008/2009. As Shaun mentioned, what are the highlights of your trip in Homer, Seward and/or any places along the way? The information would definitely help me. Looking forward to seeing the photos from your trip. :)

Shaun, the bear photos are amazing. I've always wanted to photograph wild bears, especially when i went to Yellowstone but came back empty handed. Any advice on where and when i should visit in addition to Kenai NP in Alaska? Is a 10-day trip enough or a little too short?

Thanks in advance.

[Needsnow]

In Seward, the highlights were a trip to Kenai Fjords NP and hiking the Exit Glacier and trail to the Harding Ice fields. We stayed at a B&B right on Ressurection Bay and went on a small boat tour through the Fjords. It was AWESOME. I'd definitely recommend a boat that holds 15 people over a bigger boat. We saw about 8 humpback whales that day, stellar sea lions & the glaciers were in full activity.

In Homer, we stayed at a B&B with an incredible view. She books up really quickly, so let me know if you want her information. Her property is also on a daily traveled trail by bears & moose. The highlight of Homer was going tidal pooling in China Poot Bay with the Alaska Center for Coastal Studies. The brown bear viewing was out of our budget...but maybe another trip.

This picture was taken at 11:15 at NIGHT!!!!

[cfcRebel]

11:15 at night? HOLY SMOKE! :D
I guess that only happens in summer? Thanks for the information. That's very helpful.

[HighPlainsPhotographer]

Hi Needsnow,


Shaun, the bear photos are amazing. I've always wanted to photograph wild bears, especially when i went to Yellowstone but came back empty handed. Any advice on where and when i should visit in addition to Kenai NP in Alaska? Is a 10-day trip enough or a little too short?

Thanks in advance.

I saw only one black bear on the Kenai Peninsula. I took a chartered float plan trip to Katmai NP for the bear viewing. PM me if you would like some more info.

Shaun

[keenasmustard]

Needshow: Could you please give me some details of the boat tour company you went with? Did you see any otters on that trip?

[Needsnow]

http://www.alaskasaltwaterlodge.com/

They have a B&B right on the Bay. It was really, really wonderful to be able to walk on the shore in the morning/evenings. We were on a 15 passenger boat. The wildlife that we saw that day included, otters, puffins, stellar sea lions & humback whales. What was so awesome was being on a small boat that had the flexibility of doing what the passengers wanted to do that day and not being on a big commercial rig. The Captian (Keri) was super friendly and has been in the area all of her life. It was a 10/10 experience. Please let me know if you need any more information. They book up really fast, FYI.

[keenasmustard]

Thanks for the info. Checking them out right now and just waiting for them to call me.

[john62c]

Can you tell me how you "practiced" for the trip. We are going in 2 weeks and I want all the shooting tips I can get.

Thanks!

John C