Aurora Show

The skies cleared up just in time for an amazing Aurora display tonight. One of the coolest things I've ever witnessed. The colors varied in intensity and danced all over the sky.  Truly a wicked, but amazing sight!!!

 

 

Waterfalls

Iceland is truly waterfall country! There's a new one around every corner and they are massive! The spray coming off the falls is so powerful it completely soaks you, but so worth the up close views. Seljalandsfoss is neat because you can walk behind the falls. Gljufurarfoss required wading in the stream to reach the cave where the falls cascade into, but it was so worth it. And the most spectacular has to be Skogafoss (also a Mitty moment). It's enormous!

Snaefellsness Peninsula

Explored the lush mountains and rocky coastal areas in northwest Iceland around the Snaefellsjokull Glacier including a drive up to edge of the glacier which was cool. The scenery is amazing at every turn including the steeple topped Mt Kirkjufell. Also visited Stykkisholmur which was my first "Mitty" moment as this is where the helicopter/bar scene was filmed... "Ground Control to Major Tom"!  If that doesn't make sense, then watch the movie, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Iceland - The Journey Begins

Flew into Iceland Thursday morning. Finally here!!  Spent first few days around the capital city Reykjavik and visiting sights along what is known as the Golden Circle. Gullfoss waterfall is enormous with a vivid rainbow appearing in the spray. Visited the Geysir area which is similar to Yellowstone with the smelly scent of sulphur filling the air. Watched the Strokkur Geysir erupt several times. Found a really cool waterfall, Bruarfoss, that was off the beaten path, but well worth the challenge to find it. And surprisingly, got my first glimpse of the Aurora (Northern Lights) on my 2nd night here, very cool!

  

 

Polar Bears in Action

A look back at some incredible moments watching a sow and her twin cubs enjoying a leisurely walk in the snow.  So cute!!!  If the video does not appear, visit my youtube channel to view.

Last Day in Alaska

Spent the last day in Alaska around Girdwood and Whittier.  Hiked up to Portage Pass for an amazing view of Portage Glacier.  Greeted by clear skies on way back into Anchorage and could see the impressive Mt McKinley far in the distance.  A perfect ending to an amazing adventure!

Kenai Peninsula

Spent the last few days in the Kenai Peninsula touring some of the harbor towns and enjoying the amazing mountain scenery.  Seen lots of Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans.

Mountains and Moose

Finally made it off Barter Island late yesterday.  On the flight to Fairbanks, we flew over the majestic peaks of the Brooks Range at sunset. Absolutely breathtaking!  Eventually made it safely back to Anchorage.  It was a long day, but filled with some of the most unforgettable and unexpected moments of the trip!





Visited the Glen Alps area of Chugach State Park just outside of Anchorage today.  Hiked along a snow covered trail in search of moose.  Spotted moose and bear tracks along the trail.  Saw 6 moose including a Cow and Calf that were right on the trail with a small Bull trailing not far behind. 

   

Encore!

Well, unfortunately my flight was cancelled yesterday due to the blizzard so I'm still on Barter Island.  Lucky for me, it provided one more chance for me to photograph the polar bears and boy, did they put on an encore performance.  What a delight!

Final Day with the Bears

It's our last day out watching the bears.  Snow is falling and most of the bears are curled up resting and conserving energy before they head out to hunt seals in next week or so.   Today we went ashore leaving the safety of our boat and walking in the paw prints of these amazing polar bears.  It was exhilarating to look across and watch them thru the blowing snow.  Jack and Steve kept a close lookout to insure our safety.  Hard to say goodbye to the bears, but it's been a privilege to view these impressive animals in the wild!