Monday, March 12, 2012

Crows, Ravens, Iditarod, Northern Lights, and of Course Snow!!



It's been ages since I have posted on my blog!!!
I have been so busy with work
and the days have just flown by,  I can't believe it's already March!!
I hope you enjoy this mixed up little post filled with some photos that will 
fill you in on what I have been up to.

Every winter I try to sneak up on ravens and crows and take pictures 
of them.  They are very wary and it's tough to get close to them.
As you can see from the first photo if you offer a crow a french fry you might just
get a nibble.  This particular crow was so pleased with his prize!!!

The bottom photo is of a raven.  I have been trying to get close to one of these
for over a year.  They look almost exactly the same as a crow, but larger.  
These birds are very smart and they don't let you get very close!


I have been taking walks with my camera, even though it's still 
pretty cold out.  We were down to about -3 below last night in
Cooper Landing.  It's still very cold in Alaska and spring
is still several months away.  We have had a record snowfall this winter
so I'm wishing for a really warm summer!


Of course when you live in Alaska there is no getting away from moose!
They are starting to feel the long winter and I'm sure they are just as 
anxious as I to be done with it and see green grass again!


This bottom photo was taken on the shores of Kenai, where the river meets the
ocean!  As you can see, it's still icy!


I'm sure other parts of the United States are witnessing cherry blossoms
and tulips, but not us!!


While I was in Kenai, I took this photo of the Russian Orthodox Church.
There are several Russian Orthodox Churches on the Peninsula and
they are all very beautiful.




The surrounding area reminded me of snowy sand dunes. White 
wastelands of snow instead of sand.




At night the active suns solar flares have brought the Northern Lights to our doorstep.
Beautiful moving sheets of green in the sky.  
This is one of my first Northern Light photos, and it gives you an idea of what they
look like.  








I also have spent a lot of my time watching the last great race on earth, 
the Iditarod.




It's become a very big event in Alaska!!




This race starts in Anchorage and many Alaska Natives come in from remote
villages to enjoy the activities.  
I am always amazed at the beautiful clothing the Eskimos wear.  An assortment
of different furs, beads and headdresses.  All handmade with 
 the up most of care.  


Next year I'm going to take a couple of days and photograph the different 
parkas that the Natives wear to town.  
  

The hats alone will keep me busy!!


And then there are snow sculptures!!!!


And fur auctions!!!


And at the end of the day........there is usually a wonderful sunset in
this land of cold!!!  Maybe tonight I will be treated to another 
round of Northern Lights!

This land of cold really captures your heart!!
Now I hope that spring will warm it!!!



8 comments:

  1. So nice to see you back again! I love your photos of the ravens and crows! They are so fun to watch. I wish I could get more close ups - but they always hop away.

    I went to the ceremonial start of the Iditarod several years ago and then went to the official start! Both were lots of fun!

    We still are cold here, but not as cold as you. We have had some cloud cover so have missed the Northern Lights, but it is kind of clear tonight. Of course, I am pretty sleepy, so I might miss them again!

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  2. I so enjoyed this photo mix, all of them so interesting! - I am wondering if we even have ravens around here..plenty of crows though. - That ice sculpture is amazing, Wow! - Hope you see some signs of Spring soon...we have a little snow on the ground this morning! xo

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  3. Wow, wow, wow, Chris, absolutely amazing pictures once again and so much fun to see all the different animals and traditions etc. Thank you! :-)

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  4. Oh wow! You have shown Alaska in a most beautiful way.Thanks for sharing your world with me in this way.

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  5. Hi Chris,

    It must be difficult living in Alaska too with the cold and old that snow. You have to love nature!! Your photo's look beautiful; the river, the northern lights and the Iditarod. What a spectacle!

    Happy day!

    Madelief x

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  6. Your camera turns into your paint brush just beautiful....

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  7. When were you in Kenai - did you eat at Veronicas? OK, Chris, let me know next time and we WILL get together for that play day you talk about. Hugs. K

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  8. wow, your world is full of beauty! happy springtime to you!

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