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!!!