Fairbanks to Healy post 3 of 16

June 23, 2018

Flush with our newfound wealth from the panning experience, we were ready to move on to new adventures. We boarded the bus in Fairbanks and headed south, destination Healy, AK. Halfway there we took a rest stop, and of course I took some photos:


Clearly, a winter-time vehicle. I wonder how fast one has to travel in order to be able to turn?

Anyway, same spot, I noticed a mangarage, Alaska-style. Count the toys and weep, gentlemen:


It is my understanding that these types of traps are still legal, although they are rather cruel. We were told they are banned for use at the bear-size level, but only, apparently, because they are so powerful they present a danger to the human trying to set it. I say, Darwin rules:


Once ensconced in the luxury of the Princess Denali Hotel, I took an awesome photo tour with Terry Boyd, tboydphoto.com who was exceptional. He introduced me to gradient neutral density filtration which I will explain momentarily. He also introduced me to some moose:


This one I call "Duck, Duck, Moose!" but it should be duck moose moose, as one can see mama and the baby. But that molting coat of mama... wow!

This next one was shot right next to Parks Highway. We stood at the shoulder of the road opposite our direction of travel, and the stream is behind the moose. When she started moving our way, Terry pulled the plug and made us retreat to his pickup:


I learned that using a gradient neutral-density filter can help control an overpowering sky (exposure-wise) to balance a landscape shot. It also serves to provide detail and definition in the sky. This shot of the encroaching storm was taken off Denali Highway, just off Parks Highway, near Cantwell, AK:


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