Review October's assignment "Get Closer"

November's assignment "Leading Lines"

Our presentation is by David Swindler

The wilds of Alaska have been a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts over the years.  The diversity of scenery is truly staggering.  Rugged fjords, glaciers, and thick vegetation line the Southern coast. 

Further inland, wild rivers rage, endless craggy mountain peaks loom overhead, and rolling hills of tundra and trees beckon.  In the Arctic North, the treeless Brooks Range dominate the sky while the vast lowland plains of the North Slope eventually lead to the Arctic Ocean.  Despite these accolades, the best part of Alaska has to be the extraordinary wildlife populations that inhabit and flourish in these varied ecosystems.  Marine mammals thrive in the coastal waters. 

Mountain goats and Dall Sheep flank the high ridges and rocky moraines.
  Moose congregate in the wet lowlands and birds and raptors of all kinds can be found in certain seasons.   Coastal Brown Bears are busily catching spawning salmon while inland Grizzly Bears forage for tundra berries.

Large herds of caribou will migrate huge distances always in search of new food sources. 

In the North, polar bears congregate along Arctic Ocean waiting for the ice to freeze over while Musk Oxen dig through the snow to find food.

In this presentation, David Swindler will present a brief snapshot of the various wildlife hotspots around Alaska. 

Featured locations include Katmai National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Gates of the Arctic National Park, and the Arctic North Slope.  Various tips will be provided to help the visiting photographer get the most out of his/her visit, including budget options for those with limited resources. 

In addition to wildlife, Alaska offers stunning fall color.  The presentation will include a brief discussion on when/where to go to find the best color.  If visiting during the fall/spring equinox periods, chances are good you will see the Northern Lights on a cloudless night.  Tips for aurora watching and photographing will also be included as time permits.

The end goal of this presentation is to whet your appetite for Alaskan adventure. 

There is truly something here for everybody.  The breathtaking photographic options will inspire you for years to come.  Once you come to Alaska, you’ll definitely want to go back again and again!