About time I shared some pictures, so here's a look at my most recent photography bonanza:
After spending all summer in hot and humid Virginia, it was a welcome change to finally make it up to the Last Frontier to shoot some Floaties, Cargo Heavies and Alaskan birds during the peak of the Autumn season. For those of you who have been, you know that the weather up there is very finicky and you can't always rely on the forecast. So, when I managed to get a nice stretch off from work I hopped the next bird bound for Alaska, fingers crossed the sun would show itself. -- In the course of 6 days I shot over 55 gigs worth of pictures. perhaps an indication of the alaska spotting withdrawl I've been suffering from? Ha!
When I touched down in ANC, the forecast for ANC was crap and FAI was indicating partly cloudy. So, what does a spotter do? Ran on up to FAI for a 2 day stay! And what a lovely two days it turned out to be. I visited Chena Marina Float pond and Fairbanks International. Please enjoy the following sample from the Interior:
Old MD82 on the ramp at FAI now waiting to enter service as a freighter for Everts.
You just can't beat the light! It looked so good on this 1957 C-182 Skylane.
Another cheerful floatie hustling to get up on "the step" at Chena Marina.
Cutting the glass at FAI.
A quick note about Fairbanks and security. The general aviation side of the field has no fences between the public road and the flight operations area. (Anyone follow the news about people driving onto runways at Fairbanks lately while following their iPhone App?) There is no gate to get out there and shoot. Infact, they have a WELCOME sign when you pull up to the float pond. But, that's not to say they aren't vigilant. I did get a call from the Fairbanks Police at the end of my second day of shooting. They told me I was technically trespassing because I wasn't with an aircraft owner or had prior permission from Airport Operations or Police. They let me off with a warning but told me (and anyone who comes to shoot FAI) to give them a call in advance. This is the # for the Police they told me to use: (907) 474-2530. You've been warned!
Okay, for those who came to see JET-A jumbos and a DC6 photo this next set is for you.
Also, a quick note about wildlife: In order to get these photos, I had encounters with 3 bull moose, 5 cows and 3 calves and a black bear around the ANC airport. (Almost had to clean my pants after the black bear came to say hello about 20 feet from me.) Just a few days before I went up to Alaska, they had to shoot and kill a Bull Moose that had charged some highschool cross country runners at a local park just outside the ANC fence. So, it's no joke that you're putting yourself out there when you come shoot in Alaska. You're on their turf!
Just how every photog likes to start his day, CLOUDS!
Geese flying over head heralded the arrival of the sun! - Note the fledgeling flanking the flock; and the leader, taking a massive dump! lol
No mistaking this girl when she comes out to play. An Alaskan staple!
Here we go, time for some BIG Birds
A Phoenix Air G-III was in town.
Bro, Do You Even Lift?
I never pass up a chance to bag this girl.
Lyndwn dropping in after a morning out-n-back.
After some lunch, a quick stop by Lake Hood to see how things were shaping up. (Unfortunately, I was very slow at Lake Hood this trip)
Clouds moved in, but that didn't quiet my shutter
But then it popped back out, with a fury!
Oops!
Maybe my favorite capture of the day
Okay, I'm pooped. Don't have the energy to sort through the next two days at ANC. I'll get around to them if y'all are interested.
Hope you enjoyed the photos!
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