Misty Mountains

It's getting warmer here in the desert and Alaska is sounding might cool right about now.  Especially those mornings when the mist hangs softly in the air.  It is so quiet and peaceful, the whole experience is very surreal. 

"Misty Mountains"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Alaskan Totem

Big, bold and pristine.  Those are words I use to describe Alaska.  It's a beautiful state and if you haven't been there yet, put it on your bucket list.  I'm impressed with Alaskan art. They use very few symbols and usually tell a story in the works they create. 

"Alaskan Totem"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

View from the Porthole

Cruising Alaska is spectacular.  From the raw beauty of the land to the isolation of this awesome scenery.  But it's great to wake up in the morning and be greeted with a close up view of Vassar Glacier.  All the glaciers in this fjord like area are named after colleges. 

"View from the Porthole"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

A Study in Red and White

Flowers are my passion and everywhere I travel I'm searching out subjects to photograph.  Sometimes the light isn't as perfect as I'd like but when it's your only chance, you've got to go for it.  These red nasturtiums nicely framed the white flowers and I knew it'd be a while before I'd be back to Skagway, Alaska, so I did the best I could.

"Study in Red and White"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

Skagway Junk

Being an old mining town, Skagway, Alaska retains a lot of it's historic character. It was the starting point during the gold rush to the Yukon Trail. Miners were required by the Canadian government to bring 2,000 lbs. of supplies over White Pass before they would permit them to cross the border. That's one ton to be carried by sled, man or any other method. It was a narrow trail and took the would-be-miners many trips to get all their gear to the top. I'm sure glad they had a train for me to take to the summit.

"Skagway Junk" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Cool Waters

It was hot today, with temperatures pushing 110, I thought the image of a cool Alaskan glacier feeding into Glacier Bay would make me feel better.

"Cool Waters" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Ketchikan Mutt

He was waiting patiently outside the bookstore on Creek Street for his master.

"Ketchikan Mutt" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Ketchikan Totem

Art takes many forms and this beautiful carved totem in Ketchikan, Alaska, is a wonderful example of Native craftsmanship. Tales are told in these tall sculptures and their stylized shapes and forms are unique to this part of North America.

"Ketchikan Totem" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Yukon Spirit

While in Skagway, Alaska several years ago, I was taken with the colorful bunting and flags flying above the station for the White Pass-Yukon Railway. This was the starting point for the big Yukon gold rush. The White Pass was steep, narrow and treacherous and the Canadian Mounties required anyone going to the gold fields over the pass to have 2,000 lbs. of food and other gear to sustain them once they made it over the top. This was a tough trip before the railroad was built and was usually carried or drug up the narrow pass, normally taking several trips to get everything to the top. Since today is Veterans Day, I thought the red, white and blue was appropriate.

"Yukon Spirit" © Kathy Dunham 2008

River of Ice

It was a bit warm today, so to cool off I decided to enjoy my photos of Alaska. Nothing like a river of ice to drop the temperature a bit, even if it is only psychological. I always enjoy cruising the Inside Passage of our 49th state. It's a great way to see the unspoiled beauty of the wild.

"River of Ice" © Kathy Dunham 2008

After the Rain

Since Alaska's been in the news lately I remembered this rose I captured after an early morning rain in Juneau.

"After the Rain" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Pot Bellied Planter

I love flowers and thought this was a creative use of something meant for the junk pile. This lovely beauty is in the garden of the Skagway Inn in Alaska. They have raised flower and vegetable beds that produce a wonderful a bounty of color and veggies. Stop by the next time you're in Skagway, they're on the main drag.

"Pot Bellied Planter" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Pride of America

For the past two years I have spent part of the summer cruising the waters of Alaska, teaching painting and drawing to passengers on cruise ships. It's a great way to cool off from the summer heat and I never tire of it's beauty. The air is so clear and the glaciers, mountains and wildlife are stunning. A must see for all. It's wonderful to see the Bald Eagle, our national bird, flying free amongst the tall trees and over the waters of the Inside Passage. This eagle isn't so lucky. He's in a rehab center in Ketchikan and is not able to be released into the wild due to an injury. I will never understand why anyone feels the need to shoot these American beauties.

"Pride of America" © Kathy Dunham 2008