This trip is a cooperative effort with Arctic Wild, a first rate wilderness guiding and outfitter specializing in the North Slope of Alaska. This seven day trip will explore all the habitats north of Fairbanks from the boreal forest to the dramatic Brooks Range to the vast wetlands of the Arctic Coastal Plain. We will drive north along the Dalton Highway photographing the rolling landscape and wildlife of the boreal forest, cross the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle to the community of Wiseman at the base of the Brooks Range. We will spend two nights working out of Wiseman while we stay at a local Bed and Breakfast. These days will be spent hiking and photographing in the mountains while returning at night to a comfortable bed. The third day we will head north, cross the Brooks Range at Atigun Pass and drop down onto the north slope. Here we will enter the true arctic, the land of the caribou. We will make many stops along this phenomenal route to see rare arctic birds such as Smith's Longspur and possibly Yellow-billed Loon. We may also encounter Asiatic migrants like Yellow Wagtail, Arctic Warbler, and Bluethroat. That night we will spend at Galbraith Lake. The following morning a bush plane will shuttle us to Teshekpuk Lake. This arctic wetland is located in the National Petroleum Reserve and is a little known gem for wildlife. We will spend three days exploring this area, cameras in hand. During this time we may have the opportunity to see eiders, Snowy Owls, hundreds of Black Brant, a dozen shorebirds and other species. This is an opportunity to experience one of Earth's last great wildernesses. Teshekpuk is threatened by oil drilling and this is a chance to see, share and help defend this remarkable place. Please click here for an itinerary. For more information send me an email. To book the trip, please contact Arctic Wild.
Photography Across the Latitudes- 5 - 11 July 2008
Photo by Sharon Cummings
