Some Shots from Prince William Sound

[NorthernFocus]

Though still homeless awaiting our move to new quarters, we took time to get out on the boat to enjoy some of the extraordinarily warm/dry summer that we're having this year. We spent eight days on the water and all save the last day were sunny. That many consecutive days of sun on PWS is very unusual. Managed a few photos along the way.

On day one we ran across a pod of orcas (aka killer whales). We saw them ahead traveling on the opposite heading from us so simply shut down the engine and waited for them to pass by.

1) A large male with a slightly crooked fin.


2) A female and a couple of youngsters. I ignored them while shooting the male then barely grabbed a couple of snap shots that were poorly framed.


On the evening of day one while we were picking blueberries, Grace found a young porcupine and came away with a couple dozen quills in her nose, lips, and gums. It took a couple of hours and quite a struggle to get them all pulled. First thing next morning we found what was presumably one of the parents in a tree. We were lucky this isn't the one she had her encounter with.

3) He/she was in an (photographically speaking) awkward spot in the tree. It was early morning requiring high ISO shooting so not optimum IQ.


4) I never was able to get a direct look from the critter and had to work to find gaps in the trees to shoot through.


5) We passed a beach full of Stellar's sea lions waiting for the salmon run.


6) And watched some eagle fishing.


7) We sat in our kayak and watched a pair of oystercatchers feed their young. These were shot with a D500, 300mm f4E, and 1.4x TC. I'm quite pleased with the results from that combo.


8) One of the juvies trying to down a big meal.


9) We spent one night by a reversing waterfall. On the rising tide the falls flow into a lagoon and on the falling tide it flows out into the bay. This shot was taken from our boat at anchor. I was too lazy to go ashore for some proper shots of the falls.


10) Just some morning light in an anchorage towards the end of the trip.


11) And Grace was none the worse for wear from her porcupine encounter and my bumbling surgical skills.

[JBW]

#10 makes me sooooo lonesome for the coast

[NorthernFocus]

#10 makes me sooooo lonesome for the coast

It is a unique coastline, isn't it?

[JBW]

It is a unique coastline, isn't it?

From Queen Charlotte Sound up it is a world apart.

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[Ziggy]

Just a special series Dan and I bet Grace learned a valuable lesson.

[wrench]

Beautiful shots.

[NorthernFocus]

...I bet Grace learned a valuable lesson.

We certainly hope so. What I've observed is that after "encountering" porcupines, dogs tend to do one of two things. They either never go near another one or they spend the rest of their lives trying to get even with each encounter getting worse. We certainly hope Grace doesn't go down that road. We were lucky this time in that the youngster's small quills were relatively easy to extract. And apparently it hadn't yet learned the tactic of whipping its tail at an attacker. The quills of a mature animal driven home with a thrash of its tail can be quite nasty.

[Mike Buckley]

As always, an informative and beautiful series.

[LePetomane]

Those are beautiful pictures. And Grace sure is a good looking GSP. My daughter has two of them and they are runts but good hunters.

[Wavelength]

Excellent set of images.......not a single one as "just another shot"

[Dave Humphries]

Interesting series Dan,

I am glad you're able to keep in touch.

Thanks for sharing, Dave

[pnodrog]

Good series - when you come to NZ don't forget to bring a camera...

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you folks enjoyed the post.

Good series - when you come to NZ don't forget to bring a camera...

Not to worry, Paul, something more than the cell phone and mirrorless travel kit will make the trip. We've been waiting eight years to get back down there

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Thanks for sharing Dan, excellent shots.

[BrianA61]

Dan, you live in a target rich environment for photographers. I've only made one trip to Alaska and could've easily worn out my camera had I stayed longer than my 10 days. I am officially jealous of your living conditions even if you're between dwellings. Well, at least the living conditions this time of year. All great shots, but, my faves are #7, 10 and 11. Great looking dog, btw.

[xpatUSA]

Dan, you live in a target rich environment for photographers.

+1 to that!! Like thumbing through National Geographic, only better

I've only made one trip to Alaska and could've easily worn out my camera had I stayed longer than my 10 days.

My two trips to Alaska involved working 'off-shore' near Deadhorse (such fun) and only a few snaps with the Praktica MTL3 film camera to show for it. Must dig out the negs and scan them one day . .

[rpcrowe]

Wonderful captures. I am glad that Grace has recovered!

[IzzieK]

Me too -- those quills must have hurt, just look at his expression. Let's hope he will be careful next time...I can't help but smile, sorry Grace...he is more an enjoyable creature. Anyway, my favourite here is #10 of course with those rim lights hitting that rock. Beautiful.

[Rita]

Beautiful series Dan.