Driftwood The first week I was in Juneau (April 2013), my buddy Michelle Sydeman invited me for a walk within Eagle Beach State Recreation Area. Showcasing a white sand beach, the recreation area offers seemingly forever views of the Chilkat
According to a recent report by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, Alaska is among the fastest warming regions on Earth. In fact, 2019 was the hottest summer ever recorded in Alaska. I can attest to that as 2019 was
Surviving often requires reaching deep to find strength just to make it through to the next day. In this year of Covid-19, like many of you, I find strength, peace, solace, and spiritual renewal in wild places. Nature has its
Cover Photo ©Wally Nussbaumer for projectcoyote.org — Coyotes adapt easily to living near people. In fact, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s (ADF&G) coyote profile states, “In the wake of man’s relentless expansion into wildlife’s domain, few species have
As a naturalist/tour guide for Gastineau Guiding Company, I spend summers leading mountain hikes and glacier viewing walks through the lofty conifers of the majestic Tongass National Forest. And if that was not happiness enough, I also lead humpback whale watching
Whereas we walk thorough a meadow and see a cornucopia of colorful flowers, hundreds of years ago, Alaska’s indigenous people saw a grocery, a pharmacy, as many native plants are edible and have medicinal properties and uses. *** Many visitors
In most U.S. states, we find islands of nature surrounded by a sea of humanity. Alaska on the other hand, has islands of humanity surrounded by a sea of nature. The capital city of Juneau is a prime example. Juneau is home to
Southeast Alaska’s summer cruise ship season may be winding down for 2015, but the humpback whales’ bubblenet feeding behavior and acrobatic antics just keep going, going, going. Most of the breeching, pectoral flipper slapping, tail lobbing, peduncle slaps and spyhopping appear to be the
One of my favorite Juneau hikes traverses through the seemingly magical alpine meadows of Mt. Roberts, about 2,000 feet above sea level and downtown Juneau. Reaching the wildflower blazon meadows is a strenuous 2+ mile adventure if you are not
Want to know why I am so mesmerized by Juneau and its marine mammals? Drop into my presentation on my experiences with Alaska whales at the February meeting of the American Cetacean Society/OC meeting. It’s free to attend. Thursday, February