Alaska and Beyond

We were visiting a state park near Haines, Alaska, when a crowd of people moved towards us rather rapidly. They said there was a brown bear walking along the lakeshore and they were getting out of the way. We set up our long telephoto lenses on our cameras, and took a look around. Indeed this bear was walking the shoreline, and we managed to get some interesting views. OK, now for the Sunday Challenge . I noted from the invitation that the subject could be an actual "sliding door" or some such object, or could be a moment in one's life where a simple decision could have a major effect. Of all the photos I've posted to Ipernity, this would be the nearest to a "sliding door" moment. We drove into the parking lot of the state park, and took our cameras out for some photo opportunities. I was first out, while Sandra gathered her equipment. I turned right, and walked to the hill overlooking the lake and river. There was the bear, and this is the photo. If I had turned left, I would have walked right into the path of this grizzly bear, and who can predict the outcome of that collision. On review, I consider many such "sliding door" experiences in my life, but I cannot immediately find any other photos that would express them. That is a bit ironic, since it seems like I had a camera around my neck for most of my youth, from 15 years old and onward.

Taken on our 2007 cruise in Alaska. This is just one sight in College Fjord. The glaciers and mountains are quite spectacular. We later discovered that most of the time, the sun does not shine here, and the fjord is often shrouded in fog and mist.

Paddle wheel on the steamboat Nenana , at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. Now she is preserved and sitting on dry land. Image processed with GIMP. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nenana_(steamer)

During our wandering around downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, I came upon this sign, fence, and rails. We have ridden on the Alaska Railroad, quite an experience. I hadn't given much thought about the beginning and end of this rail line. Image processed with GIMP.

Enjoy a rest on the benches at the old Kettle Falls, Washington, railway station. It is now the local Visitors Center. Image processed with GIMP. A photo of the city WELCOME sign, very amusing: www.ipernity.com/doc/2543754/51755992

When you enter the nice town of Kettle Falls, you see this sign. Apparently everyone is friendly EXCEPT the one grouch. Image processed with GIMP A photo of the VIsitors Center: www.ipernity.com/doc/2543754/51755918

Lakeside view of the Grandview Lodge, Priest Lake, Idaho. A recent check shows that this classic lodge has been permanently closed. Back in the day (2012, anyway), this was the type of rustic lodge people visited for a summer vacation. This picture was taken from the lake side. There were boats and a dock just behind us. And, yes, this beautiful location was visited by us, right after our Alaska trip. Image processed with GIMP.

On the grounds of Pioneer Park, Fairbanks, are several historic buildings. They were moved there from their original sites. This is a large log building (not really a cabin....) Image processed with GIMP