The highlight of 2021 for me was to spend three days observing and photographing Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears. In the spring we took my electric vehicle on its first out of state trip to Blackwater Falls, West Virginia. The second round of waterfalls with Michael Blanchette came in October while in the Adirondacks. In between I shot some local settings, much of which has been left out, for now.
Afternoon of snow decorated the trees along Nantmeal Road.
Sycamore at the edge of French Creek.
A green spring at Elakala Falls in Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia.
The second in a series of falls at Elakala Falls in West Virginia.
Douglas Falls lie in the North Fork of the Blackwater River. The discoloration of the rocks and water come from years of coal mining.
The brown bear nose is more sensitive than a dog's. This one seems to be pointed behind him and up wind, all while checking out humans at the edge of the woods.
Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears get protean from clams while waiting for the salmon runs. This hyngry young one's coat glows in the early morning sun.
She just woke from a nap and seems a bit suspicious. In this large open meadow area, humans are just part of the scenery. However, one must not do anything that would put pressure on a bear or make them uncomfortable.
Alaskan coastal brown bears come to the sedge meadows in the early spring to graze, dig for clams and mate.
The brown bear use their claws for digging, clamming and fileting fish.
The mating ritual involves a boar following a female around the meadow. This courting stroll seems to take all day. Each time the male gets too close, she scurries away, until she finally is ready.
Alaskan coastal brown bears are very large, usually ranging in weight from 800 to 1,200 lb (360 to 540 kg).
Even with his cancer, Skye remains a happy dog and gives our family much joy to see him prance.
Evening ferris wheel waits for riders at the July Carnival, our latest attraction at the Ludwig's Corner Show grounds.
Wiskey Brook Falls in the Adirondack Mountains
Kayaking on Lewey Lake in the Adirondacks
Thirteenth Brook in the Adirondack Mountans
Harvey Road shed in New York's Adirondacks
Rodgers Road
Adirondack fall colors across old granet mine tailings.in late afternoon light
Adirondack fall colors across old granet mine tailings.in late afternoon light
Fall reflections on Widover Lake in the Adirondacks.
Fall color in Chatiemac Lake Area