Alaska Overland


		Alaska Photography Tour Details
		Dates	Sep 5–14, 2009
		Leaders	Julie Eggers and Terry Eggers
		Fee	$5,195 from Anchorage, Alaska
		Deposit	$300
		Limit	16
			Terms and Conditions

The grandeur of Alaska is difficult to capture in one visit, or even a lifetime of residence! The sheer size of this immense state spans what were once four time zones. Within its vast boundary, an abundance of diverse wildlife habitats and spectacular landscapes can be seen on all sides. Nowhere else in the US can you find such majestic panoramas awaiting our focus as photographers.

Ask virtually any Alaskan and they will tell you that autumn is an unparalleled time to visit "The Last Frontier." Fall colors carpet the landscape in a living tapestry of red and gold as bearberry and cranberry of the tundra, and birch and willow of the taiga prepare for the promise of winter soon to come. Now, moose rut in the wetlands as flocks of honking Canada geese and trumpeting sandhill cranes fill the skies. Northern Lights start to become visible on many clear nights.

It is, perhaps, the best time of year to photograph Alaska’s spectacular mountains. Blue-sky days, cold nights and heavy morning frosts herald descending mountain snowlines. Quaking aspen and balsam poplar provide a "sea" of flowing foreground color and texture in counterpoint to the serrate, unyielding snowcapped peaks. Countless hours can be spent photographing the ever-changing light that falls on this land.

Alaska Overland is a classic photography road trip planned to provide a comprehensive cross-section of the heart of Alaska’s interior and dynamic coast. We explore the vast Alaska Range, sail the rich coastal waters of Prince William Sound, and feel the thundering roar of the calving Columbia Glacier. For the most part, we have time to poke around and take our time as we "cruise" the wilderness roadways in search of the "real Alaska" and, of course, great images. No Alaska experience is complete without a visit to Denali National Park and our trip includes a day-long concessionaire’s tour to get up close to the superlative Mt. McKinley.

Our journey takes us past ancient Athabascan villages, pristine tundra ponds, expansive marshes and photogenic waterfalls. We skirt the immense and scenic Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve—the largest US national park, six times the size of Yellowstone. Four major mountain ranges converge in the park, which include nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the US.

Join us on this incredible autumn overland journey as we experience a world of rushing, glacier-fed rivers, vibrant foliage of secluded wilderness valleys, and mountain peaks in such sheer numbers you’ll quickly quell your urge to learn their names! You will come away with a new understanding of the immense forces which shaped this land, great photos, and appreciation for some of the amazing history of those who came to eke out a living at the end of the road.

Day 1 (Sep 5)
We meet in the lobby of our Anchorage hotel for orientation and dinner. (D)

Day 2
Drive north photographing Athabascan Eklutna village spirit houses, the extensive wetlands along the Susitna River, and the pioneer town of Talkeetna—the inspiration for the Northern Exposure TV series. (BLD)

Day 3
We travel the Parks Highway to the entrance of Denali National Park photographing fall colors along the Susitna with potential photogenic views of Mt. McKinley. (BLD)

Day 4
A full-day concessionaire’s bus ride across Denali National Park to Kantishna and return. The vast tundra landscape should be in blazing fall color. We photograph Wonder Lake, Mt. McKinley and a variety of animals across the park. (BLD)

Day 5
Discover the Denali Highway from Cantwell to Paxon. We traverse wild and pristine tundra habitats dotted with kettle lakes and ponds. Photograph the spectacular snow-clad peaks of the Alaska Range. Overnight Glennallen. (BLD)

Day 6
We continue to Tok following the Copper River and pass through miles of unspoiled and photogenic mountain landscapes within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Return to Glennallen tonight. (BLD)

Day 7
Heading south to Valdez we shoot impressive waterfalls, the historic Copper Center Lodge roadhouse, Chugach Mountain landscapes and the photogenic Worthington Glacier. (BLD)

Day 8
A full day on and around the water of Prince William Sound as we cruise the ice-choked Columbia Glacier by chartered boat. Steller’s sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters are photographic possibilities here. (BLD)

Day 9
Depart Valdez heading north via the Glenn Highway. We stop to shoot Matanuska Glacier and dog sled teams. Overnight at scenic Sheep Mountain. (BLD)

Day 10 (Sep 14)
Return to Anchorage by noon in time for afternoon flights. (B)



	Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070 Phone: (206) 463-5383 Fax: (206) 463-5484 Email: info@photosafaris.com Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.

Alaska Overland

Alaska Photography Tour Details