Just a pic a day, more or less, from The Great Land, and maybe a few from Yukon and BC, too.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Friday, October 15, 2010

2010.10.15
Jonesville Mine Road at Eska, vicinity Sutton, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 25, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/200 second ===> 0.005 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 63/10 ===> ƒ/6.3
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:25 13:14:28
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:25 13:14:28
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 500948/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/200 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 348042/65536
Aperture = ƒ/6.3
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 300/1 mm ===> 300 mm


Here's our ptarmigan friend again, getting ready to chase me down the road.

David 

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

2010.10.13
Steller's Jay at Porcupine Campground, vicinity Hope, Alaska
Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 20, 2009.  EXIF info:

Camera = Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 10/2200 second ===> 1/220 second ===> 0.00455 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 280/100 ===> ƒ/2.8
# Exposure Program = normal program (2)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 200
# EXIF Version = 0220
# Original Date/Time = 2009:09:20 11:05:27
# Digitization Date/Time = 2009:09:20 11:05:27
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Compressed Bits per Pixel = 15/10 ===> 1.5
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 780/100
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/222.86 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 300/100
Aperture = ƒ/2.83
# Brightness (APEX) = 484/100
Brightness = 28.64 foot-lambert
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/100 ===> 0
# Max Aperture Value (APEX) = 300/100 ===> 3
Max Aperture = ƒ/2.83
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Light Source / White Balance = unknown (0)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 4680/100 mm ===> 46.8 mm


South-central Alaska doesn't have a huge diversity of birds, but an encounter with a Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is always memorable.


David 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

2010.10.12 
Devil's Club at Porcupine Campground, vicinity Hope, Alaska
Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 22, 2009.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/60 second ===> 0.01667 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 320
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2009:09:22 13:49:11
# Digitization Date/Time = 2009:09:22 13:49:11
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 387114/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/60 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 55/1 mm ===> 55 mm


Devil's Club is ubiquitous in the woods of south-central Alaska. It is often one of the first harbingers of our all too short fall.


David 

Monday, October 11, 2010

2010.10.11 
Independence Mine, vicinity Hatcher Pass, Alaska
Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 26, 2009.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/100 second ===> 0.01 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 14/1 ===> ƒ/14
# Exposure Program = aperture priority (3)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 100
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2009:09:26 14:13:19
# Digitization Date/Time = 2009:09:26 14:13:19
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 435412/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/100 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 499038/65536
Aperture = ƒ/14
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = partial (6)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 77/1 mm ===> 77 mm


Independence Mine is located north of the Hatcher Pass Road close to the summit. It's usually winter up here by the end of September, and last year was no exception. A plus- I can see the peaks in this area from out in front of my house.


David 

Saturday, October 9, 2010

2010.10.09 
Turnagain Arm along Hope Cutoff, vicinity Hope, Alaska
Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 19, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/25 second ===> 0.04 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 14/1 ===> ƒ/14
# Exposure Program = aperture priority (3)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 100
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:19 14:07:54
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:19 14:07:54
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 304340/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/25 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 499038/65536
Aperture = ƒ/14
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = partial (6)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 85/1 mm ===> 85 mm


The Turnagain Arm mudflats are accessible from several points along the Hope Cutoff road for about four miles/6.5 kilometers before you reach the village of Hope.  This body of water has the largest tidal range in the United States- on average about 30 feet/9.2 meters.  That ought to give anyone pause who might think about venturing onto the mudflats, which are the site of several rescue efforts to free stuck adventurers every year.  Sadly, some are not successful.


David 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

2010.10.07
Alsek Range south of the Alaska Highway, vicinity Haines Junction, Yukon

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 7, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/125 second ===> 0.008 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 71/10 ===> ƒ/7.1
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 100
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:07 13:47:05
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:07 13:47:05
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 456510/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/125 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 370648/65536
Aperture = ƒ/7.1
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 28/1 mm ===> 28 mm


Sorry about yesterday- we'll catch it up.

Just outside the car window, it was just turning to high fall. A few miles south, winter was already well underway.




David 

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

2010.10.05
Along Buffalo Mine Road near Buffalo Mine, vicinity Palmer, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 25, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/125 second ===> 0.008 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:25 16:51:41
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:25 16:51:41
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 456510/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/125 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 237/1 mm ===> 237 mm


The birch and willow in Alaska have leaves that on the right fall day blaze like flames. September 25th was one of those days.



David 

Monday, October 4, 2010

2010.10.04
Magpie along the Alaska Highway, vicinity Champagne, Yukon

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 7, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/200 second ===> 0.005 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 250
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:07 12:32:35
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:07 12:32:35
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 500948/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/200 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 168/1 mm ===> 168 mm


This Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica) hung around 10 feet/three meters away for 20 minutes or so while I was at a rest area.  I think it was waiting for me to feed it.



David 

Sunday, October 3, 2010

2010.10.03
Fireweed along Palmer Creek Road past Coeur D'Alene Creek, vicinity Hope, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 18, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/200 second ===> 0.005 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 250
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:18 14:56:26
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:18 14:56:26
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 500948/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/200 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 154/1 mm ===> 154 mm


Alaska's fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is usually "fuzzed out" by mid-September, meaning that the blooms are gone and the emptying seed pods make the plant look like wild cotton candy. Every so often, though, you'll spot a late-bloomer and the fleeting days of late summer in the Great Land come to life again.



David 

Saturday, October 2, 2010

2010.10.02
Moose Creek off Buffalo Mine Road near Buffalo Mine, vicinity Palmer, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 25, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/400 second ===> 0.0025 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 45/10 ===> ƒ/4.5
# Exposure Program = action program (high-speed program, fast shutter speed) (6)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:25 16:44:31
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:25 16:44:31
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 566484/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/400 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 284416/65536
Aperture = ƒ/4.5
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 60/1 mm ===> 60 mm


That water is the 32.1 (F)/0.1 (C) degrees that it looks. A week later later as this is posted, I'm sure there are ice shelves along its banks. Winter comes on fast here.



David 

Friday, October 1, 2010

2010.10.01
Along the Alaska Highway, vicinity Whitehorse, Yukon

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 6, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/200 second ===> 0.005 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 90/10 ===> ƒ/9
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 100
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:06 18:29:59
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:06 18:29:59
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 500948/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/200 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 415488/65536
Aperture = ƒ/9
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 28/1 mm ===> 28 mm


I hopped out of the car to shoot what looked like a dramatic sunset as we drove along the Alaska Highway bypass to the west of Whitehorse, Yukon.  I didn't know until I arrived home that the throwaway shot of a ridgeline off to the south was a far better pic.



David 

Thursday, September 30, 2010

2010.09.30
Along Palmer Creek Road past Coeur D'Alene Creek, vicinity Hope, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 18, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/250 second ===> 0.004 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 250
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:18 14:40:03
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:18 14:40:03
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 522046/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/250 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 218/1 mm ===> 218 mm


This snowfield to the east of the road made it through the summer. In a month, it will be buried under 10 feet/3 meters or more of new snowfall, and the cycle will start again.



David 

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

2010.09.29 
Turnagain Arm along Hope Cutoff, vicinity Hope, Alaska
Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 19, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/25 second ===> 0.04 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 16/1 ===> ƒ/16
# Exposure Program = aperture priority (3)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 100
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:19 14:05:29
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:19 14:05:29
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 304340/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/25 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 524288/65536
Aperture = ƒ/16
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = partial (6)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 41/1 mm ===> 41 mm


The Hope Cutoff road runs along Turnagain Arm for about four miles/6.5 kilometers before you reach the village of Hope.  There are several rocky bays like this one that you can glimpse from the car- but a stop is always far more richly rewarded.



David 

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

2010.09.28
Jonesville Mine Road at Eska, vicinity Sutton, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 25, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/200 second ===> 0.005 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 63/10 ===> ƒ/6.3
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:25 13:14:18
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:25 13:14:18
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 500948/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/200 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 348042/65536
Aperture = ƒ/6.3
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 300/1 mm ===> 300 mm


The age old question "Why did the ptarmigan cross the road?" in action.  These are beautiful birds, and not often so closely approached.



David 

Monday, September 27, 2010

2010.09.27
At Coyote Lake, vicinity Sutton, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 25, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/80 second ===> 0.0125 second
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/80 second ===> 0.0125 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 100
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:25 13:16:00
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:25 13:16:00
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 414314/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/80 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = 42/1 mm ===> 42 mm


These birches are at the top of the ridge north of the lake. The leaves were likely still on them the day before: we had 80 mile/130 kilometer per hour winds during the previous 24 hours.



David 

Sunday, September 26, 2010

2010.09.26
Along Palmer Creek Road past Coeur D'Alene Creek, vicinity Hope, Alaska

Click on the pic to look at an 800x533 copy.

Taken September 18, 2010.  EXIF info:

Camera = Canon D30
# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/80 second ===> 0.0125 second
# Lens F-Number / F-Stop = 56/10 ===> ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Program = landscape mode (8)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 100
# EXIF Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2010:09:18 15:56:54
# Digitization Date/Time = 2010:09:18 15:56:54
# Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 414314/65536
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/80 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 325770/65536
Aperture = ƒ/5.6
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 ===> 0
# Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)


We had driven almost to the end of the road when these birch trees caught my eye.  Fall has been glorious up here this year but, as this is posted a weekend later, it's over.



David