The Alaska Range from the Air - Black and White Photos of Alaska's Biggest Mountain Range

Since 1999 I have been to the Alaska Range five times. Over those five trips I have taken numerous photo flights over the range. I am currently putting together a slide show with my photos from Alaska trips, this group of photos will be my next art show. This group of photos show the Alaska Range from the air and some of the planes that I have now spent quite a bit of time photographing from. None of these photos would have been possible without K2 Aviation so if you are looking to do a flight to the Alaska Range give them a call.

The Aircraft...
A Beaver sits on the tarmac in Talkeetna in the rain. No flights on this day.


An Otter on the Kahiltna Glacier.

A Otter makes a late flight into Kahiltna base camp

A Beaver Engine
Not all of the flying in the Alaska goes as planned.
The Alaska Range...


The Glaciers...

The glaciers really make some of the best subjects when flying in the Alaska Range. Even when the clouds are hiding the peaks there are always interesting glacier patterns to photograph.









The Climbers...

One thing that always adds interest to the glaciers are the added patterns of human presence. From the huge runway in the snow next to the busy camp of the Kahiltna Base, to a solitary track weaving through crevasses, these added patterns make some of my favorite photos.





The Mountains...

The mountains of the range make up some of the steepest, largest and most beautiful mountains in the world.

Mount Hunters north face

The Moose's ToothMount Foraker

Mt. Foraker as the early morning moisture dissipates.
Mount Hunter.

A ridge somewhere between the Kahiltna and Ruth Glaciers.
An unknown peak somewhere in the range.
Denali from the south.

Gold Creek drainage.
Small peaks at the base of the range.
Peaks in the lower Ruth Gorge
The summit of Mt. Hunter pokes through the clouds.
The Cassin Ridge on Denali

Mount Hunter's summit


--Alasdair Turner, AAI Instructor and Guide

Urban Dictionary Definition - MountainSexual

Yep, the urban dictionary has defined us...

MountainSexual

Similar to metrosexual, but one who lives in the mountains or otherwise pursues the outdoors adventure lifestyle. Kind of a cleaned-up granola, a woodsy GQ kinda' guy with a splash of bohemian. Knows that he doesn't have to look or smell like a dirtbag to enjoy climbing, hiking, cycling, skiing, (all forms), snowshoeing, etc. Progably reads Men's Journal, Outside, and Alpinist. Brands: Patagonia, Keen, Kuhl, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Mountain Khakis. Stong environmental ethic. Drives a well-maintained truck, performance SUV, or cross-over when absolutely necessary but walks or rides a bicycle whenever possible. Works out at the gym, but primarily to be in shape for outdoor pursuits. Shuns chain stores and shops.

"For such an outdoorsy guy, that dude sure has great style."

"Yeah, he's a veritable MountainSexual!"

It's funny because it's true...

--Jason D. Martin

January and February Climbing Events

--January 23 -- San Luis Obispo, CA -- Bishop Peak Adopt-a-Crag

--January 23 -- Superior, WI -- Rock On

--January 26 -- Walla Walla, WA -- Banff Film Festival

--January 29 -- Jeffersonville, VT -- Smuggs Ice Bash

--January 30 -- Boston, MA -- Heart of Steel Bouldering Comp

-- Feburary 5 -- Marquette MI -- Michigan Ice Festival

-- February 5 -- Canmore AB, Canada -- Glitter Girls on Ice

-- February 6 -- Mechanicsburg PA -- Climbnasium's "Frost Bite" Competition

-- February 7 -- Akron OH --University of Akron Bouldering Competition

-- February 12 -- Cody WY --Wyoming Waterfall Ice Fest

-- February 19 -- Rancho Cordova CA -- Granite Arch Climbing Center "Friday Flash Fest #3"

-- February 20 -- Eugene OR -- University of Oregon Vertical Circus Climbing Competition

-- February 22 -- Evansville IN -- Vertical eXcape Climbing Center "Boulder Bash"

Weekend Warrior - Videos to get you stoked

Here at the institute, we are all about reaching personal goals, whatever that may be. For some that may mean sending their latest project, for others it may be putting up a first ascent in the Himalayas. Personally, I'm just happy if I can get out and touch some rock every day. That's why I found this video inspiring, as it is of a guy who's happy to be "living the dream," and filming it quite artistically.

My Day "Living the Dream" from renan ozturk on Vimeo.

There are some people out there though, that see working a project as "cheating techniques." To these individuals, living them dream means living for the onsight. There is a thrill that is undeniable about getting on a route you've never been on before and shooting for the clean send. These guys are really pushing themselves to the point of falling.

Cascades Sunset

These images of sunset on the Cascades tonight are from AAI friend and great photographer Keith Gunnar.  These are taken from Keith's home on Whidbey Island, just a little south of Bellingham and Mt. Erie.

DG