Silene latifolia, or Bladder Campion - a white-flowering herbaceous plant native to Europe and now widespread in North America. More about identifiaction, distribution and habitat, and scientific classification.
Ranunculus nivalis, known as the Snow Buttercup, flourishes in cold, alpine regions from Canada to Siberia. Its vibrant yellow petals brighten scree slopes and snowbed edges.
Drummond's Mountain Avens, or Dryas drummondii, is a small yellow-flowering shrub and herb that grows from a wooden base. It is a pioneer species often found in areas recently exposed from glacial retreat, playing a crucial role in early ecological...
Trip report from my 3-day backpacking trip to the Gakona Glacier in the Alaska Range. Lots of photos, including some historical, a bit of route information, and a very interesting glacial feature.
A hot day hike on the Angel Rocks loop trail and out-and back along part of the Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs Trail. An evening thunderstorm cut the trip a little short.
Trip report from the Table Top Mountain Trail day hike on July 21, 2023 in the White Mountain National Recreation Area, Alaska. Lots of photos, trail conditions, flora, and links to my hiking guide and maps.
Quick day hike on the Summit Trail to Wickersham Dome on July 20, 2023. Great trail conditions, relatively dry trail despite recent rain. Info on the hike with photos and a link to the trail guide.
Field locoweed (Oxytropis campestris) also frequently known as yellow oxytrope, is a white-to-yellow flowering plant frequently growing in gravelly or rocky terrain like in river bars or roadsides. It is a poisonous plant, containing swainsonine, which can cause locoism in...
Trip report for a hike to the Gulkana Glacier on July 14, 2023, to the cliffs above the Gabriel Icefall. The snowline was at approximately 5,300 feet, a bit low still for this time of the year in the recent...
Sugarloaf Ridge Trail is a very steep, 4.5-mile round-trip hike up Sugarloaf Mountain, beginning at the Grand Denali Lodge outside of Denali National Park. Photos, map, weather, and trail info.
You may have seen some sensational reporting about the possibility of seeing the aurora in Alaska and other parts of the US last night and tonight. You're probably not going to; here's why.
July 6, 2023 trip report from a 5-mile hike to the Canwell Glacier caves with families from Team Ascension (Fairbanks youth climbing team). Lots of photos and info from the hike.
The prickly rose (Rosa acicularis) is a showy, pink flowering plant ubiquitous through much of the northern hemisphere including Alaska. Rose hips are frequently used to make jelly and the plant has numerous other uses.
Trip report on trail and route conditions with photos for the Gulkana Glacier to near the Gabriel Icefall on July 2, 2023.
Commonly known as the hoary primrose, silvery primrose, or mealy primrose, Primula incana is a perennial herb characterized by its small lavender-colored flowers with yellow throat and a powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
Books references used in my Physics of Photography Series. From beginning photography and introductory physics to much more complex content on the topics.
Unravel the intricate science behind the art of photography in this introductory piece, 'Physics & Photography Entwined.' Discover the basic principles that govern light capture and exposure, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into the fascinating interplay between physics...
The Physics of Photography: An Integrated Approach is an introduction to the series and my philosophy behind it, how physics and photography inform each other.
Anemone parviflora commonly known as the smallflowered anemone, windflower, or northern anemone is a white flowering plant very similar to the narcissus-flowered anemone. It's found in Alaska, throughout Canada, and the northwestern US.
The common alplily, Gagea serotina (formerly Lloydia serotina) and its subspecies, var. serotina is a white-flowering plant with purple veins and grass-like leaves found in alpine and subalpine areas.
Viola biflora, commonly known as Arctic yellow violet is a small, yellow-flowering plant with purple veins that lives in Alaska, western Canada, and Eurasia.
Ermine Hill trail guide with trail and weather information, trail map, and detailed information on hiking this 7.6-mile out-and-back hike that connects to the K'esugi Ridge.
Explore the stunning landscape of Wickersham Dome via the Summit Trail in this riveting account of a spring hike in Alaska. Experience the unpredictable weather, witness the season's first wildflowers, and see how rime ice transforms the summit. This journey...
Wildflower and landscape photos from a spring hike on Wickersham Dome in the White Mountain National Recreation Area.
Explore the mysterious world of Alaskan willow catkins through the lens of macro photography. Learn about their ecological significance and the joys of springtime wildlife observation. Dive into the unique journey of identifying two potential willow species, Salix alaxensis and...
Rhinanthus minor, commonly known as Little Yellow Rattle is a yellow-flowering, hemiparasitic, plant with distribution across various habitats, and its nuanced role in our ecosystems. Common across Alaska and much of northern North America, Europe and Asia, it has potential...
Detailed information about Yellowstone draba (Draba incerta), a tufted perennial herb from North America. Learn about its unique features, historical uses, potential toxicity, and its distribution across various habitats. From its role in traditional Native American medicine to its survival...
Tall Jacob's ladder, also known as Polemonium caeruleum ssp. villosum, is a blue or violet flowering perennial herb notable for its ladder-like leaf arrangement. It has traditional medicinal uses and thrives in meadows and woodland areas.
A fox kit appears from its den in Fairbanks, Alaska, in late May | Prints The long-awaited return of spring is finally upon us, bringing warmth and renewed life to both the people and animals of Fairbanks, Alaska. After enduring...
Some frustrations and insight into my work on writing an online and hopefully soon a printed field guide to Alaska Wildflowers. Sometimes, it's not as simple as it seems on the surface.
Dwarf fireweed is a pink or purple flowering perennial forb/herb that is closely related to the more familiar common fireweed. It is a widespread arctic-alpine species common in Alaska and Canada.
Beautiful layers of aurora dancing in the moonlight on February 26, 2023 It's safe to say the Sun has been incredibly active the last few weeks. On February 24 and 25, the Sun spit out two CMEs sequentially straight in...
Valentine's Day Aurora - February 14, 2023 Great show with lots of photos of the northern lights from Fairbanks, Alaska and information on potential displays over the next few days!
I've been out taking lots of photos of our beautiful boreal forests, snow and snowflakes, and the winter light the last few weeks. Recently I wrote about how I had gone through a photography rut last year and what I...
Nelson's saxifrage (Micranthes nelsoniana), also commonly known as heartleaf saxifrage is a white-flowering plant with long stamens and pink anthers. It's found in Alaska, western Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.
One of the 250 photos I took of the aurora borealis on the night of January 14, 2023 On the evening of January 14, 2023, between 9:30 and 10:15 pm Alaska time, the aurora borealis put on one of the...
