Nature

Planet Alaska: 10 things I learned at fishcamp
Planet Alaska: 10 things I learned at fishcamp
Long-distance migrations: How birds fly thousands of miles

Long-distance migrations: How birds fly thousands of miles

These birds cover a lot of mileage.

Long-distance migrations: How birds fly thousands of miles
Planet Alaska: Muskeg Love

Planet Alaska: Muskeg Love

Muskeg life is wet, mushy, juicy, fleshy, tangy, glabrous, globose and glandular.

Planet Alaska: Muskeg Love
Katie McCaffrey racing the Herbert Glacier Trail. (Gabe Donohoe | For the Juneau Empire)

Photos: Biking and hiking Herbert Glacier

Over the weekend Katie McCaffrey and I spent almost eight hours approaching and exploring the Herbert Glacier at mile 28 on the Juneau road system.… Continue reading

Katie McCaffrey racing the Herbert Glacier Trail. (Gabe Donohoe | For the Juneau Empire)
Brilliant fall foliage reflected in a pond near the glacier. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)

Autumn leaf colors

Juneau leaf-peepers don’t have to travel to the upper Midwest or New England for a view of lovely fall colors.

Brilliant fall foliage reflected in a pond near the glacier. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)
This small row boat was docked semi-permanently in beach grass.

Photos: The patterns and textures of the Mendenhall wetlands

Pay closer attention to the tiny things.

This small row boat was docked semi-permanently in beach grass.
Two rusty blackbirds, in winter plumage, forage at the edge of Mendenhall Lake. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)

Embrace September’s slowing pace

In September, the natural world slows down.

Two rusty blackbirds, in winter plumage, forage at the edge of Mendenhall Lake. (Courtesy Photo | Bob Armstrong)
Beavers do good work!

Beavers do good work!

North American beavers were very nearly exterminated from the entire continent by European trappers and settlers.

Beavers do good work!
Caption Keagan Walker steering the boat to Fritz Cove. (Gabe Donohoe | For Juneau Empire)

Photos: Fritz Cove skiff ride

I am usually hiking or climbing. This time I wanted to get on the water.

Caption Keagan Walker steering the boat to Fritz Cove. (Gabe Donohoe | For Juneau Empire)
On the Trails: Early fall in Cowee Meadows

On the Trails: Early fall in Cowee Meadows

A trip to Cowee Meadows usually provides a curious naturalist with something to contemplate. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for… Continue reading

On the Trails: Early fall in Cowee Meadows
Fishing for the Soul

Fishing for the Soul

A close friend asked me what changed during a particularly deep conversation the other night.

Fishing for the Soul
Planet Alaska: Afloat

Planet Alaska: Afloat

Grief is a shared condition for humans and killer whales alike.

Planet Alaska: Afloat
Late summer flowers

Late summer flowers

One sunny day, I sat in a small meadow in the Kowee Creek drainage, just taking in the peacefulness and a snack. Some small, red-eyed… Continue reading

Late summer flowers