Bernie,

I really enjoyed your Alaska trip travelogue and superb images! Makes me want to get out my Mukluks and head Nawth to Alaska!

Your detailed information on your preparation leading up to this fabulous trip should be very helpful to anyone considering a similar expedition. When you are away from any sort of resources, careful planning is the key to a successful venture. It reminds me of the planning my buddies and I go through when going on a week-long bluewater sailing trip. No 7-11 markets or Roadside Assistance offshore!!

The equipment list and itinerary plan is important but what really makes such a trip happen is the friendships and associations you had already formed with that great group of photographer/friends. The photographs are superb but the truth is, I'll bet the best part was just enjoying the wildlife and glories of nature in the company of good companions.

I am intrigued by how close you were to the bears. If one of them had decided "photographer" tastes better than salmon, you really had no where to run or hide from a 30mph half-ton Grizzly! That fisherman was lucky that he was able to get out of the way of the bear that charged up the river after his catch!

A grand adventure and thank you for sharing it with us.

Best regards,

Dick:)