You are amazing, Robert. So glad to see you and Jill giving yourself some well deserved time away. Thanks for sharing your personal time and adventures. It certainly must have been very rewarding to share the adventures with so many of your readers/followers. Rock on and get rest this weekend.
Beautiful photos and really enjoyable to think of you with your wife having this marvelous trip. The b/w of the freighter is so unique, artistic, gorgeous...i wanted to suggest sending it to the Seattle Times which has a Sunday Pacific section column that prints beautiful and unique photos from readers, photos of the NW. Also, that last stunning photo of the mountains just before landing at Seatac. Wow!
First, thank you Robert and Jill for the photos from Alaska. It was nice to join you vicariously. Now, a comment.
I sympathize with the community of East Palestine for what they are suffering, and this certainly isn't meant as "You deserve what you got," but I want to point out how right-wing thinking can come back to bite. More than 70% of voters in the counties surrounding East Palestine voted for Trump and his "corporations over people" policies which, through deregulation and cutting of safety measures to save money, were partially responsible for the train disaster. These are people who are constantly screaming for "The Gov'ment" to stay out of their business. Yet the moment something happens -- due in part to their own anti-government decisions -- the first thing they cry is, "Where is the government? How could they allow this to happen? Why isn't the President dropping everything he has to deal with and coming out here so we can yell at him?" Somehow, they think that President Biden owns Norfolk Southern. It's like watching a Fox News DOCToredUMENTARY. Voting has consequences.
I think the East Palestine response by the Republicans is so predictable. They turn to these things to make points with the right wing extremes supported by the likes of FOX.
But I wonder, “Am I not paying attention to recognize the Dems practice the same politics?” I like to think they are not but believe somewhere along the way the parties need to put this kind of finger pointing aside and get back to governing.
Ah! But I am always looking for dreams to come true.
Yes, unfortunately, the Dems do the same sort of finger-pointing, but at least their operating principle is not "The government is the problem." I'd like to think that most Dems favor a higher degree of equity for all, and not the current American Dream of "I get to be on top and the rest of you guys get to work for me." As the song says, "I can dream, can't I?"
Jim, I think the Dems also favor a greater effort to bring everyone up in the boat, taking care of the environment and many of the social programs that the Republicans lave to speak of in terms of “entitlements,” or “socialism.” They a flame throwers always eager to use such terms to rouse their constituents. I suppose Dems focus on the “upper 1%” or “corporate welfare.” Thanks for your thoughts.
Great pictures and a memorable journey! Your pictures will most certainly bring all to life for your friend who sadly wasn't able to come. Two clear sky nights out of five, not bad! My husband, Bastiaan, who is an avid stargazer would be delighted with two clear nights these days, here in Europe. Although beginning of February we managed to find the comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)! And it is true that not clear skies means rain which people need badly for trees and crops. All is relative.
It certainly was not possible to see it without help of a telescope! One should not believe what the media write about naked eye objects. My husband Bastian built a very long telescope himself a while ago. I will send a picture to your email. One needs steps if the object is high in the sky. We used that one and even than it was hard to see the color. With a photo camera the result would probably been different of course.
As we are allowing ourselves to take a break from defending our democracies, I can say for those that are interested that the self-built telescope is a 10"/F8 Newton on a Dobson mount, with a mirror from former "Optical Craftsmen". Also fair to say that I am to be considered a beginner compared to the near 50 year experience of my husband. We both served as volunteers at the Paul Robinson observatory in High Bridge, NJ, before we moved back to Europe. It is great to make the public, especially children, aware of the wonders of our universe. To connect it to our democracy: science education is one of its supporting pillars, at least I think so. Observatories always need your interest and volunteers. https://www.go-astronomy.com/observatory.php?ID=157
your friend having a goal of personally viewing the Northern Lights at a century of age is such an awesome confirmation of "aliveness" - to stand in awe and witness something based on this miraculous blue rock in the Sol System. I am sorry he did not make the trip and hope you are able to share the details with him and go through your amazing photo collection. (That darn once-in-a-century pandemic!)
How magnificent that the planning included an expert guide! Science!
Your photos are amazing; thank you! I hope your friend was able to vicariously enjoy your visit to Alaska.
Since you mention automotive museums, may I suggest a museum that my hubby and I (LA native and almost-native) had never heard of: the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles. It houses wartime aviation, automobiles, and cultural artifacts. One could spend 2 days absorbing the collection. Since it is in Paso Robles, you can spend your spare time enjoying the scenery, restaurants, and wineries. I'll remind you again as warmer weather approaches.
Wow! thanks for the recommendation. I have lived in California my entire life and have never heard of the museum. We will visit on our next trip to my brother's house in SLO.
It was refreshing waking up under a dark cloudy day and seeing your photographs and the beauty of nature which is also a reminder of the seriousness of climate change and a stark reminder that we must continue utilizing our resources to fight this situation. A reminder the Biden Administration has passed some legislation about climate change but it is only small step toward a solution and we must continue to attack the problem. Another reason among many to continue to support Democrats. Thanks Robert for showing us these beautiful pictures and reminding us of what the loss would be if we ignore climate change.
Beautiful photos! Looks like a trip of a lifetime! About REI and the Ignik hand warmers, I found those extremely handy (yes, pun) on a recent camping trip to Yosemite in the snow in January, and they stayed warm through the night after activating. I've been an REI member since 1991, my source for all things camping, cycling and traveling.
Re: photographs in museums: if they let you take photos, and there was no notice anywhere that the photos were only for your personal use, they are your photos to do with as you choose.
Thank you for this, dear one. I doubt if i'll ever get there myself, so your photos were a real treat! I am so grateful for your Newsletter and both you and your beautiful wife! xx's
WOW!! Beautiful photographs. You are lucky your 100-year-old friend inspired this incredible trip. Thank you! I needed that!
Happy Saturday, all. Last night Tony at PostcardsToVoters.org launched postcards for Judge Janet Protasiewicz for Wisconsin Supreme Court! He has a HUGE list of addresses and help is wanted!! New volunteers can text “join” to 484-275-2229 (put Abby the Bot in your contacts) to join PTV or email "Hello" to join@tonythedemocrat.org. If you are already a member, just text Abby. PTV volunteers hand-wrote over 850,000 postcards for Senator Warnock’s runoff for Senate in GA last fall in 3 weeks. So if tons of people help, we can remind enough Democrats in Wisconsin about this incredibly important race which could give Democrats the majority on the WI Supreme Court—which will protect the outcome of the presidential election and others in WI in 2024, as well as safeguard choice, help improve gun regulations, help on climate, and so much more. This may be the most important election of the year!! Please ask a friend to help, too!! (You can get postcards on Amazon or from the PostcardsToVoters.org website and you can order postcard stamps from USPS if you don't want to go to PO. Tony provides the script and addresses. It's so easy to help!)
Thanks, Sarah, this is such a critical election where if Janet Protasiewicz wins it will flip the Wisconsin State Supreme Court from conservative, where it has been for many years, to liberal, and all those things you mentioned above will become possible for the people of Wisconsin. And then help to ripple out to other states.
And I have made my own postcards by going to a local print shop, purchasing blank 8.5x11 card stock, and paying the shop to cut each card into 4 perfect postcard sized cards. I then share them with friends who postcard with me.
Really made me smile to see all those wonderful photos and to know that you and Jill had such an amazing trip together. Thank you for sharing all of that. And we had no idea you are a photographer, too! (My husband photographs birds, so this was an extra treat). Just going to say it again, I so appreciate everything you do. Your newsletters are a very important part of our days. Thank you!
Loved the pictures, thank you! Ah… the sunset from above Chena Hot Springs and your comment that the photo “does not begin to convey the beauty”. We are here in our little hollow in Vermont, we seldom see ‘amazing’ sunsets but when we do I sit and take them in - every last bit! Alas, there has never been a photograph that depicts the grandness in any way.
Fun mention: I was raised in Provincetown, one of the only places on the east coast where you can see both the sun rise and the sunset! Here I am surrounded by mountains not water, so a special sunset is a rare gift.
Robert, your images are wonderful. Photographing the Aurora is on my bucket list and now I’m thinking Alaska will be my destination of choice for that versus other areas of the Country. I love Winter and the beautiful photographic opportunities it presents. I do a lot of nighttime shooting and I feel your pain with bumping your lens to out of focus. If I may be so bold, consider using gaffer tape rather than painters tape on your lens. It is easily found in craft stores or online. Leaves no sticky residue and great for any in field needs you may encounter while photographing. I never leave home without some in my camera bag. Cheers!
You are amazing, Robert. So glad to see you and Jill giving yourself some well deserved time away. Thanks for sharing your personal time and adventures. It certainly must have been very rewarding to share the adventures with so many of your readers/followers. Rock on and get rest this weekend.
Beautiful photos and really enjoyable to think of you with your wife having this marvelous trip. The b/w of the freighter is so unique, artistic, gorgeous...i wanted to suggest sending it to the Seattle Times which has a Sunday Pacific section column that prints beautiful and unique photos from readers, photos of the NW. Also, that last stunning photo of the mountains just before landing at Seatac. Wow!
First, thank you Robert and Jill for the photos from Alaska. It was nice to join you vicariously. Now, a comment.
I sympathize with the community of East Palestine for what they are suffering, and this certainly isn't meant as "You deserve what you got," but I want to point out how right-wing thinking can come back to bite. More than 70% of voters in the counties surrounding East Palestine voted for Trump and his "corporations over people" policies which, through deregulation and cutting of safety measures to save money, were partially responsible for the train disaster. These are people who are constantly screaming for "The Gov'ment" to stay out of their business. Yet the moment something happens -- due in part to their own anti-government decisions -- the first thing they cry is, "Where is the government? How could they allow this to happen? Why isn't the President dropping everything he has to deal with and coming out here so we can yell at him?" Somehow, they think that President Biden owns Norfolk Southern. It's like watching a Fox News DOCToredUMENTARY. Voting has consequences.
I think the East Palestine response by the Republicans is so predictable. They turn to these things to make points with the right wing extremes supported by the likes of FOX.
But I wonder, “Am I not paying attention to recognize the Dems practice the same politics?” I like to think they are not but believe somewhere along the way the parties need to put this kind of finger pointing aside and get back to governing.
Ah! But I am always looking for dreams to come true.
Yes, unfortunately, the Dems do the same sort of finger-pointing, but at least their operating principle is not "The government is the problem." I'd like to think that most Dems favor a higher degree of equity for all, and not the current American Dream of "I get to be on top and the rest of you guys get to work for me." As the song says, "I can dream, can't I?"
Jim, I think the Dems also favor a greater effort to bring everyone up in the boat, taking care of the environment and many of the social programs that the Republicans lave to speak of in terms of “entitlements,” or “socialism.” They a flame throwers always eager to use such terms to rouse their constituents. I suppose Dems focus on the “upper 1%” or “corporate welfare.” Thanks for your thoughts.
Great pictures and a memorable journey! Your pictures will most certainly bring all to life for your friend who sadly wasn't able to come. Two clear sky nights out of five, not bad! My husband, Bastiaan, who is an avid stargazer would be delighted with two clear nights these days, here in Europe. Although beginning of February we managed to find the comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)! And it is true that not clear skies means rain which people need badly for trees and crops. All is relative.
Congrats to you and your husband on finding C/2022 E3 (ZTF). What telescope and mount were you using?
It certainly was not possible to see it without help of a telescope! One should not believe what the media write about naked eye objects. My husband Bastian built a very long telescope himself a while ago. I will send a picture to your email. One needs steps if the object is high in the sky. We used that one and even than it was hard to see the color. With a photo camera the result would probably been different of course.
As we are allowing ourselves to take a break from defending our democracies, I can say for those that are interested that the self-built telescope is a 10"/F8 Newton on a Dobson mount, with a mirror from former "Optical Craftsmen". Also fair to say that I am to be considered a beginner compared to the near 50 year experience of my husband. We both served as volunteers at the Paul Robinson observatory in High Bridge, NJ, before we moved back to Europe. It is great to make the public, especially children, aware of the wonders of our universe. To connect it to our democracy: science education is one of its supporting pillars, at least I think so. Observatories always need your interest and volunteers. https://www.go-astronomy.com/observatory.php?ID=157
your friend having a goal of personally viewing the Northern Lights at a century of age is such an awesome confirmation of "aliveness" - to stand in awe and witness something based on this miraculous blue rock in the Sol System. I am sorry he did not make the trip and hope you are able to share the details with him and go through your amazing photo collection. (That darn once-in-a-century pandemic!)
How magnificent that the planning included an expert guide! Science!
Your photos are amazing; thank you! I hope your friend was able to vicariously enjoy your visit to Alaska.
Since you mention automotive museums, may I suggest a museum that my hubby and I (LA native and almost-native) had never heard of: the Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles. It houses wartime aviation, automobiles, and cultural artifacts. One could spend 2 days absorbing the collection. Since it is in Paso Robles, you can spend your spare time enjoying the scenery, restaurants, and wineries. I'll remind you again as warmer weather approaches.
https://www.ewarbirds.org/index.html
Wow! thanks for the recommendation. I have lived in California my entire life and have never heard of the museum. We will visit on our next trip to my brother's house in SLO.
It was refreshing waking up under a dark cloudy day and seeing your photographs and the beauty of nature which is also a reminder of the seriousness of climate change and a stark reminder that we must continue utilizing our resources to fight this situation. A reminder the Biden Administration has passed some legislation about climate change but it is only small step toward a solution and we must continue to attack the problem. Another reason among many to continue to support Democrats. Thanks Robert for showing us these beautiful pictures and reminding us of what the loss would be if we ignore climate change.
Beautiful photos! Looks like a trip of a lifetime! About REI and the Ignik hand warmers, I found those extremely handy (yes, pun) on a recent camping trip to Yosemite in the snow in January, and they stayed warm through the night after activating. I've been an REI member since 1991, my source for all things camping, cycling and traveling.
Rest up and stay healthy! 💜👍
Yosemite was my late uncle's favorite place on Earth. Grateful he shared that and so many other experiences with me. We miss him dearly.
Great for late-season Wolverine football games at The Big House, too❣️🔥
Re: photographs in museums: if they let you take photos, and there was no notice anywhere that the photos were only for your personal use, they are your photos to do with as you choose.
Looks like a very fun trip.
Thanks, TC. I appreciate the info. I will look for the photo policy next time.
There's also the very good likelihood they don't have a detachment of the Photo Police on staff.
Thank you for this, dear one. I doubt if i'll ever get there myself, so your photos were a real treat! I am so grateful for your Newsletter and both you and your beautiful wife! xx's
WOW!! Beautiful photographs. You are lucky your 100-year-old friend inspired this incredible trip. Thank you! I needed that!
Happy Saturday, all. Last night Tony at PostcardsToVoters.org launched postcards for Judge Janet Protasiewicz for Wisconsin Supreme Court! He has a HUGE list of addresses and help is wanted!! New volunteers can text “join” to 484-275-2229 (put Abby the Bot in your contacts) to join PTV or email "Hello" to join@tonythedemocrat.org. If you are already a member, just text Abby. PTV volunteers hand-wrote over 850,000 postcards for Senator Warnock’s runoff for Senate in GA last fall in 3 weeks. So if tons of people help, we can remind enough Democrats in Wisconsin about this incredibly important race which could give Democrats the majority on the WI Supreme Court—which will protect the outcome of the presidential election and others in WI in 2024, as well as safeguard choice, help improve gun regulations, help on climate, and so much more. This may be the most important election of the year!! Please ask a friend to help, too!! (You can get postcards on Amazon or from the PostcardsToVoters.org website and you can order postcard stamps from USPS if you don't want to go to PO. Tony provides the script and addresses. It's so easy to help!)
Hi, Ellen. Thanks so much for the info. I will promote Monday.
Thanks, Sarah, this is such a critical election where if Janet Protasiewicz wins it will flip the Wisconsin State Supreme Court from conservative, where it has been for many years, to liberal, and all those things you mentioned above will become possible for the people of Wisconsin. And then help to ripple out to other states.
And I have made my own postcards by going to a local print shop, purchasing blank 8.5x11 card stock, and paying the shop to cut each card into 4 perfect postcard sized cards. I then share them with friends who postcard with me.
Really made me smile to see all those wonderful photos and to know that you and Jill had such an amazing trip together. Thank you for sharing all of that. And we had no idea you are a photographer, too! (My husband photographs birds, so this was an extra treat). Just going to say it again, I so appreciate everything you do. Your newsletters are a very important part of our days. Thank you!
Loved the pictures, thank you! Ah… the sunset from above Chena Hot Springs and your comment that the photo “does not begin to convey the beauty”. We are here in our little hollow in Vermont, we seldom see ‘amazing’ sunsets but when we do I sit and take them in - every last bit! Alas, there has never been a photograph that depicts the grandness in any way.
Fun mention: I was raised in Provincetown, one of the only places on the east coast where you can see both the sun rise and the sunset! Here I am surrounded by mountains not water, so a special sunset is a rare gift.
Oh I should have clarified that in Provincetown you can see sun rise and set over water…
Fabulous pictures Robert!
So glad you and your wife took time away on a wonderful vacation!
Keeping our lives (and perspectives) in balance is so important to health.
You and Jill set a great example!
Thank you for the stunning photos and travelogue.
Robert, your images are wonderful. Photographing the Aurora is on my bucket list and now I’m thinking Alaska will be my destination of choice for that versus other areas of the Country. I love Winter and the beautiful photographic opportunities it presents. I do a lot of nighttime shooting and I feel your pain with bumping your lens to out of focus. If I may be so bold, consider using gaffer tape rather than painters tape on your lens. It is easily found in craft stores or online. Leaves no sticky residue and great for any in field needs you may encounter while photographing. I never leave home without some in my camera bag. Cheers!
Thanks for the tip. I will be purchasing gaffer tape to add to my camera bag!