Alaska

Our bear viewing base was Tutka Bay Lodge - known best for its food but with stunning views across Kachemak Bay and an on site chopper pilot, it did things its own way. 

Over three days we took a float plane in and out of Katmai National Park, scouring the beaches and rivers for bears as we hoped some of the bolder, bigger bears had made their way down to the area after their hibernation, bulking up on sedge grass before the salmon began to run later in the summer. 

There is no doubt that photographing bears at this time of year is harder than a few months time. For one thing there are less of them around, while those early season pioneers have ventured down to the shores are not in predatory mode on the salmon - during which you can often see dozens in the same bay - instead they are embracing the greener side of their omnivorous diet and scoffing as much grass as is possible in between naps - life’s tough! 

Never one to dodge a challenge this just prevented other opportunities. These regular naps would often take place in the river as the bears still had their fluffier and therefore warmer winter coats. As the spring weather took hold it meant these bears would get hot fast and we could photograph entering and leaving the river, which bought many chances to get something exciting. 

Away from bears life was spent on the water, either on boats or down in a kayak, with eyes constantly alert for signs of whales - and striking gold ones as you can read about it Of Land & Sea.