Lee Petersen

Photographer writing Alaska hiking, travel, wildflower guides and other junk. Living in Fairbanks, Alaska. Lots of stuff here: http://lwpetersen.com/links

WEBSITE ARTICLES AND GUIDES: https://www.lwpetersen.com/
PHOTOGRAPHY: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/
SUBSTACK: https://lwpetersen.substack.com/
OLD MASTODON ACCOUNT: https://mastodon.social/@leepetersen

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NIP-05 Address

leepetersen_at_alaskan.social@momostr.pink

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nprofile1qqsg64qndey7g20rtcvpn9ywtq5kq64sjnm7w5dcuhxa8ctrp8qacrqqmh7zj

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Last Notes

2024-08-07 15:19:51

The blue ice walls of a glacier cave in the Canwell Glacier with a clear view of the rocky inclusions. This photo is a part of my ongoing water and ice project: https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/water-and-ice/
#glacier #Alaska #ice
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/921/376/248/101/808/original/a1dfd6d920d506f3.jpg

2024-08-06 15:20:19

The White Mountains of the Alaska interior starting to earn their name in early September. In the hills above Nome Creek. My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/nome-creek-hills-backcountry-hiking/
#hiking #Alaska #backcountry
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/915/732/188/388/543/original/bd3ebb5672aeadb9.jpg

2024-08-06 15:10:30

Fiery Sky - Winter sunset in Fairbanks, Alaska, over snowy spruce trees.
More of my photos and galleries here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/
#sunset #Alaska #winter
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/915/702/466/466/925/original/37c2681754a9d20b.jpg

2024-08-05 15:16:08

Anderson Falls near Valdez, Alaska, on a rainy day under Mt. Thomas, barely visible through the clouds.
More photos in my gallery for the region in Prince William Sound here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Explore/Explore-Alaska/Southcentral/Columbia-Glacier-Prince-William-Sound-Port-Valdez
#Alaska #Valdez #waterfall
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/910/052/660/586/409/original/6d8ab9560d2c5028.jpg

2024-08-04 16:45:47

The end of autumn in late September along US Creek Road in the White Mountain National Recreation Area. This photo was taken on my first hiking trip here back in 2012. I've since spent well over 30 days hiking the hills and trails nearby, and it might be my favorite spot in the Fairbanks region.
You can find some of my favorite hikes in my Alaska Interior Hiking Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/hiking/hiking-in-the-interior/
#ALASKA #hiking #landscapephotography
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/904/735/227/686/486/original/75051d2ddfd577f4.jpg

2024-08-04 15:31:47

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Thanks! Added in the guide.

2024-08-04 00:11:30

Close-up of the flowers of Viburnum edule, commonly known as squashberry or highbush cranberry. The latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/viburnum-edule-squashberry/
#wildflowers #BloomScrolling #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/900/796/805/121/436/original/f9b63c01e3eb0439.jpg

2024-08-02 17:13:51

The north arm of the Worthington Glacier in evening light. Chugach Mountains - Valdez Region, Alaska.
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/worthington-glacier-hikes/
#glacier #Alaska #Valdez #hiking
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/893/531/302/581/603/original/bf92208b998d9db3.jpg

2024-08-01 19:02:31

Steep terrain north of the Sugarloaf Ridge Trail near Denali National Park. Trail info in my Alaska Hiking Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/sugarloaf-ridge-trail/
#Alaska #hiking #mountains
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/888/296/011/923/846/original/1a5da55a5579ecc7.jpg

2024-07-31 14:33:14

An overcast and rainy day at McHugh Creek near Anchorage, Alaska. Check out more in my Landscapes, Seascapes, and Coastlines gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Landscapes
#Alaska #naturephotography #landscapephotography
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/881/569/704/189/363/original/dd70eeff59934907.jpg

2024-07-30 18:11:41

Close-up of the hooded, purple flowers of marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) at Smith Lake (Athabascan: Tr'exwghodegi Troth Yeddha' Bena') in Fairbanks, Alaska.
This is the latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/scutellaria-galericulata-marsh-skullcap/
#wildflowers #BloomScrolling #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/876/771/586/348/694/original/e50abfd2914ed0fa.jpg

2024-07-29 15:16:27

A red fox kit explores its surroundings near the den in mid-spring in Fairbanks, Alaska.
More of my wildlife photos, prints, and wall art here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Wildlife
#wildlife #Alaska #animals
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/870/429/585/815/568/original/71b27a89dd0f52bf.jpg

2024-07-28 19:40:10

The tiny white flowers of long-stalked starwort (Stellaria longipes) have five white, deeply cleft petals, making them appear to have ten petals.
The latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/stellaria-longipes-long-stalked-starwort/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/865/794/574/518/246/original/7f305f130e80f1b1.jpg

2024-07-27 18:33:36

A bumblebee landing on marsh cinquefoil (Comarum palustris) in Fairbanks, Alaska. This flower is the latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/comarum-palustre-marsh-cinquefoil/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/859/866/946/473/931/original/5336765dea282420.jpg

2024-07-26 16:02:55

Western arctic shootingstar (Primula frigida) in the Nome Creek Valley of the White Mountain National Recreation Area, Alaska.
In my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/western-arctic-shootingstar-primula-frigida/
Prints and Wall Art: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Portfolio-Images/i-GpkhTXF/A
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/853/617/433/933/479/original/333c38fd2ee959a4.jpg

2024-07-25 19:38:45

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The difference in melt is primarily due to the rock acting as an insulator to the ice beneath, and the relationship is well understood. Debris-covered glaciers have much lower albedo than bare ice, therefore are actually absorbing more solar radiation that is re-radiated as IR. Thin layers of debris-cover (up to 2 cm) will actually melt ice faster than bare ice because the IR is absorbed more readily than UV from the Sun, despite the ice being in the "shade".

2024-07-25 16:01:42

Rocks on ice pedestals on the Castner Glacier, with the O'Brien Icefall visible in the background. The rocks insulate the ice beneath them, causing the surrounding ice to melt faster.
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/castner-glacier-hiking-guide/
#Alaska #hiking #glacier
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/847/958/057/654/681/original/f279beb2da61f627.jpg

2024-07-24 23:20:14

Looking across the Black Rapids Glacier up the south flank of McGinnis Peak in the Eastern Alaska Range.
Info on the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-information/black-rapids-glacier/
#Alaska #mountains
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/844/016/741/414/003/original/3a085511a9bdbbad.jpg

2024-07-23 15:05:37

Green and pink aurora borealis over Fairbanks, Alaska, taken in late August. More northern lights photos in my gallery here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Aurora-Borealis
#Alaska #auroraborealis
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/836/401/027/861/262/original/a0489a44883356e4.jpg

2024-07-22 15:04:29

Reflections of a dark sky and clouds in a pond off Ballaine Road in the Goldstream Valley near Fairbanks, Alaska, taken last week.
Check out all my recent photos here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Recent-Photos
#Alaska #fairbanks #landscape #reflection
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/830/737/091/974/338/original/0d6b627900dbf0f9.jpg

2024-07-22 03:48:19

Near Wickersham Dome last night
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z4F9hpqzNTI

2024-07-21 22:34:30

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Right? I know way too many people whose dogs got stomped.

2024-07-21 21:14:08

There were a couple of moose in the driveway this morning. They startled me when the dog suddenly pulled on the leash. 😬
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/826/522/083/741/199/original/7942933235cd9e3e.jpg

2024-07-21 16:13:03

Towering seracs on the edge of the Gabriel Icefall on the Gulkana Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range.
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/gulkana-glacier-hike/
#Alaska #glacier #hiking
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/825/350/349/250/467/original/e3c85d499ea09612.jpg

2024-07-20 20:50:46

It's the summer of Goldilocks weekends in Fairbanks. This one's too hot, that one's too cold and rainy.

2024-07-20 20:35:04

Just a few photos from a busy couple of weeks . . .
https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/slow-couple-of-weeks/

2024-07-20 18:51:04

Peak 8100 starts emerging from clouds over College Glacier in early summer. Light hits a little hanging glacier on the mountainside.
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/college-glacier-hiking-guide/
#Alaska #hiking #glacier
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/820/309/146/443/185/original/1871940c7422f831.jpg

2024-07-20 01:25:22

Marsh Grass-of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) this afternoon near Ballaine Lake in Fairbanks, Alaska.
In my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/grass-of-parnassus-parnassia-palustris/
Prints and Wall Art in my Wildflowers as Art Gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Wildflowers-as-Art
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/816/201/740/443/200/original/b4f20f8342f5d649.jpg

2024-07-19 20:48:33

Arctic starflower (Lysimachia europaea) blooming in early June in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is the latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/lysimachia-europaea-arctic-starflower/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/815/110/476/449/977/original/0638a94dbf518dc2.jpg

2024-07-19 20:11:46

YouTube short - surprisingly steep, but beautiful hiking in the Hoodoos of the Alaska Range near the Gulkana Glacier.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/35dlouw8_go

2024-07-19 16:38:56

In late March, the aurora borealis illuminates the night sky over sparse spruce trees on the Granite Tors Trail near Fairbanks, Alaska.
We're still amid the midnight sun in Fairbanks, but losing nearly five minutes of daylight daily. We are still a month away from nautical twilight when our chances of seeing the aurora increase significantly.
In my aurora gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Aurora-Borealis
#Alaska #aurora #auroraborealis #northernlights
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/814/117/484/647/199/original/5a7562047f32c2e3.jpg

2024-07-18 20:38:29

Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium) blooms at Creamer's Field in Fairbanks, Alaska over the weekend.
Info in my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/common-fireweed-chamaenerion-angustifolium/
#Alaska #fairbanks #wildflowers #BloomScrolling
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/809/399/259/582/715/original/95684726085d780a.jpg

2024-07-18 19:15:11

Light on the mountains and stream at about mile 7 of the Park Road in Denali National Park in early September.
In my "Landscapes Gallery:" https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Landscapes
#Alaska #landscape #denalinationalpark
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/809/076/922/485/371/original/88bb8a3b56d8a8fc.jpg

2024-07-18 02:55:12

A goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia) on hooded ladies' tresses (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) in the Goldstream Valley in Fairbanks, Alaska, taken earlier today.
Check it out in my "Wildflowers as Art" Gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Wildflowers-as-Art
#BloomScrolling #macro #Alaska #wildflowers
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/805/217/814/058/505/original/bf2f639f783f7e92.jpg

2024-07-18 02:44:58

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Fair

2024-07-16 15:19:44

Sea otter cuteness in Port Valdez, Alaska.
Check out more of my wildlife photography on my website here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Wildlife
#Alaska #seaotter #Valdez #wildlife
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/796/833/212/242/015/original/53db8361c86d5641.jpg

2024-07-14 18:18:40

On a cold spring morning, the light blue waters of a supraglacial stream flow swiftly along the edge of a moraine on the Canwell Glacier in the Alaska Range.
My hiking guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/canwell-glacier-and-rainbow-basin/
#glacier #Alaska #hiking
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/786/209/777/338/926/original/8fbe1f2ca96eb88c.jpg

2024-07-13 21:58:05

Moose and babies near Delta Junction, Alaska last night.
#Alaska #moose #wildlife
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2024-07-12 15:38:21

A stunning waterfall cascades down the rugged cliffs of the Gulkana Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range. Visible near the base of the falls is the pink hue of watermelon snow (a type of red algae, Chlamydomonas nivalis).
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/gulkana-glacier-hike/
#Alaska #hiking #glacier
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/774/257/792/852/582/original/cfb1de7ebe51ce3f.jpg

2024-07-12 15:29:37

Meltwater carves a turquoise stream through the Black Rapids Glacier in Alaska. A precariously balanced boulder rests on a small ice island, a useful crossing point.
Info on the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-information/black-rapids-glacier/
#glacier #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/774/217/722/409/361/original/fa73b0dca5e3417c.jpg

2024-07-11 23:03:46

Pedicularis langsdorffii, commonly known as Langsdorff's lousewort, is a pink-flowering perennial herb with distinctive hooded flowers with slender teeth, differentiating it from woolly lousewort. This is the latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/pedicularis-langsdorffii-langsdorffs-lousewort/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/770/334/958/832/559/original/583943c601d49562.jpg
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/770/335/072/854/066/original/522aaeab86f68815.jpg

2024-07-11 20:04:29

A large block, mid-collapse at the terminus of the Columbia Glacier in the Chugach Mountains - Valdez Region, Alaska.
In my Glaciers and Icebergs Gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Glaciers
#glacier #Alaska #Valdez
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/769/637/054/762/305/original/71d315fa29dd1c88.jpg

2024-07-11 16:24:40

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I'm not excellent at identifying insects, but iNaturalist places it as a heath bumble bee (Bombus jonellus). Based on the coloration, I'm inclined to agree.
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/452446-Bombus-jonellus

2024-07-11 01:57:09

A bumblebee on one-sided wintergreen (Orthilia secunda), the latest addition to my Alaska wildflower guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/orthilia-secunda-one-sided-wintergreen/
#macro #bloomscrolling #alaska #wildflowers
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/765/338/646/067/530/original/fe36ea14e7a7a135.jpg
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2024-07-10 14:52:34

I love the dense birch forests near Olnes Pond, just north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The white bark of the birch trees contrasts beautifully with the lush green foliage.
In my Forest Gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Forest
#Alaska #forest #borealforest
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/762/742/188/592/778/original/c986dc4d1797eaaf.jpg

2024-06-21 21:28:46

Last weekend, I photographed some spotted lady's slipper (Cypripedium guttatum), another beautiful flower in the orchid family found here in Fairbanks, Alaska.
It's the latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/cypripedium-guttatum-spotted-ladys-slipper/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/656/655/923/881/725/original/1a71754f5c7a1b31.jpg
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2024-06-21 19:23:12

Front view of the Gabriel Icefall on the Gulkana Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range.
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/gulkana-glacier-hike/
#glacier #alaska #hiking
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/656/164/291/497/105/original/80827abc2b6b13af.jpg

2024-06-21 17:39:04

Here's my latest inclusion in my Alaska Wildflower Guide! Bog bilberry, also known as bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum). I have done a fantastic job at procrastinating writing about any of the edible berries because there is so much more to include than in many of the typical wildflowers. But now I've started and expect a few more in the next two weeks!
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/vaccinium-uliginosum-bog-bilberry/
#bloomscrolling #wildflowers #alaska

2024-06-20 19:57:33

A few photos and wildflowers in a short post from Cat and my latest hike at Granite Tors in the Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska.
https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/granite-tors-west-side/
#hiking #Alaska #wildflowers

2024-06-19 14:17:35

This is in the running for my favorite night of aurora ever. It was taken in late April 2021 at Angel Rocks near Fairbanks, Alaska, after 1:00 a.m. There was still some sunlight glowing on the horizon as we were nearing the season of the Midnight Sun. Check out this photo and many others in my Aurora Borealis Gallery. Prints and a variety of wall art are available there!
https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Aurora-Borealis
#Alaska #auroraborealis #hiking
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/643/694/082/329/156/original/3572e4d053f760f8.jpg

2024-06-18 22:12:27

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*knocks on wood*

2024-06-18 21:22:32

A pretty view from Granite Tors on Sunday, Chena River State Recreation Area, Alaska. The granite rocks are actually lighter in color; the black coloration is from the lichen they are covered in.
In my hiking guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/granite-tors-trail/
#Alaska #hiking
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/639/720/375/086/128/original/5f4478f0fe97d7ba.jpg

2024-06-18 20:12:56

I'm slowly catching up on some editing and writing. Here's my post from my walk on Murphy Dome on Friday. My final count of wildflowers turned out to be 36! Photos of each in the post!
https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/murphy-dome-wildflowers/
#bloomscrolling #alaska #wildflowers

2024-06-16 17:40:45

This was one of the most beautiful glacier caves I have ever had the chance to explore, under the terminus of the Canwell Glacier in the Alaska Range. It collapsed in the summer of 2023, but there are still many more in the area, a few have become quite large in the last year. It's so cool to look at all the rocky inclusions in the otherwise clear blue ice!
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/canwell-glacier-and-rainbow-basin/
#glacier #Alaska #hiking
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/627/512/075/357/697/original/030e89edf5d9e9be.jpg

2024-06-16 16:09:26

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One of my favorites

2024-06-16 04:57:17

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I've always called it arctic sweet coltsfoot

2024-06-16 02:10:53

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It's kind of sad that it took twice as much time to edit and caption all the photos😬

2024-06-16 02:05:14

I spent four hours on Murphy Dome in Fairbanks yesterday - counting and photographing over 30 species of blooming wildflowers! It might be a record for me. I'll post a blog post with a photo of each and the full tally in the next few days. If you want a sneak peek at the photos, check out my Recent Photos Gallery here: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Recent-Photos
#bloomscrolling #alaska #wildflowers
Dryas octopetala
Cassiope tetragona
Parrya nudicaulis
Saxifraga tricuspidata
https://alaskansocial.files.fedi.monster/media_attachments/files/112/623/809/005/349/757/original/8b6ef4dd0e837b86.jpg
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2024-06-15 19:22:26

Budding and blooming capitate valerian (Valeriana capitata). This was one of the first entries in my Alaska Wildflower Guide (and desperately needs an update/expansion). Hopefully, I'll get to that this week!
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/capitate-valerian-valeriana-capitata/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #fairbanks #Alaska
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2024-06-14 19:33:34

I took lots of wildflower photos from the Upper Chena Dome Trail last Friday. It was such a gorgeous day! I'm sorry I'm behind on my posting; it's been a busy week!
https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/upper-chena-dome-flora/
#alaska #hiking #bloomscrolling #wildflowers

2024-06-14 17:01:46

A moulin on the Worthington Glacier near Valdez, Alaska. Moulins typically form along crevasses where streams flow into them. The more water flowing in, the wider they get. This section of the Worthington was moderately crevassed and covered in active and inactive moulins.
This and other hikes in my Alaska Hiking Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/
#Alaska #glacier
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2024-06-12 23:31:36

Macro of the stigmas and stamens with large yellow anthers and their shadows of the prickly rose (Rosa acicularis)
In my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/prickly-rose-rosa-acicularis/
#BloomScrolling #Alaska #wildflowers
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2024-06-12 14:58:56

A Dall sheep ewe in Denali National Park near Polychrome Pass in early May.
My wildlife gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Wildlife
#wildlife #Alaska
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2024-06-11 15:09:52

The inflated flowers of apetalous catchfly (Silene uralensis ssp. uralensis) in the alpine tundra along the Upper Chena Dome Trail near Fairbanks, Alaska, seen last Friday. This was my first time spotting this unique flower and the newest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/silene-uralensis-apetalous-catchfly/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #alaska
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2024-06-11 02:11:02

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We had a faint smoke smell last night, but didn't get bad enough to close the windows, thankfully.

2024-06-10 15:15:09

A water channel reveals blue and white ice through the edge of a rocky moraine on the lower reaches of the Canwell Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range.
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/canwell-glacier-and-rainbow-basin/
#Alaska #Glacier #hiking
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2024-06-09 20:14:08

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Great shots, as usual! Love the caribou! One heads up: those are Harlequin ducks, not wood ducks.😀

2024-06-09 19:46:03

Arctic lupines (Lupinus arcticus) on the Upper Chena Dome Trail near Fairbanks, Alaska, on Friday. Another toxic species, but very pretty!
In my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/arctic-lupine-lupinus-arcticus/
#BloomScrolling #Alaska #spring #wildflowers
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2024-06-09 03:56:50

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It was only in the mid-80s, but I'm pretty sure that's the warmest my thermometer has ever read.

2024-06-09 03:51:28

It got a little toasty on the front porch this afternoon.😓
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2024-06-08 20:49:54

I've been behind the computer editing photos, identifying and captioning wildflower photos, and getting frustrated at our internet speed for seven hours now. It's time for me to stop and go outside. For now, enjoy this photo of an incredible blue sky from Upper Chena Dome Trail from yesterday.
If you'd like to view more of my recent photos, check here for where I've been and what I've seen: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Recent-Photos
#Alaska #hiking
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2024-06-08 18:12:27

Close-up of the flowers and buds of Rhododendron tomentosum, commonly known as labrador tea.
Every once in a while, I'm really happy with how a photo turns out. This is one of my favorites I've taken in quite a while. Check it out in my Wildflowers as Art gallery, a collection of my favorites for prints or wall art: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Wildflowers-as-Art
Or read more about the flower on my guide here: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/labrador-tea-rhododendron-tomentosum/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
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2024-06-07 19:09:29

The unique blossoms of Ribes triste, commonly known as swamp red currant, along the Table Top Mountain Trail in the White Mountain National Recreation Area, Alaska, in late May.
The latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/ribes-triste-swamp-red-currant/
#BloomScrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
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2024-06-07 16:55:56

Beautiful reflection yesterday in the Seasonal Wetlands Pond at Creamer's Field in Fairbanks, Alaska!
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/creamers-field/
#Alaska #reflection
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2024-06-07 16:16:08

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Hot AND windy!? What could go wrong!?

2024-06-07 04:29:02

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No, thank you, I'll pass.

2024-06-06 19:42:16

New to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia). Despite the name and the look of the leaves, it's actually quite toxic.
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/andromeda-polifolia-bog-rosemary/
#Alaska #bloomscrolling #spring
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2024-06-06 16:36:08

Pastel skies after sunset in late winter on Murphy Dome near Fairbanks, Alaska.
#Alaska #sunset
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2024-06-05 21:54:51

A few wildflowers from the Alaska Interior last weekend.
White arctic mountain heather (Cassiope tetragona)
Yellow thimbleweed (Anemone richardsonii)
Dwarf marsh violet (Viola epipsila)
Pincushion plant (Diapensia obovata)
Info on all in my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/
#bloomscrolling #alaska #wildflowers
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2024-06-04 20:41:47

I'll post some photos in a little bit, but for now, here's my blog post on our Nome Creek hike over the weekend with lots of wildflower photos and info!
#Alaska #hiking #bloomscrolling
https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/nome-creek-wander/

2024-06-04 17:01:16

The northern lights reach out across the sky over the Chena River Valley, viewed from Angel Rocks in early March.
https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Aurora-Borealis
#Alaska #auroraborealis
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2024-06-03 05:25:53

I just got my post up from Angel Rocks on Friday and am working on some photos from the Nome Creek area on Saturday. LOTS of flowers this weekend! Bluff cinquefoil (Potentilla arenosa), Swainson’s thrush, prickly saxifrage (Saxifraga tricuspidata), and one of the granite towers.
Blogpost with lots of photos: https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/angel-rocks-evening-storms-and-flowers/
#alaska #hiking #bloomscrolling
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2024-06-01 15:00:13

After The Storm—Yesterday, I waited out a brief thunderstorm for about 20 minutes while on my way up the Angel Rocks Loop. I was not disappointed with the beautiful light as the clouds moved north!
I took a few hundred photos, including some identifying photos for three flowers to be added to my guide, but they'll have to wait because I'm headed to the White Mountains this weekend. The summer backlog begins!
https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/angel-rocks/
#Alaska #Landscape #hiking
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2024-05-31 19:37:44

A stream forms through the snow on the Black Rapids Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range in mid-June. It's always a wet time when you are near the snowline (the boundary between snow-covered and snow-free) in the mountains, days on end trekking through deep slush.
More info on the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-information/black-rapids-glacier/
#Alaska #Glacier
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2024-05-30 20:38:42

Photos and story from Monday afternoon - Flora and Fauna along the lower Tors Trail: https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/lower-tors-trail-flora-and-fauna/
#Alaska #hiking

2024-05-30 18:04:32

Last night, I was out on the Summit Trail near Wickersham Dome, and I came across possibly 2 or 3 different species of dwarf willow. To the best of my knowledge, the ones photographed here are both Salix arctica (1: male catkins and 2: female catkins). I have my work cut out for me in properly identifying all the species I have photographed so far, and I just wrote an article on the problem this morning: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/introduction-to-dwarf-willows-of-alaska/
#bloomscrolling #alaska #wildflower
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2024-05-29 15:00:02

Jagged peaks tower over the steep Gabriel Icefall on the Gulkana Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range in mid-August.
My hiking guide to the area: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/gulkana-glacier-hike/
#Alaska #Glacier #Hiking
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2024-05-28 22:07:09

One down, countless more to go. Boreal sweetvetch (Hedysarum alpinum ssp. mackenziei). The newest addition to my wildflower guide with some tips for distinguishing it from H. alpinum (alpine sweetvetch). Here's the guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/hedysarum-boreale-ssp-mackenziei-boreal-sweetvetch/
These photos were taken yesterday near Tanana Lakes State Recreation Area in Fairbanks, Alaska.
#bloomscrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
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2024-05-28 18:33:48

I've got a lot of writing to do this week! I photographed and identified six wildflowers that will be added to add to my Alaska Wildflower Guide. Cat and I saw some interesting stuff along the lower Granite Tors trail yesterday. Hopefully, I'll have some more photos later today or tomorrow!
Flowers are dwarf marsh violet (Viola epipsila) and fairy slipper (Calypso bulbosa), both already in my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/
#bloomscrolling #wildflowers #Alaska
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2024-05-27 14:55:41

An aurora corona above the trees in late August. We have a little under three months before it gets dark enough again to see the aurora in Fairbanks, Alaska. I haven't seen much aurora while the leaves are still on the trees.
In my aurora gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Aurora-Borealis
#Alaska #auroraborealis
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2024-05-26 21:05:46

There were so many flowers yesterday despite it being so early in greening up at Table Top Mountain in the White Mountain National Recreation Area, Alaska.
List of flora and write-up on the hike and trail conditions with lots of photos here: https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/table-top-mountain-trail-flora-may-25-2024/
#alaska #hiking #bloomscrolling #wildflowers
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2024-05-25 21:21:55

I've taken quite a few photos in the last week. Here are a few of my favorites with some info about them. Lots of birds and wildflowers in Fairbanks, Alaska!
https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/weekly-update/
#Alaska #bloomscrolling #birding

2024-05-25 18:45:33

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Thank you

2024-05-24 23:59:51

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Thank you

2024-05-24 23:44:42

Things are moving a bit slower for me today. The death of a relative and the death of an old friend on the same day earlier this week has slowly been creeping up on me.
https://www.lwpetersen.com/photo-blog/reflections/
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2024-05-24 16:34:43

Years ago, we got relatively heavy snow in mid-September. The contrast of the snow on the green foliage was stunning! Smith Lake in Fairbanks, Alaska.
In my portfolio: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/
#Alaska #photography
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2024-05-23 02:36:24

The fairy slippers are blooming in Fairbanks today! (Calypso bulbosa var. americana)
Also, the latest addition to my Alaska Wildflower Guide: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-wildflowers/calypso-bulbosa-fairy-slipper/
#bloomscrolling #Alaska #wildflower
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2024-05-22 15:09:03

An incredibly bright display of the aurora borealis streaks across the night sky in February in Fairbanks, Alaska.
More in my aurora gallery: https://photos.lwpetersen.com/Galleries/Alaska-Photos/Aurora-Borealis
#Alaska #AuroraBorealis
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2024-05-21 16:48:17

Looking over some transverse crevasses up at the O'Brien Icefall on the Castner Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range. Read more about types of crevasses in my article here: https://www.lwpetersen.com/definitions/glaciers/crevasse-glacier/
My hiking guide to the Castner Glacier: https://www.lwpetersen.com/alaska-guide/castner-glacier-hiking-guide/
Photo taken in early July
#Glacier #Summer #Alaska
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2024-05-21 15:31:54

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We often mention her by name only instead of "our cat, Monkey." It's fun seeing people's reactions the first time hearing it.