Hidden Alaska | National Geographic

this is the picture out of the

this is the picture out of the commercial airplane as I was landing in

commercial airplane as I was landing in

commercial airplane as I was landing in Alaska I was like okay this is going to

Alaska I was like okay this is going to

Alaska I was like okay this is going to be good I love any close encounter with

be good I love any close encounter with

be good I love any close encounter with a wildlife I could just sit for hours

a wildlife I could just sit for hours

a wildlife I could just sit for hours and watch them I didn’t ask her to do

and watch them I didn’t ask her to do

and watch them I didn’t ask her to do this she just picked up this fish and

this she just picked up this fish and

this she just picked up this fish and kissed it you can see there’s just water

kissed it you can see there’s just water

kissed it you can see there’s just water everywhere and it’s like a sponge this

everywhere and it’s like a sponge this

everywhere and it’s like a sponge this whole area is just like a sponge

so nobody wake me up I’m dreaming I’m

so nobody wake me up I’m dreaming I’m here at the headquarters of National

here at the headquarters of National

here at the headquarters of National Geographic

Geographic

Geographic I’ve just been introduced by the

I’ve just been introduced by the

I’ve just been introduced by the director of photography and I’m speaking

director of photography and I’m speaking

director of photography and I’m speaking in a program called masters of

in a program called masters of

in a program called masters of photography clearly I’m dreaming so I

photography clearly I’m dreaming so I

photography clearly I’m dreaming so I thought about that and it was like I

thought about that and it was like I

thought about that and it was like I looked up masters in the dictionary and

looked up masters in the dictionary and

looked up masters in the dictionary and I said you know a person who has

I said you know a person who has

I said you know a person who has dominance or control over something he

dominance or control over something he

dominance or control over something he is a master of well I thought about that

is a master of well I thought about that

is a master of well I thought about that I was like you know what I’m not the

I was like you know what I’m not the

I was like you know what I’m not the master Photography is my master and it’s

master Photography is my master and it’s

master Photography is my master and it’s really sweet master to have so with that

really sweet master to have so with that

really sweet master to have so with that introduction I’m going to take you on a

introduction I’m going to take you on a

introduction I’m going to take you on a journey to Alaska I got a call one day

journey to Alaska I got a call one day

journey to Alaska I got a call one day and they said okay where would you like

and they said okay where would you like

and they said okay where would you like to go and do a two books on some part of

to go and do a two books on some part of

to go and do a two books on some part of the country a guide book and a beautiful

the country a guide book and a beautiful

the country a guide book and a beautiful book I said okay how about Alaska and

book I said okay how about Alaska and

book I said okay how about Alaska and they said okay and they made up a list

they said okay and they made up a list

they said okay and they made up a list which we’ll get to in a second but my

which we’ll get to in a second but my

which we’ll get to in a second but my first assignment actually in Alaska was

first assignment actually in Alaska was

first assignment actually in Alaska was for a magazine called geo in America you

for a magazine called geo in America you

for a magazine called geo in America you know geo is known in Europe and they

know geo is known in Europe and they

know geo is known in Europe and they started up here in America and so they

started up here in America and so they

started up here in America and so they called up one day and said would you

called up one day and said would you

called up one day and said would you like to go to Alaska we have two

like to go to Alaska we have two

like to go to Alaska we have two assignments for you

assignments for you

assignments for you so okay sure what are they well one is

so okay sure what are they well one is

so okay sure what are they well one is to go to the Ruth glacier camp out on

to go to the Ruth glacier camp out on

to go to the Ruth glacier camp out on this glacier and climb up every day and

this glacier and climb up every day and

this glacier and climb up every day and ski down and so that’s what we did we

ski down and so that’s what we did we

ski down and so that’s what we did we went out and we lived on this glacier

went out and we lived on this glacier

went out and we lived on this glacier for about ten days and hiked around

for about ten days and hiked around

for about ten days and hiked around roped up I mean it’s just an amazing

roped up I mean it’s just an amazing

roped up I mean it’s just an amazing place I still like to ski I’m not sure I

place I still like to ski I’m not sure I

place I still like to ski I’m not sure I could do it and the other assignment

could do it and the other assignment

could do it and the other assignment when I was done with the glacier was go

when I was done with the glacier was go

when I was done with the glacier was go to Prince William Sound and go sailing

to Prince William Sound and go sailing

to Prince William Sound and go sailing not bad

not bad

not bad not a bad introduction to Alaska so then

not a bad introduction to Alaska so then

not a bad introduction to Alaska so then the books division called where would

the books division called where would

the books division called where would you like to go alright make up a list ok

you like to go alright make up a list ok

you like to go alright make up a list ok well that’s pretty simple let’s see I’d

well that’s pretty simple let’s see I’d

well that’s pretty simple let’s see I’d like to go here

like to go here

like to go here here here here here everywhere where

here here here here everywhere where

here here here here everywhere where it’s green right I looked up all the

it’s green right I looked up all the

it’s green right I looked up all the national parks and made a list and they

national parks and made a list and they

national parks and made a list and they said fine go for it

said fine go for it

said fine go for it I made a calendar every day I was gonna

I made a calendar every day I was gonna

I made a calendar every day I was gonna be in someplace different and when I got

be in someplace different and when I got

be in someplace different and when I got to Alaska the writer who was a good

to Alaska the writer who was a good

to Alaska the writer who was a good friend of mine she looked at my calendar

friend of mine she looked at my calendar

friend of mine she looked at my calendar and she laughed at me she goes this is

and she laughed at me she goes this is

and she laughed at me she goes this is Alaska you you can’t plan anything here

Alaska you you can’t plan anything here

Alaska you you can’t plan anything here because the weather is in control so I

because the weather is in control so I

because the weather is in control so I said alright well I’ll do the best I can

said alright well I’ll do the best I can

said alright well I’ll do the best I can and so I flew on this assignment I was

and so I flew on this assignment I was

and so I flew on this assignment I was doing another assignment in Hawaii and

doing another assignment in Hawaii and

doing another assignment in Hawaii and from Hawaii I flew to Alaska and this is

from Hawaii I flew to Alaska and this is

from Hawaii I flew to Alaska and this is the picture out of the commercial

the picture out of the commercial

the picture out of the commercial airplane as I was landing in Alaska and

airplane as I was landing in Alaska and

airplane as I was landing in Alaska and I was like okay this is going to be good

I was like okay this is going to be good

I was like okay this is going to be good three and a half months on someone

three and a half months on someone

three and a half months on someone else’s nickel in Alaska

else’s nickel in Alaska

else’s nickel in Alaska well reality set in it rains all the

well reality set in it rains all the

well reality set in it rains all the time in certain parts of Alaska and this

time in certain parts of Alaska and this

time in certain parts of Alaska and this is southeast doubted Misty Fjords it

is southeast doubted Misty Fjords it

is southeast doubted Misty Fjords it rains so much you know everything is

rains so much you know everything is

rains so much you know everything is moss covered and then I got dropped off

moss covered and then I got dropped off

moss covered and then I got dropped off by a pilot and I camped out there and

by a pilot and I camped out there and

by a pilot and I camped out there and there was a little boat there and the

there was a little boat there and the

there was a little boat there and the pilot also dropped off a little motor

pilot also dropped off a little motor

pilot also dropped off a little motor for me which I thought was kind of

for me which I thought was kind of

for me which I thought was kind of sacrilege because I was out it was dead

sacrilege because I was out it was dead

sacrilege because I was out it was dead silent it was just so beautiful so I was

silent it was just so beautiful so I was

silent it was just so beautiful so I was rowing around Punchbowl lake and I was

rowing around Punchbowl lake and I was

rowing around Punchbowl lake and I was had come to this spot in the middle you

had come to this spot in the middle you

had come to this spot in the middle you know the afternoon I said would be a

know the afternoon I said would be a

know the afternoon I said would be a good place to shoot and then I rode back

good place to shoot and then I rode back

good place to shoot and then I rode back to the lean-to because it was kind of

to the lean-to because it was kind of

to the lean-to because it was kind of overcast all day and then at the end of

overcast all day and then at the end of

overcast all day and then at the end of the day I said oh my goodness the sun’s

the day I said oh my goodness the sun’s

the day I said oh my goodness the sun’s going to drop underneath the clouds I

going to drop underneath the clouds I

going to drop underneath the clouds I got to get back to that spot well good

got to get back to that spot well good

got to get back to that spot well good thing I had the motor got it go and

thing I had the motor got it go and

thing I had the motor got it go and forget about the silence and then you

forget about the silence and then you

forget about the silence and then you know the romancin had to get to this

know the romancin had to get to this

know the romancin had to get to this spot in time for this shot which is good

spot in time for this shot which is good

spot in time for this shot which is good I got it and they ran it inside passage

I got it and they ran it inside passage

I got it and they ran it inside passage most people when go to Alaska you know

most people when go to Alaska you know

most people when go to Alaska you know you do the inside passage and then you

you do the inside passage and then you

you do the inside passage and then you go up to Denali and hopefully you can

go up to Denali and hopefully you can

go up to Denali and hopefully you can see denial but the inside passages is

see denial but the inside passages is

see denial but the inside passages is just spectacular that’s where all the

just spectacular that’s where all the

just spectacular that’s where all the whales are and I was there with my

whales are and I was there with my

whales are and I was there with my daughter and we were there we were

daughter and we were there we were

daughter and we were there we were hanging out with some stellar sea law

hanging out with some stellar sea law

hanging out with some stellar sea law and we saw this humpback that was

and we saw this humpback that was

and we saw this humpback that was breaching and so I got this shot you

breaching and so I got this shot you

breaching and so I got this shot you know I went to include the landscape and

know I went to include the landscape and

know I went to include the landscape and then we motored over there and knowing a

then we motored over there and knowing a

then we motored over there and knowing a little bit about whales I know that

little bit about whales I know that

little bit about whales I know that they’re not going to go down for you

they’re not going to go down for you

they’re not going to go down for you know 10 minutes maybe so we went over we

know 10 minutes maybe so we went over we

know 10 minutes maybe so we went over we turn the light the motor off and we

turn the light the motor off and we

turn the light the motor off and we waited we waited we waited and I had put

waited we waited we waited and I had put

waited we waited we waited and I had put a prime lens on an 85 millimeter lens

a prime lens on an 85 millimeter lens

a prime lens on an 85 millimeter lens and I was kind of hoping it would come

and I was kind of hoping it would come

and I was kind of hoping it would come up there and we were waiting and my

up there and we were waiting and my

up there and we were waiting and my daughter turned to me and she goes daddy

daughter turned to me and she goes daddy

daughter turned to me and she goes daddy where’s the breacher I mean the whale

where’s the breacher I mean the whale

where’s the breacher I mean the whale must have been listening right as she

must have been listening right as she

must have been listening right as she finished her sentence it came out right

finished her sentence it came out right

finished her sentence it came out right there in front of us it was pretty

there in front of us it was pretty

there in front of us it was pretty spectacular yeah you’re not supposed to

spectacular yeah you’re not supposed to

spectacular yeah you’re not supposed to get within a quarter mile of a glacier

get within a quarter mile of a glacier

get within a quarter mile of a glacier for obvious reasons because when they

for obvious reasons because when they

for obvious reasons because when they Cavill off the entire wall can come down

Cavill off the entire wall can come down

Cavill off the entire wall can come down and can get a little messy but and this

and can get a little messy but and this

and can get a little messy but and this guy was pretty excited needless to say

guy was pretty excited needless to say

guy was pretty excited needless to say that whole wall came down this is the

that whole wall came down this is the

that whole wall came down this is the hubbard glacier it’s the fastest moving

hubbard glacier it’s the fastest moving

hubbard glacier it’s the fastest moving glacier in North America and I camped

glacier in North America and I camped

glacier in North America and I camped out just across from it and you know all

out just across from it and you know all

out just across from it and you know all night long you could just hear it oh and

night long you could just hear it oh and

night long you could just hear it oh and so I was lucky that the you know the

so I was lucky that the you know the

so I was lucky that the you know the light was just on it perfectly when it

light was just on it perfectly when it

light was just on it perfectly when it capped this is bear glacier this is the

capped this is bear glacier this is the

capped this is bear glacier this is the the largest of the 18 glaciers in Kenai

the largest of the 18 glaciers in Kenai

the largest of the 18 glaciers in Kenai Fjords from an airplane

Fjords from an airplane

Fjords from an airplane speaking of airplanes I went in to

speaking of airplanes I went in to

speaking of airplanes I went in to wrangle Saint Elias there’s a pilot they

wrangle Saint Elias there’s a pilot they

wrangle Saint Elias there’s a pilot they are named Paul Smith in he’s Alaska’s

are named Paul Smith in he’s Alaska’s

are named Paul Smith in he’s Alaska’s cowboy pilot and Alaska has a lot of

cowboy pilot and Alaska has a lot of

cowboy pilot and Alaska has a lot of cowboy pilots so I said well you know

cowboy pilots so I said well you know

cowboy pilots so I said well you know let’s go do some aerials and I’m we’re

let’s go do some aerials and I’m we’re

let’s go do some aerials and I’m we’re flying around I say you know and be

flying around I say you know and be

flying around I say you know and be really neat if I could get you you know

really neat if I could get you you know

really neat if I could get you you know in the foreground

in the foreground

in the foreground oh no problem he goes so he lands that

oh no problem he goes so he lands that

oh no problem he goes so he lands that planes it’s done it’s on skis he lands

planes it’s done it’s on skis he lands

planes it’s done it’s on skis he lands on a piece of snow like this which is

on a piece of snow like this which is

on a piece of snow like this which is where I’m standing and he’s going you

where I’m standing and he’s going you

where I’m standing and he’s going you know he lands and he goes up hill and

know he lands and he goes up hill and

know he lands and he goes up hill and just before it stalls he turns it around

just before it stalls he turns it around

just before it stalls he turns it around so he’s facing downhill and he turns to

so he’s facing downhill and he turns to

so he’s facing downhill and he turns to me says okay you can get out now

me says okay you can get out now

me says okay you can get out now all right but you got a promise to come

all right but you got a promise to come

all right but you got a promise to come back for me and he went out and you know

back for me and he went out and you know

back for me and he went out and you know it wasn’t you know it wasn’t long enough

it wasn’t you know it wasn’t long enough

it wasn’t you know it wasn’t long enough for him to get enough speed to actually

for him to get enough speed to actually

for him to get enough speed to actually take off so he goes downhill and all of

take off so he goes downhill and all of

take off so he goes downhill and all of a sudden I seem to disappear you know

a sudden I seem to disappear you know

a sudden I seem to disappear you know but he needed to get enough speed to

but he needed to get enough speed to

but he needed to get enough speed to come back up again and so in any flew

come back up again and so in any flew

come back up again and so in any flew around he and he did come back and get

around he and he did come back and get

around he and he did come back and get me you know otherwise I wouldn’t be here

me you know otherwise I wouldn’t be here

me you know otherwise I wouldn’t be here this is the route glacier and I met a

this is the route glacier and I met a

this is the route glacier and I met a couple of guides there and there’s only

couple of guides there and there’s only

couple of guides there and there’s only know a great place you know to take

know a great place you know to take

know a great place you know to take pictures that’s I think they just wanted

pictures that’s I think they just wanted

pictures that’s I think they just wanted to climb here and so they’re both roped

to climb here and so they’re both roped

to climb here and so they’re both roped up she’s roped up you know to a Piton

up she’s roped up you know to a Piton

up she’s roped up you know to a Piton right there and this other girls roped

right there and this other girls roped

right there and this other girls roped up so they’re completely safe and I

up so they’re completely safe and I

up so they’re completely safe and I walked all the way around and I have

walked all the way around and I have

walked all the way around and I have crampons on and I got to this spot and

crampons on and I got to this spot and

crampons on and I got to this spot and the storms coming in I’m very excited it

the storms coming in I’m very excited it

the storms coming in I’m very excited it looks really good and then I realized

looks really good and then I realized

looks really good and then I realized they’re roped up and I’m not and I look

they’re roped up and I’m not and I look

they’re roped up and I’m not and I look straight down and it looks like that

straight down and it looks like that

straight down and it looks like that there we go

there we go

there we go me this maybe not too smart no I got

me this maybe not too smart no I got

me this maybe not too smart no I got this shot and I backed off but it you

this shot and I backed off but it you

this shot and I backed off but it you know it’s like that realization that

know it’s like that realization that

know it’s like that realization that you’ve done something that’s pretty

you’ve done something that’s pretty

you’ve done something that’s pretty stupid maybe you know and then I went up

stupid maybe you know and then I went up

stupid maybe you know and then I went up to Denali National Park I’ve been there

to Denali National Park I’ve been there

to Denali National Park I’ve been there a few times and the first time I went

a few times and the first time I went

a few times and the first time I went there it looked like this it was

there it looked like this it was

there it looked like this it was beautiful the next time I went it was

beautiful the next time I went it was

beautiful the next time I went it was overcast the whole time and we never saw

overcast the whole time and we never saw

overcast the whole time and we never saw Denali and the third time I went on the

Denali and the third time I went on the

Denali and the third time I went on the forest fires were so bad you couldn’t

forest fires were so bad you couldn’t

forest fires were so bad you couldn’t see across the street which was

see across the street which was

see across the street which was interesting sometimes we get you know

interesting sometimes we get you know

interesting sometimes we get you know there’s a lottery for photographers that

there’s a lottery for photographers that

there’s a lottery for photographers that can get a car pass and you can actually

can get a car pass and you can actually

can get a car pass and you can actually take your car into Denali

take your car into Denali

take your car into Denali which is a photographer is pretty sweet

which is a photographer is pretty sweet

which is a photographer is pretty sweet and there’s just some other shots long

and there’s just some other shots long

and there’s just some other shots long lens pictures of Denali and the range as

lens pictures of Denali and the range as

lens pictures of Denali and the range as the light changes after all it’s all

the light changes after all it’s all

the light changes after all it’s all about the light and there I am three and

about the light and there I am three and

about the light and there I am three and a half months alone for the most part

a half months alone for the most part

a half months alone for the most part and have really good conversations with

and have really good conversations with

and have really good conversations with myself and I have a red jacket so what

myself and I have a red jacket so what

myself and I have a red jacket so what else do I need

else do I need

else do I need then I went up to gates of the Arctic

then I went up to gates of the Arctic

then I went up to gates of the Arctic these are the air gas Peaks which

these are the air gas Peaks which

these are the air gas Peaks which translate into fingers of a hand

translate into fingers of a hand

translate into fingers of a hand reaching to the sky and I went there

reaching to the sky and I went there

reaching to the sky and I went there with a photo group I wasn’t leading it

with a photo group I wasn’t leading it

with a photo group I wasn’t leading it but I was you know with the participants

but I was you know with the participants

but I was you know with the participants to go up photographed caribou and we’re

to go up photographed caribou and we’re

to go up photographed caribou and we’re up there and when we landed you know

up there and when we landed you know

up there and when we landed you know there was this hill and a range in the

there was this hill and a range in the

there was this hill and a range in the background and I had kind of pre

background and I had kind of pre

background and I had kind of pre visualized a caribou going up going up

visualized a caribou going up going up

visualized a caribou going up going up along the hill there and we saw very few

along the hill there and we saw very few

along the hill there and we saw very few caribou and this one obliged me five

caribou and this one obliged me five

caribou and this one obliged me five minutes before the plane landed to take

minutes before the plane landed to take

minutes before the plane landed to take us out after four or five days up there

us out after four or five days up there

us out after four or five days up there camping and I couldn’t believe I had all

camping and I couldn’t believe I had all

camping and I couldn’t believe I had all my gear packed up I was waiting for the

my gear packed up I was waiting for the

my gear packed up I was waiting for the plane I could hear the plane coming and

plane I could hear the plane coming and

plane I could hear the plane coming and then here here comes this caribou so

then here here comes this caribou so

then here here comes this caribou so quickly I had to grab this shot and also

quickly I had to grab this shot and also

quickly I had to grab this shot and also while I was there it’s snowed and these

while I was there it’s snowed and these

while I was there it’s snowed and these photographers were following this one

photographers were following this one

photographers were following this one herd and kind of pushing them and so I

herd and kind of pushing them and so I

herd and kind of pushing them and so I ran ahead around this lake and got

ran ahead around this lake and got

ran ahead around this lake and got myself up on a hill so that when the

myself up on a hill so that when the

myself up on a hill so that when the caribou came by I would could get a shot

caribou came by I would could get a shot

caribou came by I would could get a shot I slowed down the shutter speed to make

I slowed down the shutter speed to make

I slowed down the shutter speed to make it a little more interesting and also

it a little more interesting and also

it a little more interesting and also another time I hid behind a rock as the

another time I hid behind a rock as the

another time I hid behind a rock as the caribou were coming by and I thought

caribou were coming by and I thought

caribou were coming by and I thought they would freak when they saw me and

they would freak when they saw me and

they would freak when they saw me and this one was really close and it just

this one was really close and it just

this one was really close and it just looked at me and it just kept on grazing

looked at me and it just kept on grazing

looked at me and it just kept on grazing and moving slowly as they migrated and

and moving slowly as they migrated and

and moving slowly as they migrated and it’s funny because I was down here at

it’s funny because I was down here at

it’s funny because I was down here at Geographic I was probably editing with

Geographic I was probably editing with

Geographic I was probably editing with Kurt might have been civil war or

Kurt might have been civil war or

Kurt might have been civil war or something and whenever I’m here I mean

something and whenever I’m here I mean

something and whenever I’m here I mean Caribou Coffee is you know how many

Caribou Coffee is you know how many

Caribou Coffee is you know how many trips a day do I go to Caribou Coffee

trips a day do I go to Caribou Coffee

trips a day do I go to Caribou Coffee and I was waiting there for my white

and I was waiting there for my white

and I was waiting there for my white chocolate mocha waiting waiting waiting

chocolate mocha waiting waiting waiting

chocolate mocha waiting waiting waiting I’m looking at this poster of this

I’m looking at this poster of this

I’m looking at this poster of this caribou and I’m on wait a minute that’s

caribou and I’m on wait a minute that’s

caribou and I’m on wait a minute that’s my shot

sure enough this was Iran the next day

sure enough this was Iran the next day in USA today and the check was really

in USA today and the check was really

in USA today and the check was really sweet I got coffee’s on me next time you

sweet I got coffee’s on me next time you

sweet I got coffee’s on me next time you see me down here and then I went up to

see me down here and then I went up to

see me down here and then I went up to Cape Cougars Dean got this shot you just

Cape Cougars Dean got this shot you just

Cape Cougars Dean got this shot you just flew I flew with one pilot up there

flew I flew with one pilot up there

flew I flew with one pilot up there he was really good he had a small plane

he was really good he had a small plane

he was really good he had a small plane and he must have weighed 300 pounds it

and he must have weighed 300 pounds it

and he must have weighed 300 pounds it was kind of interesting and then he took

was kind of interesting and then he took

was kind of interesting and then he took me over to the Bering Land Bridge and

me over to the Bering Land Bridge and

me over to the Bering Land Bridge and dropped me off there for two nights and

dropped me off there for two nights and

dropped me off there for two nights and you know the thing about Alaska in the

you know the thing about Alaska in the

you know the thing about Alaska in the summertime is it never gets dark the

summertime is it never gets dark the

summertime is it never gets dark the best light is usually between 11:00 at

best light is usually between 11:00 at

best light is usually between 11:00 at night and 3:00 in the morning you know

night and 3:00 in the morning you know

night and 3:00 in the morning you know so you have the option either you sleep

so you have the option either you sleep

so you have the option either you sleep during the day or you don’t sleep at all

during the day or you don’t sleep at all

during the day or you don’t sleep at all because you don’t want to miss the good

because you don’t want to miss the good

because you don’t want to miss the good light and so this this was probably shot

light and so this this was probably shot

light and so this this was probably shot about 2:00 in the morning as the moon’s

about 2:00 in the morning as the moon’s

about 2:00 in the morning as the moon’s coming up and then he picked me up and

coming up and then he picked me up and

coming up and then he picked me up and he took me to Kovac sand dunes sand they

he took me to Kovac sand dunes sand they

he took me to Kovac sand dunes sand they actually have sand dunes up in Alaska

actually have sand dunes up in Alaska

actually have sand dunes up in Alaska and I spent the night there and on the

and I spent the night there and on the

and I spent the night there and on the way to the sand dunes I’m a pilot I used

way to the sand dunes I’m a pilot I used

way to the sand dunes I’m a pilot I used to have an airplane so I feel pretty

to have an airplane so I feel pretty

to have an airplane so I feel pretty confident around planes I’m looking over

confident around planes I’m looking over

confident around planes I’m looking over at this guy and he’s like it is falling

at this guy and he’s like it is falling

at this guy and he’s like it is falling asleep so I nudged him I say you know

asleep so I nudged him I say you know

asleep so I nudged him I say you know you can do that on the way back but you

you can do that on the way back but you

you can do that on the way back but you know please stay awake while we’re going

know please stay awake while we’re going

know please stay awake while we’re going here so we landed I spent the night

here so we landed I spent the night

here so we landed I spent the night there and got this shot and I had never

there and got this shot and I had never

there and got this shot and I had never seen the Northern Lights before and I

seen the Northern Lights before and I

seen the Northern Lights before and I was in Fairbanks I said alright I’m just

was in Fairbanks I said alright I’m just

was in Fairbanks I said alright I’m just going to start driving up the haul road

going to start driving up the haul road

going to start driving up the haul road this is it towards the end of my trip

this is it towards the end of my trip

this is it towards the end of my trip it’s in September and I’m going to start

it’s in September and I’m going to start

it’s in September and I’m going to start driving north and I’m not stopping till

driving north and I’m not stopping till

driving north and I’m not stopping till I see the Northern Lights and I passed

I see the Northern Lights and I passed

I see the Northern Lights and I passed this little stream here and the Northern

this little stream here and the Northern

this little stream here and the Northern Lights hadn’t started happening yet and

Lights hadn’t started happening yet and

Lights hadn’t started happening yet and I stopped I got out I looked at it I

I stopped I got out I looked at it I

I stopped I got out I looked at it I knew the Northern Lights kind of went

knew the Northern Lights kind of went

knew the Northern Lights kind of went northeast to Northwest and I said well

northeast to Northwest and I said well

northeast to Northwest and I said well if the Northern Lights happened this

if the Northern Lights happened this

if the Northern Lights happened this would be the place to shoot him so I

would be the place to shoot him so I

would be the place to shoot him so I zeroed out my odometer got back in the

zeroed out my odometer got back in the

zeroed out my odometer got back in the car exactly five miles later I looked up

car exactly five miles later I looked up

car exactly five miles later I looked up and the sky was just giving a show well

and the sky was just giving a show well

and the sky was just giving a show well what do you do now you don’t know how

what do you do now you don’t know how

what do you do now you don’t know how long the nor the lights going to last

long the nor the lights going to last

long the nor the lights going to last right it could be twenty minutes it

right it could be twenty minutes it

right it could be twenty minutes it could be all night so I was so excited I

could be all night so I was so excited I

could be all night so I was so excited I got out I got some shots

got out I got some shots

got out I got some shots I was there but it wasn’t really

I was there but it wasn’t really

I was there but it wasn’t really happening so I got back in the car drove

happening so I got back in the car drove

happening so I got back in the car drove back to this spot five minute five miles

back to this spot five minute five miles

back to this spot five minute five miles away and got this shot and they didn’t

away and got this shot and they didn’t

away and got this shot and they didn’t last very long the Northern Lights they

last very long the Northern Lights they

last very long the Northern Lights they lasted about 20 minutes that night but I

lasted about 20 minutes that night but I

lasted about 20 minutes that night but I was very happy that was the first time I

was very happy that was the first time I

was very happy that was the first time I saw him in a no picture does justice to

saw him in a no picture does justice to

saw him in a no picture does justice to the Northern Lights once you’ve seen him

the Northern Lights once you’ve seen him

the Northern Lights once you’ve seen him in person I encourage everyone to go

in person I encourage everyone to go

in person I encourage everyone to go there took me two days to get into Dutch

there took me two days to get into Dutch

there took me two days to get into Dutch Harbor I had one day a beautiful weather

Harbor I had one day a beautiful weather

Harbor I had one day a beautiful weather and took me three or four days to get

and took me three or four days to get

and took me three or four days to get out because that’s it’s always foggy

out because that’s it’s always foggy

out because that’s it’s always foggy there and this is in Dutch Harbor or

there and this is in Dutch Harbor or

there and this is in Dutch Harbor or Onalaska they’re two towns next to each

Onalaska they’re two towns next to each

Onalaska they’re two towns next to each other one called

other one called

other one called Dutch Harbor and the other Onalaska and

Dutch Harbor and the other Onalaska and

Dutch Harbor and the other Onalaska and I waited on this hillside you know the

I waited on this hillside you know the

I waited on this hillside you know the storm was kind of breaking up in these

storm was kind of breaking up in these

storm was kind of breaking up in these little spots of light we’re going across

little spots of light we’re going across

little spots of light we’re going across the landscape and I was waiting because

the landscape and I was waiting because

the landscape and I was waiting because I wanted to get this shot with the Sun

I wanted to get this shot with the Sun

I wanted to get this shot with the Sun just on the town and nothing else and

just on the town and nothing else and

just on the town and nothing else and you know after two hours you know God

you know after two hours you know God

you know after two hours you know God was waiting til the light got right in

was waiting til the light got right in

was waiting til the light got right in the right spot and then it came out and

the right spot and then it came out and

the right spot and then it came out and you know I had about two minutes of this

you know I had about two minutes of this

you know I had about two minutes of this or less there’s more fish brought into

or less there’s more fish brought into

or less there’s more fish brought into Dutch Harbor than any other port in

Dutch Harbor than any other port in

Dutch Harbor than any other port in Alaska this is down in oak mock volcano

Alaska this is down in oak mock volcano

Alaska this is down in oak mock volcano this is the one day of good weather I

this is the one day of good weather I

this is the one day of good weather I had down there and then I went to the

had down there and then I went to the

had down there and then I went to the Pribilof Islands which is out in the

Pribilof Islands which is out in the

Pribilof Islands which is out in the middle of nowhere and there was this

middle of nowhere and there was this

middle of nowhere and there was this eagle I got this shot and their puffins

eagle I got this shot and their puffins

eagle I got this shot and their puffins there and so that kind of takes you on a

there and so that kind of takes you on a

there and so that kind of takes you on a tour of you know Inside Passage wrangles

tour of you know Inside Passage wrangles

tour of you know Inside Passage wrangles analyze denali gates of the Arctic Kobuk

analyze denali gates of the Arctic Kobuk

analyze denali gates of the Arctic Kobuk sand dunes k-crew Gerstein bering land

sand dunes k-crew Gerstein bering land

sand dunes k-crew Gerstein bering land bridge then i came to this area which

bridge then i came to this area which

bridge then i came to this area which was called bristol bay and here’s a

was called bristol bay and here’s a

was called bristol bay and here’s a closer in picture of bristol bay so what

closer in picture of bristol bay so what

closer in picture of bristol bay so what we have here is we’ve got two rivers the

we have here is we’ve got two rivers the

we have here is we’ve got two rivers the new xi gak and the qui jack and half of

new xi gak and the qui jack and half of

new xi gak and the qui jack and half of the salmon the wild salmon from alaska

the salmon the wild salmon from alaska

the salmon the wild salmon from alaska that we comes from here it’s an

that we comes from here it’s an

that we comes from here it’s an extremely well managed fishery the state

extremely well managed fishery the state

extremely well managed fishery the state monitors the

monitors the

monitors the is coming up the river once they have

is coming up the river once they have

is coming up the river once they have their escapement number they open it up

their escapement number they open it up

their escapement number they open it up for commercial fishing or I like to call

for commercial fishing or I like to call

for commercial fishing or I like to call it harvesting because it’s really more

it harvesting because it’s really more

it harvesting because it’s really more of what it’s doing and then they’ll open

of what it’s doing and then they’ll open

of what it’s doing and then they’ll open it up for eight hours and they’ll close

it up for eight hours and they’ll close

it up for eight hours and they’ll close it again and they’ll wait until enough

it again and they’ll wait until enough

it again and they’ll wait until enough salmon have come up river to sustain the

salmon have come up river to sustain the

salmon have come up river to sustain the fishery so it’ll go on forever and it’s

fishery so it’ll go on forever and it’s

fishery so it’ll go on forever and it’s very impressive the boats there’s a line

very impressive the boats there’s a line

very impressive the boats there’s a line out here that the boats can’t go past

out here that the boats can’t go past

out here that the boats can’t go past okay because the fish are coming in on

okay because the fish are coming in on

okay because the fish are coming in on the rising tide and the tides are

the rising tide and the tides are

the rising tide and the tides are 30-foot tides and so very quickly okay

30-foot tides and so very quickly okay

30-foot tides and so very quickly okay so here’s Togiak here’s like Clark

so here’s Togiak here’s like Clark

so here’s Togiak here’s like Clark here’s woodtick chick here’s Katmai and

here’s woodtick chick here’s Katmai and

here’s woodtick chick here’s Katmai and at the headwaters of two of the

at the headwaters of two of the

at the headwaters of two of the tributaries from the two rivers that

tributaries from the two rivers that

tributaries from the two rivers that feed Bristol Bay these two rivers just

feed Bristol Bay these two rivers just

feed Bristol Bay these two rivers just about meet stone’s throw away they

about meet stone’s throw away they

about meet stone’s throw away they actually do meet underneath ground level

actually do meet underneath ground level

actually do meet underneath ground level and what they have found here in this

and what they have found here in this

and what they have found here in this area is the largest deposit of gold and

area is the largest deposit of gold and

area is the largest deposit of gold and the sixth largest deposit of copper in

the sixth largest deposit of copper in

the sixth largest deposit of copper in the world and that is a lot of copper

the world and that is a lot of copper

the world and that is a lot of copper and so you know that’s why we went up

and so you know that’s why we went up

and so you know that’s why we went up there was to take a look at this

there was to take a look at this

there was to take a look at this potential mind site and see what the

potential mind site and see what the

potential mind site and see what the threat was to the area because you know

threat was to the area because you know

threat was to the area because you know as we learn from PB and as we learnt in

as we learn from PB and as we learnt in

as we learn from PB and as we learnt in Japan a couple of weeks ago you know

Japan a couple of weeks ago you know

Japan a couple of weeks ago you know nothing is really for sure especially in

nothing is really for sure especially in

nothing is really for sure especially in the mining industry so we went there to

the mining industry so we went there to

the mining industry so we went there to take a look at it and try and be you

take a look at it and try and be you

take a look at it and try and be you know give a fair assessment to the whole

know give a fair assessment to the whole

know give a fair assessment to the whole thing and the name of the project is

thing and the name of the project is

thing and the name of the project is called pebble project or pebble mine

called pebble project or pebble mine

called pebble project or pebble mine they originally they wanted to call it

they originally they wanted to call it

they originally they wanted to call it Pebble Beach mine because they said it

Pebble Beach mine because they said it

Pebble Beach mine because they said it looked a lot like Pebble Beach you know

looked a lot like Pebble Beach you know

looked a lot like Pebble Beach you know with the golf fairway and then they

with the golf fairway and then they

with the golf fairway and then they thought women that’s probably not a good

thought women that’s probably not a good

thought women that’s probably not a good idea because who in America would really

idea because who in America would really

idea because who in America would really want a mine Pebble Beach so they changed

want a mine Pebble Beach so they changed

want a mine Pebble Beach so they changed it to adjust the pebble project so this

it to adjust the pebble project so this

it to adjust the pebble project so this is right up at one of those the

is right up at one of those the

is right up at one of those the headwaters of one of those creeks that

headwaters of one of those creeks that

headwaters of one of those creeks that cook tule and this is back in where the

cook tule and this is back in where the

cook tule and this is back in where the new she gas

new she gas

new she gas meets Bristol Bay okay so the salmon

meets Bristol Bay okay so the salmon

meets Bristol Bay okay so the salmon look at the 30-foot tides okay high tide

look at the 30-foot tides okay high tide

look at the 30-foot tides okay high tide it’s up here and at low tide it’s way

it’s up here and at low tide it’s way

it’s up here and at low tide it’s way out and the salmon come up here with

out and the salmon come up here with

out and the salmon come up here with each tide in July there’s an underwater

each tide in July there’s an underwater

each tide in July there’s an underwater shot of the sockeye salmon right so

shot of the sockeye salmon right so

shot of the sockeye salmon right so they’re born in the streams they live in

they’re born in the streams they live in

they’re born in the streams they live in the streams till they get to a certain

the streams till they get to a certain

the streams till they get to a certain size they go out and live in the ocean

size they go out and live in the ocean

size they go out and live in the ocean for three years and then they come back

for three years and then they come back

for three years and then they come back to the exact same stream that they were

to the exact same stream that they were

to the exact same stream that they were born in and when they come back as a hit

born in and when they come back as a hit

born in and when they come back as a hit fresh water their bodies turn this color

fresh water their bodies turn this color

fresh water their bodies turn this color is red and their heads turn green and

is red and their heads turn green and

is red and their heads turn green and the male’s get this big hook jaw and

the male’s get this big hook jaw and

the male’s get this big hook jaw and they go up as far as they can in this

they go up as far as they can in this

they go up as far as they can in this freshwater and they the females make a

freshwater and they the females make a

freshwater and they the females make a little bed and lay their eggs and the

little bed and lay their eggs and the

little bed and lay their eggs and the male’s deposit their sperm to fertilize

male’s deposit their sperm to fertilize

male’s deposit their sperm to fertilize the eggs and then they die they get to

the eggs and then they die they get to

the eggs and then they die they get to do it once there’s two kinds of fishing

do it once there’s two kinds of fishing

do it once there’s two kinds of fishing going on there or harvesting as the as

going on there or harvesting as the as

going on there or harvesting as the as the salmon are swimming by one is called

the salmon are swimming by one is called

the salmon are swimming by one is called set net fishing which is you put the net

set net fishing which is you put the net

set net fishing which is you put the net straight out from shore and as the fish

straight out from shore and as the fish

straight out from shore and as the fish are coming up with a high tide they run

are coming up with a high tide they run

are coming up with a high tide they run into the net and when the tide turns and

into the net and when the tide turns and

into the net and when the tide turns and stops running you pull it you hook your

stops running you pull it you hook your

stops running you pull it you hook your pickup truck up to the net and you pull

pickup truck up to the net and you pull

pickup truck up to the net and you pull it on to shore 18 thousand pounds of

it on to shore 18 thousand pounds of

it on to shore 18 thousand pounds of fish were brought on the beach this day

fish were brought on the beach this day

fish were brought on the beach this day and which is pretty amazing we there’s a

and which is pretty amazing we there’s a

and which is pretty amazing we there’s a 30 million fish that returned to Bristol

30 million fish that returned to Bristol

30 million fish that returned to Bristol Bay every year and more than half are

Bay every year and more than half are

Bay every year and more than half are harvested and the rest are there to make

harvested and the rest are there to make

harvested and the rest are there to make sure that the salmon keep coming back

sure that the salmon keep coming back

sure that the salmon keep coming back the other kind of fishery is fishing is

the other kind of fishery is fishing is

the other kind of fishery is fishing is drift net fishing so there’s a line that

drift net fishing so there’s a line that

drift net fishing so there’s a line that the boats can’t go beyond it’s on their

the boats can’t go beyond it’s on their

the boats can’t go beyond it’s on their GPS and so since they can only fish the

GPS and so since they can only fish the

GPS and so since they can only fish the incoming tide all the boats want to get

incoming tide all the boats want to get

incoming tide all the boats want to get as close as the lock to the line as they

as close as the lock to the line as they

as close as the lock to the line as they can because the salmon are coming with

can because the salmon are coming with

can because the salmon are coming with the tide and so this guy has put out his

the tide and so this guy has put out his

the tide and so this guy has put out his net okay on the line and within two

net okay on the line and within two

net okay on the line and within two minutes he’s all the way back here well

minutes he’s all the way back here well

minutes he’s all the way back here well of course the next guy was to get in

of course the next guy was to get in

of course the next guy was to get in front of him the next guy wants to get

front of him the next guy wants to get

front of him the next guy wants to get in front of him and so it’s it’s a bit

in front of him and so it’s it’s a bit

in front of him and so it’s it’s a bit of a war that goes on there

of a war that goes on there

of a war that goes on there and what they call they call that

and what they call they call that

and what they call they call that corking each other when you get in front

corking each other when you get in front

corking each other when you get in front of somebody and so they you know they

of somebody and so they you know they

of somebody and so they you know they the tempers flare boy you talk about the

the tempers flare boy you talk about the

the tempers flare boy you talk about the advantage of digital photography you

advantage of digital photography you

advantage of digital photography you know in the film days you know the most

know in the film days you know the most

know in the film days you know the most I would shoot would be ISO 200 but

I would shoot would be ISO 200 but

I would shoot would be ISO 200 but nowadays we can put our cameras at ISO

nowadays we can put our cameras at ISO

nowadays we can put our cameras at ISO 3200 be on a moving boat in almost total

3200 be on a moving boat in almost total

3200 be on a moving boat in almost total darkness as the full moon is setting and

darkness as the full moon is setting and

darkness as the full moon is setting and get a shot of another boat and the moon

get a shot of another boat and the moon

get a shot of another boat and the moon while you’re moving it’s pretty amazing

while you’re moving it’s pretty amazing

while you’re moving it’s pretty amazing the technology and so this is what you

the technology and so this is what you

the technology and so this is what you know the process is they put the nets

know the process is they put the nets

know the process is they put the nets out to have to turn the motor off and

out to have to turn the motor off and

out to have to turn the motor off and they have to drift with the tide and the

they have to drift with the tide and the

they have to drift with the tide and the salmon is they come in they just run

salmon is they come in they just run

salmon is they come in they just run into the net and then they haul them up

into the net and then they haul them up

into the net and then they haul them up and that’s why I call it harvesting

and that’s why I call it harvesting

and that’s why I call it harvesting instead of fishing and the salmon are

instead of fishing and the salmon are

instead of fishing and the salmon are you know when they come in they’re

you know when they come in they’re

you know when they come in they’re bright silver that’s the salmon that

bright silver that’s the salmon that

bright silver that’s the salmon that we’re eating and as they go up the

we’re eating and as they go up the

we’re eating and as they go up the streams they turn red so I went out on a

streams they turn red so I went out on a

streams they turn red so I went out on a couple of boats and unfortunately I had

couple of boats and unfortunately I had

couple of boats and unfortunately I had envisioned you know this great you know

envisioned you know this great you know

envisioned you know this great you know really rough seas and you know fish

really rough seas and you know fish

really rough seas and you know fish flying all over the place

flying all over the place

flying all over the place well the three days I was out on the

well the three days I was out on the

well the three days I was out on the boat it was like you know dead calm the

boat it was like you know dead calm the

boat it was like you know dead calm the Caribbean you know there was no there

Caribbean you know there was no there

Caribbean you know there was no there was nothing going on as far as character

was nothing going on as far as character

was nothing going on as far as character and weather going on so I was a little

and weather going on so I was a little

and weather going on so I was a little frustrated but we did all right

frustrated but we did all right

frustrated but we did all right and it’s amazing the amount of salmon

and it’s amazing the amount of salmon

and it’s amazing the amount of salmon coming up there so beautiful and the

coming up there so beautiful and the

coming up there so beautiful and the water is crystal clear and the natives

water is crystal clear and the natives

water is crystal clear and the natives also are putting a set net out so they

also are putting a set net out so they

also are putting a set net out so they get the salmon and then they fillet them

get the salmon and then they fillet them

get the salmon and then they fillet them or gut them and then they hang them in

or gut them and then they hang them in

or gut them and then they hang them in their smokehouse and they eat this all

their smokehouse and they eat this all

their smokehouse and they eat this all winter and I was eating at all July

winter and I was eating at all July

winter and I was eating at all July which oh I have some weight to lose it’s

which oh I have some weight to lose it’s

which oh I have some weight to lose it’s it’s inside one of the smoke houses as

it’s inside one of the smoke houses as

it’s inside one of the smoke houses as well

well

well Bobby Andrew he’s one of the leading

Bobby Andrew he’s one of the leading

Bobby Andrew he’s one of the leading natives who’s kind of tried to stop the

natives who’s kind of tried to stop the

natives who’s kind of tried to stop the mine from happening

mine from happening

mine from happening also in addition to making this huge

also in addition to making this huge

also in addition to making this huge mine site here strip mining which will

mine site here strip mining which will

mine site here strip mining which will create you know the largest earthen dam

create you know the largest earthen dam

create you know the largest earthen dam in the world and we’re talking I’m just

in the world and we’re talking I’m just

in the world and we’re talking I’m just going to give you some figures here on

going to give you some figures here on

going to give you some figures here on how big

how big

how big this mindsight is we’re talking you know

this mindsight is we’re talking you know

this mindsight is we’re talking you know the sustainable fishery is worth about a

the sustainable fishery is worth about a

the sustainable fishery is worth about a hundred and twenty million dollars a

hundred and twenty million dollars a

hundred and twenty million dollars a year

year

year okay the mine the amount of gold which

okay the mine the amount of gold which

okay the mine the amount of gold which is about a hundred and seven ounces of

is about a hundred and seven ounces of

is about a hundred and seven ounces of gold and forty billion tons of copper is

gold and forty billion tons of copper is

gold and forty billion tons of copper is it worth about a hundred to five hundred

it worth about a hundred to five hundred

it worth about a hundred to five hundred billion dollars okay so you have five

billion dollars okay so you have five

billion dollars okay so you have five hundred billion dollars here and you got

hundred billion dollars here and you got

hundred billion dollars here and you got 120 million a year here that’ll last

120 million a year here that’ll last

120 million a year here that’ll last forever versus this will last for 30

forever versus this will last for 30

forever versus this will last for 30 years you know it’s as should I say it’s

years you know it’s as should I say it’s

years you know it’s as should I say it’s a tough choice it depends on who you’re

a tough choice it depends on who you’re

a tough choice it depends on who you’re talking to you know a businessman or

talking to you know a businessman or

talking to you know a businessman or someone who loves the environment one is

someone who loves the environment one is

someone who loves the environment one is sustainable the other may be not so and

sustainable the other may be not so and

sustainable the other may be not so and it’ll create about 2,000 jobs the mine

it’ll create about 2,000 jobs the mine

it’ll create about 2,000 jobs the mine site in the construction and the

site in the construction and the

site in the construction and the operation versus about eleven and a half

operation versus about eleven and a half

operation versus about eleven and a half thousand jobs in the fisheries every

thousand jobs in the fisheries every

thousand jobs in the fisheries every year so anyways those are just some of

year so anyways those are just some of

year so anyways those are just some of the numbers that we’re talking about so

the numbers that we’re talking about so

the numbers that we’re talking about so I have this slide up because in addition

I have this slide up because in addition

I have this slide up because in addition to that they’re going to have to get the

to that they’re going to have to get the

to that they’re going to have to get the ore out and they’re going to build a

ore out and they’re going to build a

ore out and they’re going to build a road going to the Cook Inlet here so

road going to the Cook Inlet here so

road going to the Cook Inlet here so that they can have a harbor here to ship

that they can have a harbor here to ship

that they can have a harbor here to ship everything out and bring power in and so

everything out and bring power in and so

everything out and bring power in and so you know the fear is not only what if

you know the fear is not only what if

you know the fear is not only what if there’s an accident with the tailings

there’s an accident with the tailings

there’s an accident with the tailings dam or just leak leakage into the

dam or just leak leakage into the

dam or just leak leakage into the groundwater at the mine site which could

groundwater at the mine site which could

groundwater at the mine site which could jeopardize the salmon fishery by

jeopardize the salmon fishery by

jeopardize the salmon fishery by bringing in all this power and building

bringing in all this power and building

bringing in all this power and building roads you know you’re just going to

roads you know you’re just going to

roads you know you’re just going to change the whole area forever so this is

change the whole area forever so this is

change the whole area forever so this is now I’m going to take you on a little

now I’m going to take you on a little

now I’m going to take you on a little aerial tour of the area this is along

aerial tour of the area this is along

aerial tour of the area this is along the Cook Inlet okay this is just north

the Cook Inlet okay this is just north

the Cook Inlet okay this is just north of where that deepwater Harbor would be

of where that deepwater Harbor would be

of where that deepwater Harbor would be hallow Bay is like right down here okay

hallow Bay is like right down here okay

hallow Bay is like right down here okay so this is a glacier coming down and it

so this is a glacier coming down and it

so this is a glacier coming down and it has you know that’s why the color of the

has you know that’s why the color of the

has you know that’s why the color of the water is like this is because glaciers

water is like this is because glaciers

water is like this is because glaciers are just grinding the rock up as they

are just grinding the rock up as they

are just grinding the rock up as they move glaciers being rivers of ice and

move glaciers being rivers of ice and

move glaciers being rivers of ice and that is just silt from the rocks

that is just silt from the rocks

that is just silt from the rocks being ground up this is flying back

being ground up this is flying back

being ground up this is flying back along that area in Katmai and this is

along that area in Katmai and this is

along that area in Katmai and this is looking down on a braided river that’s

looking down on a braided river that’s

looking down on a braided river that’s coming down from a glacier and this is

coming down from a glacier and this is

coming down from a glacier and this is over at Lake Clark okay so there are

over at Lake Clark okay so there are

over at Lake Clark okay so there are three rivers two of them going down into

three rivers two of them going down into

three rivers two of them going down into Bristol Bay and the other the mulch

Bristol Bay and the other the mulch

Bristol Bay and the other the mulch Ahtna going into Lake Clark this is just

Ahtna going into Lake Clark this is just

Ahtna going into Lake Clark this is just a typical sunrise at Lake Clark I

a typical sunrise at Lake Clark I

a typical sunrise at Lake Clark I couldn’t wake my pilot up this morning

couldn’t wake my pilot up this morning

couldn’t wake my pilot up this morning so I thought I would just shoot from the

so I thought I would just shoot from the

so I thought I would just shoot from the ground

ground

ground this is Illumina volcano part of Lake

this is Illumina volcano part of Lake

this is Illumina volcano part of Lake Clark National Park and there’s a mulch

Clark National Park and there’s a mulch

Clark National Park and there’s a mulch otter which is coming down from the mine

otter which is coming down from the mine

otter which is coming down from the mine site and my pilot as a gentleman named

site and my pilot as a gentleman named

site and my pilot as a gentleman named Rick Halford who donated his time

Rick Halford who donated his time

Rick Halford who donated his time because he recognizes that this is the

because he recognizes that this is the

because he recognizes that this is the wrong place for this mine

wrong place for this mine

wrong place for this mine and so he would flew me for the cost of

and so he would flew me for the cost of

and so he would flew me for the cost of the fuel and the maintenance on the

the fuel and the maintenance on the

the fuel and the maintenance on the plane and we are flying here it’s kind

plane and we are flying here it’s kind

plane and we are flying here it’s kind of an overcast day and I’m like going

of an overcast day and I’m like going

of an overcast day and I’m like going Rick you know I think we can go back he

Rick you know I think we can go back he

Rick you know I think we can go back he goes on oh there’s a little hole there I

goes on oh there’s a little hole there I

goes on oh there’s a little hole there I think I can get into that little hole

think I can get into that little hole

think I can get into that little hole and so we got this shot I had a little

and so we got this shot I had a little

and so we got this shot I had a little problem with Rick because he was not

problem with Rick because he was not

problem with Rick because he was not only a pilot but he was the art director

only a pilot but he was the art director

only a pilot but he was the art director in his own mind and he had control of

in his own mind and he had control of

in his own mind and he had control of the airplane you know I saw I’d be like

the airplane you know I saw I’d be like

the airplane you know I saw I’d be like Rick let’s go over here go no I’ll get

Rick let’s go over here go no I’ll get

Rick let’s go over here go no I’ll get this shot over here so this is down

this shot over here so this is down

this shot over here so this is down getting we’re getting close now to where

getting we’re getting close now to where

getting we’re getting close now to where the new Shi gackt runs into the Bristol

the new Shi gackt runs into the Bristol

the new Shi gackt runs into the Bristol Bay this is back up the new SH you can

Bay this is back up the new SH you can

Bay this is back up the new SH you can see there’s just water everywhere and

see there’s just water everywhere and

see there’s just water everywhere and it’s that way at the mind site is just

it’s that way at the mind site is just

it’s that way at the mind site is just it’s like a sponge this whole area is

it’s like a sponge this whole area is

it’s like a sponge this whole area is just like a sponge this is right near

just like a sponge this is right near

just like a sponge this is right near Dillingham salmon are coming up here one

Dillingham salmon are coming up here one

Dillingham salmon are coming up here one day to work I must have seen a thousand

day to work I must have seen a thousand

day to work I must have seen a thousand belugas here in this river they were

belugas here in this river they were

belugas here in this river they were eating the salmon too but I couldn’t get

eating the salmon too but I couldn’t get

eating the salmon too but I couldn’t get a shot of it just you know we couldn’t

a shot of it just you know we couldn’t

a shot of it just you know we couldn’t land on the water even though we had

land on the water even though we had

land on the water even though we had floats because you know you hate to hit

floats because you know you hate to hit

floats because you know you hate to hit a beluga you know just think of what it

a beluga you know just think of what it

a beluga you know just think of what it would what it might do to the airplane

would what it might do to the airplane

would what it might do to the airplane just kidding okay so this is the new Shi

just kidding okay so this is the new Shi

just kidding okay so this is the new Shi gak where it enters Bristol Bay and this

gak where it enters Bristol Bay and this

gak where it enters Bristol Bay and this is down a little further you can see

is down a little further you can see

is down a little further you can see that low tide also right we’ve now

that low tide also right we’ve now

that low tide also right we’ve now followed the nose down into Bristol Bay

followed the nose down into Bristol Bay

followed the nose down into Bristol Bay I’m going to take you back

I’m going to take you back

I’m going to take you back up to the mine site you know this whole

up to the mine site you know this whole

up to the mine site you know this whole area this is where the ore body is so

area this is where the ore body is so

area this is where the ore body is so all of this would be stripped minded I

all of this would be stripped minded I

all of this would be stripped minded I don’t have a problem I use copper we’re

don’t have a problem I use copper we’re

don’t have a problem I use copper we’re probably using copper here tonight I use

probably using copper here tonight I use

probably using copper here tonight I use copper in my computer but if it

copper in my computer but if it

copper in my computer but if it jeopardizes you know the environment and

jeopardizes you know the environment and

jeopardizes you know the environment and a lifestyle

a lifestyle

a lifestyle it’s just the wrong place that’s my own

it’s just the wrong place that’s my own

it’s just the wrong place that’s my own personal opinion this was this is just a

personal opinion this was this is just a

personal opinion this was this is just a core sample that they’re digging there

core sample that they’re digging there

core sample that they’re digging there they just want to see what they have

they just want to see what they have

they just want to see what they have actually found is this huge ore body

actually found is this huge ore body

actually found is this huge ore body they will strip mine it down to a point

they will strip mine it down to a point

they will strip mine it down to a point like 2,000 feet and then they will go

like 2,000 feet and then they will go

like 2,000 feet and then they will go underground and what they have found is

underground and what they have found is

underground and what they have found is that the ore is actually richer

that the ore is actually richer

that the ore is actually richer underground and to the east so I mean it

underground and to the east so I mean it

underground and to the east so I mean it this is a huge deposit this is the the

this is a huge deposit this is the the

this is a huge deposit this is the the headwaters again at the tule there

headwaters again at the tule there

headwaters again at the tule there will be a tailings dam from here all the

will be a tailings dam from here all the

will be a tailings dam from here all the way across here which would be

way across here which would be

way across here which would be equivalent of seven hundred and forty

equivalent of seven hundred and forty

equivalent of seven hundred and forty feet high and four point three miles

feet high and four point three miles

feet high and four point three miles approximately along okay and to give you

approximately along okay and to give you

approximately along okay and to give you some scale the Washington Monument is

some scale the Washington Monument is

some scale the Washington Monument is 550 feet okay

550 feet okay

550 feet okay and so this dam would be 700 feet high

and so this dam would be 700 feet high

and so this dam would be 700 feet high that’s just to hold back the toxic waste

that’s just to hold back the toxic waste

that’s just to hold back the toxic waste from this site and also the mine people

from this site and also the mine people

from this site and also the mine people said that there was not there weren’t

said that there was not there weren’t

said that there was not there weren’t any salmon coming up to spawn in the

any salmon coming up to spawn in the

any salmon coming up to spawn in the headwaters of the Cocteau lis in the

headwaters of the Cocteau lis in the

headwaters of the Cocteau lis in the upper telluric and we worked with the

upper telluric and we worked with the

upper telluric and we worked with the Nature Conservancy who went up there and

Nature Conservancy who went up there and

Nature Conservancy who went up there and dr. Carroll and woody who has been

dr. Carroll and woody who has been

dr. Carroll and woody who has been studying these streams and it’s true the

studying these streams and it’s true the

studying these streams and it’s true the salmon are not coming up here to spawn

salmon are not coming up here to spawn

salmon are not coming up here to spawn but they’re fry their young are coming

but they’re fry their young are coming

but they’re fry their young are coming up to feed and what these two gentlemen

up to feed and what these two gentlemen

up to feed and what these two gentlemen are doing is they’re electro shocking if

are doing is they’re electro shocking if

are doing is they’re electro shocking if we know shock electric shock in the

we know shock electric shock in the

we know shock electric shock in the water and the little fish float up they

water and the little fish float up they

water and the little fish float up they collect them they do a little census

collect them they do a little census

collect them they do a little census they count them they measure them and

they count them they measure them and

they count them they measure them and then they release them and they let them

then they release them and they let them

then they release them and they let them go so we have here we have some rainbow

go so we have here we have some rainbow

go so we have here we have some rainbow trout and we have some coho salmon and

trout and we have some coho salmon and

trout and we have some coho salmon and we have a little scope in here and these

we have a little scope in here and these

we have a little scope in here and these guys are looking can we go back home

guys are looking can we go back home

guys are looking can we go back home get back to our stream now the rainbow

get back to our stream now the rainbow

get back to our stream now the rainbow trout and the coho they grow up here and

trout and the coho they grow up here and

trout and the coho they grow up here and then they go down river in the process

then they go down river in the process

then they go down river in the process of going down river they’re helping to

of going down river they’re helping to

of going down river they’re helping to feed this incredible sport fishery which

feed this incredible sport fishery which

feed this incredible sport fishery which is worth about 61 million dollars a year

is worth about 61 million dollars a year

is worth about 61 million dollars a year guys like me going up to have the

guys like me going up to have the

guys like me going up to have the pleasure of fly-fishing for these fish

pleasure of fly-fishing for these fish

pleasure of fly-fishing for these fish and then letting them go okay this is

and then letting them go okay this is

and then letting them go okay this is one of those rainbows that went from

one of those rainbows that went from

one of those rainbows that went from this to that

this to that

this to that and this is another rainbow they like to

and this is another rainbow they like to

and this is another rainbow they like to eat the salmon eggs as they come down

eat the salmon eggs as they come down

eat the salmon eggs as they come down and so I’m just going to conclude with a

and so I’m just going to conclude with a

and so I’m just going to conclude with a couple of shots of examples of what

couple of shots of examples of what

couple of shots of examples of what could have happen this is Butte Montana

could have happen this is Butte Montana

could have happen this is Butte Montana this is the Berkeley mine which was

this is the Berkeley mine which was

this is the Berkeley mine which was closed in 1982 and by anaconda cable and

closed in 1982 and by anaconda cable and

closed in 1982 and by anaconda cable and so they just took pulled out and turned

so they just took pulled out and turned

so they just took pulled out and turned the pumps off which was pumping the

the pumps off which was pumping the

the pumps off which was pumping the water out of the mine site and what

water out of the mine site and what

water out of the mine site and what happens is when you have water that

happens is when you have water that

happens is when you have water that mixes with a copper and it oxidizes it’s

mixes with a copper and it oxidizes it’s

mixes with a copper and it oxidizes it’s one of its byproducts is arsenic and the

one of its byproducts is arsenic and the

one of its byproducts is arsenic and the other one is sulfuric acid and so what

other one is sulfuric acid and so what

other one is sulfuric acid and so what the result of this is that they made the

the result of this is that they made the

the result of this is that they made the largest Superfund site in the United

largest Superfund site in the United

largest Superfund site in the United States by letting this little mixture

States by letting this little mixture

States by letting this little mixture brew and they realized that by 2020 that

brew and they realized that by 2020 that

brew and they realized that by 2020 that this was going to fill up to the point

this was going to fill up to the point

this was going to fill up to the point that would go into the water table and

that would go into the water table and

that would go into the water table and all of the water in this area would be

all of the water in this area would be

all of the water in this area would be polluted and so what they did was they

polluted and so what they did was they

polluted and so what they did was they they’ve started pumping it out to stay

they’ve started pumping it out to stay

they’ve started pumping it out to stay ahead of it and they process it down

ahead of it and they process it down

ahead of it and they process it down here to clean it up

here to clean it up

here to clean it up so but don’t ask me to move to Butte as

so but don’t ask me to move to Butte as

so but don’t ask me to move to Butte as opposed to Bing of mine which is outside

opposed to Bing of mine which is outside

opposed to Bing of mine which is outside of Salt Lake City which is the largest

of Salt Lake City which is the largest

of Salt Lake City which is the largest open pit in North America and I usually

open pit in North America and I usually

open pit in North America and I usually when I’m flying out of an airplane I’ll

when I’m flying out of an airplane I’ll

when I’m flying out of an airplane I’ll usually flight 500 to a thousand feet

usually flight 500 to a thousand feet

usually flight 500 to a thousand feet and in this town shoe with a 100 or 24

and in this town shoe with a 100 or 24

and in this town shoe with a 100 or 24 to 105 lens and in this particular case

to 105 lens and in this particular case

to 105 lens and in this particular case I was 5,000 feet over the ground and

I was 5,000 feet over the ground and

I was 5,000 feet over the ground and with a 16 millimeter lens so if you’re

with a 16 millimeter lens so if you’re

with a 16 millimeter lens so if you’re interested you can go to save Bristol

interested you can go to save Bristol

interested you can go to save Bristol Bay or

Bay or

Bay or word which is a trout on limited website

word which is a trout on limited website

word which is a trout on limited website you can put in your name and your zip

you can put in your name and your zip

you can put in your name and your zip code and they’ll take care of it and

code and they’ll take care of it and

code and they’ll take care of it and send a letter to your Congressman for

send a letter to your Congressman for

send a letter to your Congressman for you or if you want to find out more

you or if you want to find out more

you or if you want to find out more about it or if you want to find out the

about it or if you want to find out the

about it or if you want to find out the other side of it you can go to pebble

other side of it you can go to pebble

other side of it you can go to pebble project comm I just encourage you to

project comm I just encourage you to

project comm I just encourage you to learn a little more about what the

learn a little more about what the

learn a little more about what the options are and what the threat is

options are and what the threat is

options are and what the threat is to Alaska and the salmon that we eat

to Alaska and the salmon that we eat

to Alaska and the salmon that we eat thank you very much