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We begin on a warm, sun-filled day in early April in downtown San Francisco. The location, My photo studio, where I am diligently tapping away on my computer, fulfilling the days tasks as the sun outside moves across the city landscape. I am focused on my world of pixels and megabytes when disruption comes in the form of our door buzzer. Down the stairs I go, through the hall to the big metal door, I pull it open, the outside light blinding in comparison to the dark ambience of the computer room. "Chris", I say as I welcome my friend inside. "Pack your bags" is the reply. "We’re going to Alaska in two days, are you game"? I think long and hard, contemplating my work schedule, about 2 seconds pass, "I’m there" comes the automatic reply. The wheels are set in motion for a quick, intense journey into a frozen landscape to explore, for our first time, Alaska. Our exact destination will be Valdez, Alaska. The itinerary, fly us and three incredible snowboarders to Valdez, get two or three days of heli-boarding and photography in, maybe attempt a kayaking journey and then return in one piece with huge grins and some quality film. The next few days are spent packing a plethora of gear, from ice axes to kayaking gear and film, lots of film. We board our plane in San Francisco, down a couple of margaritas and play a game of Links on the laptop and we’re in Anchorage. A gloomy city at first perception, locals claim it’s a wonderful place to live spring and summer. The city is scored with parks and all areas are interconnected with well thought out bike paths, something we could stand to implement in what we will now refer to as "the lower 48". Enough of Anchorage, our final destination is Valdez, a short 45 minute plane hop in good weather, or a seven hour drive, as we soon find out. |