"Green Wall" - Tantalus Mountain, Oahu, Hawaii

One of the things that astonishes me is the diverse natural environment on the small island of Oahu, Hawaii. Within a short drive from famous beaches are the razor-like mountains of the Koʻolau Range which rise to 2,000 feet above sea level. Mount Tantalus, in the Ko'olau Range, is an old volcanic crater.

As the winding road steeply climbs up the range, the vegetation increases in density. A high amount of rainfall in the summit area creates a beautiful tropical rain forest. I looked for a spot where I could capture the sense of this mountain. Passing through a narrow curve in the forest, this large sheet of vines spread across the trees! Such an incredible view!

While I was waiting for defused light through clouds, this red car drove through... It was a perfect color against the green wall.

I know that Hawaii is famous for its beaches and coastlines; however, I have been more fascinated by the tropical rain forests and mountain landscapes on this island... I promise that I will post some seascape images another time.

Lost Lake - Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

During the summer of 2015, I spent more time in the South Central Alaskan wilderness, an area near Anchorage. Anchorage is surrounded by beautiful yet true wild Chugach Mountains with numerous lakes and streams. The past summer started a month early with beautiful weather and plenty of sunshine! The Kenai Peninsula is one of my favorite places to explore and photograph its breathtaking landscapes.

In mid June, I backpacked to Lost Lake, within the Chugach National Forest, on the Kenai Peninsula. The Kenai Peninsula seemed to celebrate the early summer with long daylight... Fresh greens grow fast and wildflowers bloom in the meadows... The trail was only 7.5 miles one way and moderate, however, as I gained elevation, the season seemed to slowly revert back to early spring... mostly brown landscapes with patches of snow along the small lakes on the trail. Lost Lake is large and outstanding! Surprisingly, it was still half frozen! The icy surface shined brightly under the sun... Camping at the lake shore, and observing the light shifting on the horizon... The lowering sun lit up the Resurrection Peaks from the side, and the lake shore was enveloped in warm orange light. It was nearly summer solstice and sunset at the northern latitude took a long time...

Unfortunately, the sun set behind the mountain before actually setting into the horizon, so I explored the area for the better spot along the lake... This image was from a little higher point. It was twilight for a few hour after sunset. I love this long "purple time" during summer in Alaska.

The next morning was beautiful again... The snow capped mountains and icy lake contrasted against a blue sky.

 

Another sunset at a different point at Lost Lake. Since I loved the stunning scenery of Lost Lake and its surroundings, I returned a few weeks later... Since the lake shore was complex, each vantage point revealed very different vistas!

Amazing magenta colors appeared at the western sky after half hour past sunset! I had already packed up my camera and was back at camp at the time. Slowly, the pastel pinks spread out among the overcast sky, and the colors changed to intense magenta! It was magic in an already darkened sky! I quickly set up the camera at the shore by my camp, and captured these beautiful colors.

There is a huge marmot living along Lost Lake.

Wildflowers are especially outstanding on the Kenai Peninsula. In higher elevations, Lupines were still in bud in mud June... Their small furry leaves look soft and delicate.

I am always fascinated by False Hellebore’s leave patterns... This is what I call nature's artwork.

 

In early July, Lupines were blooming all over the Lost Lake area!

During the short summer months are the most beautiful time in Alaska...and it's too short. It is already December as I am writing this... The day light has become short, sunrise is almost 10 am and sunset is before 4pm, and it has been gray overcast for many weeks. I'm staying in Hawaii for a new photo project. I'll explore and photograph on Kauai Island, especially capturing the spectacular landscape of Napali Coast. Next update will be in a few weeks

Summer in Chugach Mountains, Alaska

Summer is here! The most beautiful season in Alaska. 

The Chugach Mountains located below the foothills of Anchorage, are covered with bright greens. The snow melt creates numerous streams that rush down the mountains... Under the bright summer sun, the lush terrain shines!

Here are some quick posts of new images...

I'm leaving for my new photo project/adventure to the European Alps very soon... Please check back.

Big Island of Hawaii #3 - Tropical Rainforest and Waterfalls

Nature on Hawaii Island (Big Island) is diverse; sunshine beaches, volcanic landscapes, rain forests, and a 13,803 foot high mountain.

The east side of the Big Island is located in the rain shadow with annual rainfall 150-250 inches. Abundant rain falls and with its year-round warm climate, the vegetation grows very well. The thick greens of the rainforest which includes typical jungle trees with draping vines; banyan trees, palm, ferns, and mosses cover the area.

There are numerous waterfalls throughout the Big Island's rainforest. Akaka Falls is one of Hawaii's iconic landscape images. The water drops 422 ft vertical down a moss and fern covered cliff, and its spray creates rainbows near the bottom. Just like paradise imagined...



100-foot Kahuna Falls are cascading through lush green cliff.

Beach is nice, but I'm more attracted to unique natural landscapes on the Big Island of Hawaii.

When I got back from Hawaii in early June, Spring had finally arrived in Alaska. Green vegetation was a welcoming sight. Summer is the most beautiful time in Alaska and a busy season for a nature photographer. I'll share some of new photos from Alaskan wilderness on the next posting.