Wrangellers
Telaquana Pass
If there are fish in the water, Bill will find them. A couple of King Salmons on the Nushagak made for a fun evening for me. Nick and Sheila of NWA Outfitters will get you set up.
Near Dillingham.
Spent some time with Paul Claus at his lodge, Ultima Thule in the Wrangells. Experience Alaska at his lodge, and you won't be disappointed, guaranteed. Here, he just dropped off some rafters. The turbine otter was the first of its kind, and can truly carry a massive load and still operate out of unbelievably short strips. It's a 1000 horsepower supercub, and Paul knows how to make it fly like one. Ultima Thule Lodge is the home base for adventure. The Claus family lives and operates out of the lodge, and has numerous staff to make it a full package deal. Hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, hunting sheep, sight-seeing, landing on glaciers and coastal beaches, and all kinds of other adventures are planned-- All in the heart of the Wrangells, boasting some of the most beautiful and diversified land in Alaska. If you've been around Alaska or aviation, Paul Claus' name is no secret. He works magic in airplanes, truly a gifted bush pilot. Ultima Thule Lodge.
A couple of the cabins at Ultima Thule Lodge. Nestled up on the slope lends to spectacular scenery all around. The main lodge is out of frame and is the perfect place to finish the day with tasty food and good company. Donna Claus infuses the place with warmth, and the whole staff is exceptional. Spend some time at Ultima Thule Lodge, get to know the Claus family, and your life will be enrichened.
Bagley ice field is one of the largest sub-polar ice fields in the world. I wonder how many ice cubes could be made out of this ice?! Stretching over 125 miles, the Bagley measures from 4 to 15 miles in width and is thought to be about 3000 feet deep over most of its length. Glaciers spill off it in many directions, including the Malaspina Glacier which measures roughly the size of Rhode Island.
The ship has taken on sand, every man for himself
Checking out some glaciers, pedestrian-style.
Swim lessons with mama bear
The Woodsen Factor.
Mt. Sanford at 16,237 feet along the western border of the Wrangells. I could swear there's a cold draft coming in from somewhere-
Yeah it's a little blurry, but gimme some slack-- I'm trying to fly a plane here
Chisana. Home of a huge gold rush in the early 1900's. Now just beautiful.
Devil Mountain's Lodge, the Ellis' lodge. Chatted with Kirk, Cole, and Terry for awhile. Personable and fun to talk with, and owners of a very cool museum that's worth the visit. Ever seen an albino moose?
Kirk Ellis is a master welder and mechanic, and the "Hulk" is his handiwork for the ground up. He has the STC for this creation, and it's comprised of two PA-18 supercub fuselages cut and welded together to make a 4 place supercub that can fly in and out of the stuff supercubs can, though with more room. He's been flying it through the spring, and with fall hunting starting up soon, will be getting a lot more experience with it. The Ellis brothers have lived here their whole life, and know the area accordingly.
Wonderful Stuff Shaun!!!
A co-worker sent me a link to your page and I have been in awe of your pictures since. Not only is the photography absolutely top notch but the flying looks like something out of a dream. I fly a caravan for a company out of Boston and consider it a cool job but when I compare my landing on a 2400 foot strip to your landings on a sand bar...... well lets just say you win the cool points for sure. I am flying up to Nova Scotia today and because of your inspiring blog I am bringing my camera. My photos will suck in comparison but I will try at least. Have fun flying and I can't wait to see the next post.
Posted by:Jeremy Pratt | July 15, 2007 at 05:40 AM
Wow...... I'm speechless!
Posted by:Bryan | July 15, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Hey Shaun, this is one summer you are never going to forget. Thanks again for sharing some of it with us. Your pics are awesome as always!!
Ron
Posted by:Ron | July 16, 2007 at 12:33 PM