Camping in the Alaskan wilderness is always a challenge, both mentally and physically. Last year (2009) in Katmai I was blessed with great light almost daily.  This time I experienced the opposite, as it turned out to be the wettest, coldest summer on record in Katmai National Park. This time I would really learn something, not just about the challenges of photography in bad weather, but about the twists and turns of nature, man and beast.

I was somewhat apprehensive (well more than somewhat) about the dynamics of the group I had assembled for Kent to guide into Katmai.  The source of this was his insistence that this year I was to be ‘deputized’ as assistant guide.  With only two previous bear trips under my belt I did not feel qualified for this responsibility and the idea of leading a group into the grizzly sanctuary seemed daunting. Perhaps after a few days with the bears and with Kent’s guidance I would find the courage to take on the task.