Alaska is America’s great wilderness. It is both our largest state and, in my opinion, the most beautiful. I think of it as great drama because this pristine wilderness is probably the last vestige of thriving populations of North American wildlife still roaming in their undisturbed natural habitats.

I was spellbound by the variety and abundance of what I had thought of as endangered species - especially the several species of bears, and was thrilled by each sighting.

In fact, it was the opportunity to photograph so many animals up close, and in their natural environment, that made Alaska so special and memorable.

But it was not only the animal life; the scenery as well was mind-boggling with snow-covered peaks, ancient glaciers, and vast expanses of wilderness with no evidence of human intrusion.