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My Memories of Glacier

Anticipation is building as I prepare to embark on two Backcountry Journeys trips into Glacier National Park in the upcoming weeks.

Glacier National Park is tucked up in the North Western portion of Montana and shares its northern border with Canada and its sister Peace Park, Waterton. I have been fortunate enough to live about three hours from Glacier for a large portion of my adult life and consider it my “backyard”. The late, great Robin Williams was to have said this about Glacier, “If it isn’t God’s backyard, he certainly lives nearby!” I guess at least I have some decent neighbors.

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Olympic National Park | Landscape Photography

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse protected areas in the world. Measuring in at one million acres, the park’s borders span from the wild and rugged coastline of the Pacific, up to the glaciated mountains of the Olympic Range. In between rests some of the most in-tact old growth temperate rainforests in the world.

Each May, and autumn, we lead Olympic National Park workshops timed during lush spring greens in the forests, and favorable tide and weather conditions on the coast. In autumn, expect a splash of color.

Join us this fall, or in the spring of 2023 as we return to the Olympic National Park!

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Trip Report: Yellowstone Wildlife Safari
May 2022

This land is legendary.

One hundred and fifty years ago, Ulysses S. Grant signed a law making Yellowstone the world’s first national park. “For the Benefit & Enjoyment of the People” is what the words say, inscribed on the top of the arch on the immense Roosevelt Gate leading into the park’s north entrance. The gate is an inspiring structure, but I’ve always felt like the monument’s inscription is a bit of an understatement for what the park really represents.

Yellowstone and the entire Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem embody the country’s wilderness. The scant roads that incise the park’s interior merely give us a glimpse of the wildness that hides beyond all we can see. On the worst days, a beautiful landscape unfurls as far as the eye can see...

Trip Report: Tortuguero National Park - Jan 2022

A few years ago, when Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) announced the addition of a Costa Rica extension to Tortuguero National Park, I couldn’t have been more excited. I had long dreamt of visiting this park but had not yet had the chance. All of my prior Costa Rica experience had been on the Pacific coast of the country. And though Costa Rica is only 75 miles wide at its narrowest point, the two coasts could not be more different. Culturally, the east coast has Caribbean and afro influences. The cuisines differ greatly, and there are different species on each coast that do not venture across to the other side. Specifically, one species resides only in the far northeast of the country, one that I was desperate to see and photograph, the critically endangered great green macaw, or in Spanish, the Lapa Verde.

Historically, Tortuguero holds a special place in the story of Costa Rica’s green revolution.

Backcountry Journeys Wins 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

Backcountry Journeys last week announced it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travelers’ Choice award winner for Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide.

The award celebrates businesses that have received great traveler reviews from travelers around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, Backcountry Journeys stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to its guests.

“It’s a testament to the hard work that all of the guys & gals at BCJ contribute every day,” said Dave Deschenes, Executive Program Director at Backcountry Journeys. “Proud to be a part of this team.”

New Trip: Ethereal Waterfall Workshop

*Only One Spot Left!

Have you found yourself impressed by images depicting waterfalls in a dream-like, or heavenly sort of way? Water spilling over silky smooth as if created through the poetic imagination of the photographer, rather than a simple frozen moment. Have you ever asked yourself, “how do they do that?”

This brand new workshop from Backcountry Journeys is designed to put you and your camera up close and personal with not only the iconic cascades of the area, but also a number of special and lesser known. And, along the way, provide you with the tools and skills needed to take control of your image creation by mastering the art of shutter speed.

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Introducing Dave, Kim, Connie & Maddy: ‘New’ Additions to Our Crew

Backcountry Journeys has an AWESOME team of office staff, including a few ‘new’ members we’d love for you to meet today.

They are thoughtful problem solvers. They are dependable, organized & efficient, ridiculously helpful, and thorough. They are the behind-the-scenes backbone of the operation working daily to connect passionate people to exceptional experiences.

You’ve maybe talked to or exchanged an email with, a few of these good folks already. Some, you’ll likely never know yet play an integral role.

A good team is never a coincidence, and over the past few months, we’ve added some new faces to the family. Help us welcome Dave, Kim, Connie & Maddy.

Nikon Releases the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Super-telephoto Prime

It’s all about size these days, isn’t it? Nikon is rolling with “lighter and smaller is better” with its most recent lens release for long-lens shooters. And at a much more affordable cost, as well.

Say hello to the compact Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S super-telephoto prime lens for Nikon mirrorless Z-mount cameras!

Nikon is promising this one to be the “lightest in its class.” Perhaps a nice option for those desirous of a much lighter and more affordable option than the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S.

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Trip Report: Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains - April 2022

Every now and then, the stars align, and magic happens. Be it pre-ordained or serendipitous, I’ll never know.

That’s the thought I have as we roll through Cade’s Cove and come across a mother bear and her three cubs feeding beneath a broad walnut tree.

The fescue covering the meadow is a lush green that’s been ushered by spring rains and warming temperatures. In the distance, big hardwoods tipped with ever-greening buds line a creek bottom. Even further still, a rounded mountain rises from the cove and competes with low-hanging clouds for relevance in the sky. The scene is idyllic, and here we are.

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Top Reasons to Visit the "Land of Fire & Ice"

Iceland is only about 40,000 square miles, roughly the size of Ohio, but a lot is packed into those 40,000 square miles.

Only 300,000 people live here, with 60% of those occupying the capital city of Reykjavik on the west side of the island.

Iceland continues to be one of the greatest photography destinations in the world, and we want you to join Backcountry Journeys there!

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Introducing Doug Marshall

The time has come to announce a few “new” members of the Backcountry Journeys family. We’ll look to do so over the course of a couple of blog post entries, like this one, over the next week, or so.

First up is Doug Marshall. Doug joins BCJ as a field guide boasting over 20 years as a professional photographer, and 23 years as a guide leading trips around the American West, Canada, and Belize.

Doug’s photography is focused on documenting the natural world, people interacting with the natural world, and the magic these moments display.

Let’s take a few minutes to meet Mr. Marshall, shall we?

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Essential Filters for Landscape Photography

You’ve gone out and purchased all those filters that you’ve been told are “what you need to have.” But, are you confident in knowing when to utilize which filter when out photographing a scene? Did you buy a "good" set of filters? Maybe you're still trying to decide?

If so, watch this quick video from BCJ’s own Matt Meisenheimer as he discusses Essential Filters for Landscape Photography. He’ll touch on which filters he uses regularly, which brand he believes is the best value, and also discuss a key filter accessory that will save you money

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