Autumn Treasures
Photos & Story by Chuck & Janet Woodfin
I have been a “hobby artist” since retiring from teaching in 2002. From the beginning, Remember Alaska has taken my photography seriously and carried my cards in its shops.
My wife, Janet, and I make a fall trip to Byers Lake each year. The lake is 80 miles south of Denali Park on the Parks Highway.You never know what weather an autumn trip will bring. One fall my son and I camped in a tent in 40 degree weather and continuous rain. We were beaten in 36 hours.
On this year’s autumn trip, Janet and I found SUMMER. After one of the wettest coldest summers on record, we really appreciated four warm sunny days in a row. Each day we had spectacular views of Mt. McKinley. 
We chased the perfect picture by hopping in our car and driving on the highway to various viewpoints. We also took many pictures from our boats and from the tent site on the far side of the lake. Each stop and hour of the day showed us different views and moods of the Mountain. Our best shot came from the most accessible place - the Alaska Veterans Memorial!
We were graced with a family of resident swans on the lake. Each year we wonder if the adults will return and how many will survive the summer. This year four cygnets made it through the summer.
Janet got a “big girl” camera and put it to good use getting pictures of swans that were comfortable even when we got close. Janet took most of her swan pictures from her boat. 
As long as she approached slowly and allowed the boat to drift closer, the swans continued their feeding and preening undisturbed.
I took the picture of the swan and Mt. McKinley from the tent site across the lake. The swans were at the boat landing, and would not move when I approached. The family stayed within five to fifteen feet from me as I slowly drifted ashore. I spent about three hours just enjoying the view and the swans feeding nearby.
There were also some spawned-out silver salmon near the shore. I could clearly SEE their bright red bodies in the shallow water, but did not successfully get a photograph of them. Nevertheless, it was fun trying.
There is a well-developed trail around the lake. On the trail near the campground is an abandoned homesteader’s cabin. The Beeman family occupied the cabin year ‘round in the ‘50’s. At that time, there was no road access to the area. When you visit the cabin, you can only wonder what it was like to raise a family in this small cabin when winter closed in.
When the nights get very cool, morning mist blankets the lake. Sunrise highlights the mist and fall colors for a short while. As the air warms, the mist dissipates and the show is over in a short time.
On the last day we went to the launch to load our kayaks. We expected to see the morning mist, but did not expect to see water frozen in the bottom of our boats! 
We heard the swans honking overhead and were grateful when they landed very near the boat launch. It was as if they came to say goodbye to us as the morning mist lifted to reveal another glorious fall day.
We hope you like our photographs and have the good fortune to enjoy a glorious Alaska fall some time. You may see more of Chuck’s photographs here.