From time to time, BCG forum folk (including me) post requests asking for information about a particular location or area. This got me thinking about the possibility of creating a new BCG forum category specifically for trip reports and recommendations for various locations, which perhaps could be structured by regions of the world (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, etc.). Having a separate forum would make it easier for BCG forum users to find information, rather than searching through the many posts in the General Forum. Posts could potentially include helpful details about where to stay and go, how to get there, and what to take (and not) and wear.
For example, I just returned from a first trip to Alaska. I organized the trip myself, with an eye towards photographing brown bears on the Katmai coast, and in Lake Clark, but specifically avoiding Brooks Falls because of the summer crowds. I was based in Homer, AK, and flew daily with a local tour operator, whom I’d highly recommend, to these locations. He typically had anywhere from one to four other people onboard, provided highly personalized service, and discounted his fee by $100 for cash payments. On any given day I toted two camera bodies and three lenses with me, along with my trusty Gitzo tripod and Flexshooter head. What I discovered was that the bears were so close to us that I rarely needed my 500mm lens, and ended up using my 70-200 more often, but that a 100-400 would have been ideal (I didn’t have one). I also discovered that a monopod would have been much more preferable for maneuverability and less weight, and to use as a walking stick in Lake Clark deep mud, than my tripod. Being based in Homer was a good choice, and I was very pleased with my accommodations at the edge of Homer, rather than amid the bustle of the Homer Spit, and one particular cafe served such a great halibut dinner that I returned for the same meal three days in a row. In addition, I found a few great local photo opportunities that were definitely worthwhile.
This information would have been especially useful in the planning stages for the trip, instead of learning through experience, although knowing it will make my next trip there even better. Perhaps this kind of detailed information would be useful to others as well, especially if it were easily available in a forum dedicated to trips. Your thoughts?
For example, I just returned from a first trip to Alaska. I organized the trip myself, with an eye towards photographing brown bears on the Katmai coast, and in Lake Clark, but specifically avoiding Brooks Falls because of the summer crowds. I was based in Homer, AK, and flew daily with a local tour operator, whom I’d highly recommend, to these locations. He typically had anywhere from one to four other people onboard, provided highly personalized service, and discounted his fee by $100 for cash payments. On any given day I toted two camera bodies and three lenses with me, along with my trusty Gitzo tripod and Flexshooter head. What I discovered was that the bears were so close to us that I rarely needed my 500mm lens, and ended up using my 70-200 more often, but that a 100-400 would have been ideal (I didn’t have one). I also discovered that a monopod would have been much more preferable for maneuverability and less weight, and to use as a walking stick in Lake Clark deep mud, than my tripod. Being based in Homer was a good choice, and I was very pleased with my accommodations at the edge of Homer, rather than amid the bustle of the Homer Spit, and one particular cafe served such a great halibut dinner that I returned for the same meal three days in a row. In addition, I found a few great local photo opportunities that were definitely worthwhile.
This information would have been especially useful in the planning stages for the trip, instead of learning through experience, although knowing it will make my next trip there even better. Perhaps this kind of detailed information would be useful to others as well, especially if it were easily available in a forum dedicated to trips. Your thoughts?
