Could be a Sharp-shinned. Sharpies are from 4 to 6 inches smaller than a Cooper's.

Take a look at the Tamron 16-300 f/3.5-5.6. It is about $100 more than the the Canon 18-135, and was rated just as high in "PhotoPlus" magazine issue 92. I have used the Tamron 18-270 on my Canon 60D as my walk around lens and the Canon 24-105 on my 6D.

Flashlight helps you see your settings!

I almost always double mat. The main mat is usual white or some off shade. I try to use a compatible color to enhance the picture for the inner mat. Quite often I will use a black core white mat to help frame the photo. Cutting mats can be time consuming, but I get some satisfaction from doing the job right. For tough specialty mats I go to a local art store (not one of the chains) and have them cut the mat. I needed a special square mat and didn't want to buy two sheets of mat material and spent $17.00 for a 10X10 opening in a 14X14 frame. When I have two or more openings I definitely use the local shop.

When in Vancouver, go to Stanley Park. Great flowers.

I have been to Alaska three times. If I were to go back I would try to get to Rampart (I worked there in 1952) to see what has changed, and then I would head for Denali (way back in to spend a week and hope I could get some descent pictures of the mountain. The last two times I was there we had nothing but clouds. Good luck on your trip and while there try some salmon fishing, although May is erly for most migrations.

My three Canons all updated themseves