Take
2 Aussies (most of which we only saw their eyes due to hats
and scarves), 6 Calgarians who laughed a lot, 2 T.O.er’s
with swacks of camera gear and one really rugged guy from Churchill – mix
with some cool weather, some really great accommodation, a
few bears and arctic fox and you have a magical combination
of fun on the Tundra! Mother Nature did her job in cooling
things off early this year – actually, right on time
but earlier than in the past 10 years! Our bear sightings were
scarce – we worked very hard for them! Peering across
the tundra with binos – scouring the horizon! Fresh tracks – lets
follow them! And we did! We went everywhere! And classic to
this northern town, our best viewings were the ones at the
Churchill dump where, much to our chagrin, the bears congregated
and checked out what was available for their next meal.
Only a few were left behind as most of the bears had already gone north on
the frozen Hudson Bay to hunt for seals (which every good bear SHOULD
have been doing). We were also treated to lots of Arctic Fox – prancing
and playing all night by the Tundra Lodge, Arctic Hare – keeping
an eye out for the foxes, Red Fox in pursuit of a hare – something
even our guide hadn’t seen and tons of ptarmigan. Our accommodation
was fabulous, our guide magnificent (oh how he would hate that 
description)
and the team of polar bear lovers – outstanding. A visit to the
research centre and a bit of dog sledding added to the highlights as
well! I have been so lucky with my sightings no matter where I go – this
trip was a wake up call that we are all need to be respectful of Mother
Nature and thank our lucky stars when we come across even one of the
marvels she has created! Ok – the lasting image – one BIG
male bear coming across the white tundra – nose to the air – black
eyes sharp – silently walks within feet of our vehicle. Wow!
Join Carol
when she returns to see the bears in October 2003. See
departures for details