This was our first day on the tundra buggy. Our driver, Jim, has driven for LightChase for a couple of years, and he is quite knowledgeable and personable. The weather was cold and overcast all day with the wind blowing 25 - 35 mph. This is when it is quite comfortable inside the buggy with a heater and the windows closed except when we are photographing. Once we spot something to photograph the windows open and the wind blows in. Then you are most grateful for your winter clothing including gloves and a warm hat.
Our sighting today included three bears,
a large group of ptarmigan, which were difficult to isolate
an arctic hare nestled beside a bolder out of the wind,
and a cross fox which we saw at dusk and did not photograph well.
My bargain winter boots are dangerous as the snow cakes up on the heels and soles, so that you feel like you are walking on very slippery ice. I really have to move very slowly in them. Luckily there is not a lot of walking on this trip.
This evening eight of us enjoyed a fresh pickerel dinner put on at our B&B. The fish was accompanied with baked beans, coleslaw, mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes. It was quite the feast. We all enjoyed eating "at Home" so to speak, and swapping stories about our various adventures.
We made our sandwiches for tomorrow, downloaded pictures, and then finally were off to bed.
Tuesday, November 5:
The morning started out well with a male bear running away from the road as we headed out to the loading site. Terri and Robbie were on board the tundra buggy quickly as they did not have lots of gear to transfer. They claimed a seat for me directly behind Mark, up front. I took a seat behind the driver, Jim, but Terri graciously let me have access to the window when there was action that side of the vehicle. Robbie helped with opening and closing the window as it is quite hard to maneuver.
As we traveled around we came upon the pair of sparring males several times. It was fun to see and photograph them in various activities.
Wandering the ice -
Making a day bed -
Sparing bears -
 |
| JUST BEING CURIOUS |
 |
| THINKING |
Today we also celebrated Mark's 50th Birthday as well as the birthdays of our Driver, Jim, and Scott Nagel, one of our photographers. The cake was provided by Jenephor from Blue Sky B&B. She has also supplied us daily with hot soup to add to our lunches.
Back in Churchill we had dinner at the Lazy Bear Inn. Lin and I enjoyed a very good fish dinner. By the time a group of 15 order and eat their dinner it is time to head home, and get ready for tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment