From Polar Bears to Grizzlies

Hello everybody,
I apologize for irregular updates, however life here in Churchill still continues at a rapid pace. The Belugas still linger in the mouth of the Churchill River and Polar bears are frequently visiting the outskirts of town. Not a single wild flower can be seen and all that once bloomed amoung the Tundra are in full seeding swing.

Lovely Lichen - Photo by Debbie Olsen

Business remains steady in the Tundra Inn, infact we heard great news that food sales have doubled from last summer. Local folk can't stop complimenting myself and Dean for the food that's being served from the kitchen. The Bison Burgers literally keep Dean on the run behind the stove and the Tundra Salads offer me a chance to be continually creative. The busy summer has definitely taken it's toll though, both Dean and I spent the last 2 days in bed trying to rid ourselves of a nasty throat/head cold that's going around. One of us is either coughing while the other sneezes and both of our voices have gone down an octave or two.

As far as the BOOK and FILM progress goes, things are starting to heat up on both of these fronts. The 43 minute documentary film...Soul of the Sea has been submitted to the Banff Mountain Film Festival. I look forward to seeing how it is received. And we are in full swing regarding the final touches on the book which is titled SOUTH SOLO - Kayaking to Save the Albatross. Photos have been selected, the final proofing of the text has been done and the front and back cover is in the process of being designed.

I'm currently leaving the land of the Polar Bears, soon to be onboard the Maple Leaf and traveling on the tranquil and picturesque waters of the Great Bear Rainforest. Grizzly bears, Spirit bears and Humpback Whales will be on the agenda of species to search for and enjoy with a boat load of adventurers and nature lovers.

Following my 18 days aboard Maple Leaf I have 3 presentations lined up for late September:
-Siska (South Island Sea kayaking Association) have invited me back for a post expedition presentation
-The immates from William Head penitentiary have showed an interest in my 'Kayaking to Save the Albatross' adventures and....
-Pearson College students have also set a date for me to visit their school in Metchosin

I'm then due back in Churchill to begin my 8th Polar Bear season. I'll no longer be wearing an apron and no longer will I be Deans right hand kitchen helper. By then the Tundra Inn restaurant staff would have multiplied ready to serve the many visitors this busy season attracts.

I hope to post a few photos of past and present adventures. It may have to be after I've returned from my adventures onboard Maple Leaf. There will be limited computer time while immersed in the land of luscious rainforest and the beautiful bears of the BC coast.

Be well and enjoy -  Life is an adventure or nothing at all (Helen Keller)