Bears and Books

Wow, has it already been two weeks since I last wrote an update. My only excuse is my busy guiding schedule. The main company I keep are with bears and guests from all over the globe, little time do I spend on my computer.

Having returned from my weekend in Canmore I’ve lead two trips in the Churchill and Tundra region.

Already I have witnessed some changes to this years Polar Bear season. Some changes bring potentially fantastic news, others concern me a little.

By this time of year during the Halloween weekend we usually have snow on the ground, however the Tundra remains clear and open creating an easy find for all those white critters. It has been a breeze to find Arctic Hair, Fox and Ptarmigan to show to our guests as they stand out like sore thumbs.  Another regular sighting has been of the Snowy Owl. For the past two years I have not seen a single one, yet, the other day our buggy driver Kevin and myself spotted three of them in a space of two hours! They are a gem to witness as their broad heads and plumpish body stand out as they perch low to the ground on the vast open Tundra.  Arctic and Red fox have been sighted both in town and out on the Tundra which gives us the idea that perhaps the Lemmings are abundant this year. That is the most sort-after food for the Owl and Fox.

Our bear sightings have been a tad unpredictable this year.  Some days we see half a dozen at most, then another perhaps only two are sighted. So far we have not encountered any family groups, mainly males, some juvenile, others mature. The temperature is hovering just above freezing, which is not quite cold enough for the bears feel it time for them to eagerly wait along the shores of the Hudson Bay. It is a long away from freezing if the weather continues to be this warm.

Everyone in Churchill is gearing up for Halloween. This is the place to be for these kind of celebrations.  The entire town will come together and help secure the streets from incoming large fury animals while the kids are out Trick n Treating. Even the adults get all dressed up, putting a fair amount of effort into their costumes for the local adult Halloween party.  It is so much fun to take part in, to simply observe all the costumes, and watch those dressed up boogie on the dance floor. 

A Hawaiian Hula dancer in a bottle, and the headless man holding his own head were my favorites. 

Now for the book.

I am thrilled to announce that my book has been printed. I have 100 copies in my possession and I’m already half way through reading it. Yes, I am reading my own book. There is a novelty in reading my book in the printed and published form, trying to detach myself away from the fact that I was the writer, to see what I think of it as a complete stranger picking it up and reading through it. Hmmm, I wonder what others will think of it. We shall see. Now I have to start the marketing process, with trying to get it out there. I think the hard work is about to begin. I am excited to have this task completed, and now for the documentary. How pleasing it would be to get that finished and broadcasted, then all my goals would have been accomplished.

As we arrive to the halfway point of Bear season, Dean and I are starting to discuss and work out our next step. Do we stay in Churchill for the winter or do we drive the motorhome back out west. Work is a must and my heading back to New Zealand to visit my family (for the first time in nearly five years) is also a must.

Over the next two weeks a plan will be hatched and the adventures will continue. Until that time, Dean is running the Tundra Inn Kitchen with his team and I will continue to enlighten guests as we journey on the Tundra and expose ourselves to the numerous Arctic beauties.
More news soon. Cheers to you all and Happy Halloween!