Last year I posted this picture depicting the first signs of spring in Central Texas: Redbuds. This lovely sign of spring led me to reminisce about the polar bears I visited two years ago.
It was cold! That’s really me hidden behind all those layers. Behind me, the Hudson Bay just as ice is starting to form along its shores. That’s the ice, by the way, all the polar bears are waiting for. Without it, they can’t get to their primary food source, seals.
Today in Central Texas, it’s mild, sunny, and breezy. A perfect day for a long walk, if I wasn’t still so sneezy.
We got up very early every day. However, I was rewarded with sunrises like this one. Pictures can’t do it the site justice, but this gives you a wee idea of its beauty.
You can just see the ice skimming the surface. Not thick enough yet for humans or bears to walk on.
I remember our first day out, and this bear looked right at me. I took his picture with my phone: no telephone lens in use here. He really is that close. He just sat up as we stopped for our morning tea. He (pronoun correct according to our guide) looked right at me, and asked, “What’s for breakfast?”
I saw so much more wildlife than I thought I would, but it was the Polar Bears that had the biggest impact on me. I wonder how many are still alive.
Polar Bears are not easy to see on the vast tundra of the Arctic, but when I did, they were always watching. They hadn’t eaten in months. Nothing for them to eat on land. According to my guide, those we saw walking around were usually male and young, curious and perhaps a bit restless.
My polar bear trip was as lovely as it was contemplative. So contemplative, I still think about the bears and the effects we have on the bears.
Amazing what one brief trip will do.
Until next time, walk in peace. And if you head up north, keep your eyes open for Polar Bears. They may not be around for much longer.
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Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this amazing experience and your pictures. Hope you feel less sneezy soon!
These pictures are awesome, Latham. Thank you for sharing them with us.