I'll Trade You a Bear for a Sunny Day

I'll Trade You a Bear for a Sunny Day
 

Our land excursions have really been awesome. So many bears (as of Friday evening we have a count of 14 Polar Bear encounters). The staff have obviously a sense as to where the bears may be, but an encounter of a bear swimming from the shore to try to catch a seal on a floating piece of ice, stalking his prey, was really phenomenal to watch and experience (the seal got away). Reindeer (Caribou), Minke Whales and Seals have really made the mammal observation outstanding!  Their have been a few challenges though; the weather the most glaring. The first 2 days brought brilliant sunny skies and great contrasts of land and sea. However, for the last several days, overcast skies has made it challenging; the mood of the passengers  certainly does get affected by the grey days, and some photos have a washed out feel to them. But honestly if this is the largest problem, it most certainly is not a big deal in the grand scheme.  The abundance of wildlife has certainly been fulfilled and more!  Wonderful walks/explorations on land that are free of Polar Bears have been great, and the friends I've made (some I feel for life) and great laughs shared have been terrific - actually better than I'd expected.  Tonight is a picnic on the stern of the ship. A Barbie in the Arctic. And tomorrow is supposed to bring sunny skies!!  Life is good.