Armed with the information that we had seen more than most guides see in a season on the tundra, I was hopeful but satiated already when we ventured out with Lorne for our final day on the tundra.
Spirits were high! It was Halloween and NatHab commissioned kids to make each rover a jack-o-lantern! It appeared no matter how good yesterday was, everyone here was determined to make today just as special in it's own way...
Brace yourself... Lorne LET ME DRIVE a little!!! Did I just die and go to heaven?!
(It's ok you need video proof... I almost don't believe it myself now.)
And did I mention our guide, Garrett was all costumed up and today we were being lead across the tundra by a walking, talking hotdog! Maybe he attracted more bears that way? Who am I to judge :-)
It was not as windy as yesterday. Sure it was cold and fingers left too close to the window for too long felt the sting of winter coming, but OMG was it worth it.
I got lucky enough again to photograph these gorgeous animals who survive and maybe thrive under unimaginable pressure and against all odds. The cuddles within a family, playtimes with friends, curiosity toward us; No Youtube vid, bear tracking website, PB documentary had prepared me emotionally for the love, joy, wonder and connection that I felt here.
At the end of day 3 on the tundra half the passengers were out like a light as we traversed the misery mile on the way back to the rover base camp. Mark and I made a quick visit to the famed Northern Store before walking-curfew was upon us, to verify for ourselves that this place sold everything you could think of. Yep... from snowmobiles to furniture, liquor, groceries, souvenirs and clothes... Even optimism could be found here!
Then we did a quick tutorial/presentation with Garrett about photo editing before chowing down dinner.
But the day was not over...
It was Halloween and our own personal hotdog (Garrett) had plans that involved being a mobile candy-giving vehicle through town. Halloween in Churchill is special. An armed troop sweeps town and establishes a perimeter before dark. They maintain a patrol all night long and that allows kids and adults alike to walk without fear of they themselves becoming a Halloween snack for a polar bear.
If you've never found yourself watching (aiding and abetting) a guy dressed as a hotdog, luring kids into a short white bus under the cover of darkness, then you've missed out on the type of giggles that almost make you pee yourself.
Just one more way that Nat Hab has exceeding expectations in Churchill. I just love our little group... passengers, drivers and guide, all invested in having fun and making the most of every minute. Invested in making sure we ALL have the best possible experience!
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