I’m back in Winnipeg. After the excitement and busy times of the tundra, I quickly switched from the adrenalin-fueled speed of 150 mph to a slower, tired, relaxing speed. It has been a great week full of adventure and amazing experiences. But, now it is nice to relax a bit and be functioning at a somewhat slower pace. However, because of the slower pace, I’m now writing two days’ blogs in just one.
Yesterday (Friday), I once again awakened early (in Churchill) even though I didn’t have any reason to do so. But, I was up and going, showered and dressed by about 7:15 or so. I worked on the computer for a while, ate breakfast, chatted with everyone in the PBI house, and enjoyed a leisurely morning. I spoked with the public relations person at the University of Central Florida who is working on an article about Jane Waterman and her remote camera work with the polar bears…the work on which our St. George’s students have collaborated. I also had a message from the St. George’s p.r. person, Sarah, requesting a date that I could appear on a local early morning show in Memphis. Polar bears certainly are attracting lots of attention now with all of the news about climate change. In fact, while I was in Churchill, there were news crews and reporters from countries all over the world requesting interviews or showing up for the pre-scheduled interviews. The PBI house is a very busy place with visitors in and out all of the time.
Friday night was a planned dinner for those of use who had been out on the buggy, Dan Cox, other PBI friends, and the pilots who are flying the helicopters this season. LeAnn cooked off and on all day making a wonderful meal (yes, I did help a little, but it was her feast!). So, the kitchen smelled wonderful with the odor of homemade bread, chicken lasagna with butternut squash and fresh spinach, garlic roasted vegetables, blueberry crisp, and a wonderful, fresh salad.
Dan Cox, an amazing wildlife photographer who happens to be married to the daughter of the person who created the tundra buggies, flew into Churchill in the morning, so a bunch of us went with Robert, Krista, and Dan to eat lunch at Gypsy’s. It was a nice gathering with great food, as always. When lunch was over, everyone went their separate ways. I decided to take a walk through the town of Churchill, stopping at several gift shops along the way. It was brisk and cold with a light wind, and snow was piled everywhere from the snowfalls we had experienced during the week. It was a beautiful, wintry scene, and I loved taking time to enjoy the town and the weather.
Once I arrived back at the PBI house, we busied ourselves preparing for the dinner party. Eventually abut 25 people ate together that evening. It was great fun with lots of wonderful conversations. I retired fairly early while the party continued because it was time for some solitude and sleep. But, the others continued to talk and laugh and have a great time.
Saturday (this morning) was once again a morning that started earlier than it needed to, but I was wide awake. After a leisurely breakfast, I readied the suitcases again for the next stage of my journey. This time I was returning to Winnipeg. Krista drove Shane (President of the National Association of Zookeepers) and me to the airport. More snow had fallen overnight, and there were occasional flakes flurrying around as we drove. We arrived at the airport only to find that the flight was delayed by about an hour. So, we chatted and waited until at last they called us to board.
The flight to Winnipeg was smooth and uneventful. After settling back into the Sheraton Four Points Hotel at the airport, I walked back across to the airport terminal and wandered through the gift shops. After shopping, I returned back to the hotel and met my PBI friends, Tom, Shane, and Don, for dinner. It was an early evening for everyone, and once dinner was over, we all headed to our rooms for the night.
So, two days of relaxation and traveling. And, now I have yet two more flights tomorrow, starting early in the morning. I’m headed to Nashville via Minneapolis where I will give two presentations at the TAIS biennial conference. Wow, what a switch. From snow boots and heavy parkas and winter gloves…to Nashville and heels and professional attire.
My mind and heart and soul are filled with memories and thoughts and feelings that will take a long time yet to really absorb. But, they are etched deeply into all parts of me. The polar bears are magnificent creatures. I have learned so much this week. I have had the great fortune to work with some amazing and passionate people from a wide range of occupations: professional photographers, scientists specializing in bears, zoologists, tundra buggy drivers, helicopter pilots, and many, many more. Each of these people believe…no, they KNOW…that they are doing things that really matter. They are involved in work that will help to make a difference in the world both now and for future generations. Each of them has a role in the bigger puzzle of life, and each of them is making a difference. The collective whole is powerful when each of us takes a step and we all work together to make that difference.
So, to each of you reading this – find something to do that you feel passionate about, and do it! One step is the beginning of a long journey, and each of us has the ability to truly affect change.
Do something…then do another. The power of tomorrow is all of us today I can’t wait to see the amazing things that are lying in front of you, just waiting for you to take the lead and implement!
Polar bear hugs to all!
