Up Close and Personal
Sea days are for sleep… until the expedition leader
announces over the PA that there is yet another polar bear! As this was
predicted to be the last of the ice floes of the expedition, I leaped out of
bed, put on my 3 layers of tops, warm pants, two layers of beanies on my head,
and gloves, and headed out to the bow of the ship. For almost 40 minutes, I
couldn’t even see the bear. Apparently, it was sleeping curled up in a ball.
The ship has to approach the bear very, very, slowly so as not to disturb it.
My frustration was growing and I couldn’t help but think “I’m not even going to
see this bear and it’s the last one we are going to see”. But, as you do with
wildlife, you wait. And wait. And wait. And wait. Finally, I could see a
discolored ball with my naked eye. This discolored ball happened to be the
sleeping bear! I don’t know what animal is cuter while sleeping… lions or polar
bears. I think polar bears might take the lead on this one!!
After what felt like another 30 minutes, the bear lifted his
head.
And then went back to sleep. I was starting to get bored. How many pictures could I
possibly take of a sleeping bear?! The bear lifted his head again and stood up.
I was so excited, and ready to go! But then? He got back
down, crouching like my dog would when my dog wants a belly rub.
After another 20 or so minutes, the bear finally got up,
approached the ship, and started walking around on the ice. He appeared very
sleepy, as he kept yawning.
He walked around on the ice floe some more, before leaping over some ice and swimming
away. These polar bear pictures are some of my favorites. As this is the last
sighting, I’m posting more than I usually would… Enjoy!
That's all for now... Stay tuned for more
Greenland/Iceland/Canadian High Arctic adventures. Also, be sure to hit the
subscribe button to be notified of new posts, as there is sometimes unreliable
internet! Follow my instagram @elissatitle for more photography posts.
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