11 Aug 2015

Bears Everywhere!

Yesterday we stopped at Dragi Bay, the historic site where Captain Bartlett established the main camp for survivors of the Karluk before setting off on his epic walk across the ice to Siberia and eventually Alaska to get help. We saw around fifteen Polar Bears in the bay, though it was difficult to count as they would disappear and then reappear making it impossible to know if we were looking at same animal.  Overnight we moved to the north coast to an anchorage near Dream Head and have just returned from a phenomenal Zodiac excursion. Everybody is walking on air after the most incredible Polar Bear encounters. Three animals in particular granted us memorable close encounters. These bears were on the beach and very relaxed as we approached. Curiosity prompted one to come within 5 metres, taking our measure by sniffing the air before ambling away to lie down again. Words cannot describe the feeling of being so close to these magnificent creatures and no doubt thousands of photos such as those below captured the moment. The tally of Polar Bears on this expedition so far has now reached 50 and we still have more time on this wonderful island.