Just Awesome!

Well folks... The past four days have been an incredible adventure. There was no internet or phone service in Churchill, so I have kept a daily diary and will give you the highlights. We arrived in Churchill in a whiteout with at least 2 and 1/2 feet of snow on the ground. We went on a dogsled ride and learned all the lingo incase we wanted to take one out on the Idatirod or something. We went by bus to the docking station where a small tundra buggy picked us up and drove us to the tundra buggy lodge. See pictures below. Next we went inside and put our things away in the berths.

For the next three days we went on the tundra buggies each day to see the bears and the scenery. We didn't touch the ground at all. Meals were with the buggy and back at the lodge. It was so amazing to see these bears in their natural habitat. Which by the way, looked like the surface of Mars. We saw a total of 230 bears! Males, females, 11 month old cubs and and 23 month old cubs. All just resting, sparring, and eating seaweed until the ice freezes over and they can go out on the ice to get the seals. Many of the bears were curious and came right up to the buggy. Some actually jumped up on the buggy. That is when we stepped back. We had a terrific guide, the food was wonderful, and it ended all too soon. The weather was very cold, but I was toasty. Wouldn't want to live there, but it was a tremendous experience I will remember for the rest of my life. A dream come true. Below are some pictures of the bears. Of course, I will be editing the rest at home and show them to you soon. Till then, feast your eyes on these. I will be home tomorrow.

Love,

Kerry

On to Churchill!

Though Barack Obama's win is exciting and historic, I am on my way to Churchill, Canada where polar bears reign. Yesterday, with plan B in action, we went to the Museum of Manitoba and it was awesome. Afterward, we walked a path by the Red River near sunset and saw a bridge with a restaurant on it. Pretty cool. But the best time was the 3 moose we saw. A whole family. Below are some pictures. I guess I am getting the hang of blogging!

More later as we take a dog sled ride and see an Eskimo museum.

Love,

Kerry

Waiting

The picture above is me and my new BFF, Lizzie Pickman. We are having a great time!

So, we were due to leave sunny Winnipeg as of 7 this morning, but the winds are 80 knots in our destination, Churchill and we are unable to leave. We are just waiting for the 1 o'clock advisory and we may be in Winnipeg for another evening. No control over the weather..... But there is alcohol! All the people on this trip have been all over the world and I am quite the neophyte, as I have not been to Antarctica or Egypt or China or India. So we listen to stories about all their adventures and our guide named Haylee Shepard is attempting a circumnavigation by kayak around an island called St. George near Antactica in February. ALONE. Now that takes a lot of guts. Well, more later. I hope we end up going, but if not, they say tomorrow is a go. We shall see.

ps we are staying so I guess it is off to the museums and "The Forks" a shopping area near the Red River. Did I say shopping? gooooooood!
Love,
Kerry

Winnipeg

Well, I am in the Sheraton at the airport in Winnipeg, and I mean at the airport! Just walk out the door and across the street is the hotel. Nice room with a view of the parking lot and the most gorgeous sunset I have seen in a while. Changed planes in Minn./St. Paul and took an earlier flight so I arrived at 12. There is a one hour time difference, but I can't use my phone as there is no signal. Chilled and am waiting for a meeting with everyone at 9 tonight. Haven't seen my roomie yet, but she is evidently having dinner with her brother, who lives here and will arrive soon. I will try to get back on to blog later this evening, after the meeting so I can know what is going on. I spoke to a few people who are just finishing their trips and are heading home tomorrow. They have seen "too many bears to count" so I am psyched. I hear there is to be a blizzard tomorrow in Churchill, but I am prepared. ( I hope!) More later.

WEll, I met Lizzie. She is a spritly young thing. Lots of energy. We met the rest of the group around 9 and Haylee who told us what we needed to know about logistics and such. Went to bed, but of course, couldn't sleep. Tomorrow, the Sub-Arctic!
Love,
Kerry

Another day filled with Adventure!

Today, as it was a free day, I decided to visit some of the local sights. I went to the Raulston Arboritum connected with NC State University. Again, the day was gorgeous, so I walked the 6 miles there and was astounded that leaves really do change their colors. A marathon was in progress, so I was able to walk the main roads unimpeded, calling out, "Way to go!" and "You go girl!" to the actual participants.

The Arboritum was spectacular, with a cactus garden and many flowering plants. I wish my yard looked so good! Many of the annuals were in bloom, as well as roses. The Arboritum encompasses about 6 acres, but as usual, this garden has been touched by happy hands, because they know just how to arrange them for maximum light and color.

After I soaked up so good oldfashion sunshine and smelled the roses (literally!), I walked the 2 miles to the Museum of Art. There I had lunch and walked through some of the most beautiful Renaissance andImpressionistic paintings I had seen. Who knew? in Raleigh? There were some Judiac artifacts, Roman/Greek statues (whoo! naked men), and African masks and jewelry. All in all, it was an impressive museum. By now, my tootsies were screaming, so I asked someone(tall, dark and handsome) if he was going downtown. As luck would have it, he was and I returned to the hotel. I am sending this and then soaking in a hot tub. More tomorrow.

Love,

Kerry

The Wedding!

I woke up to another fabulous day in Raleigh. The leaves are beginning to change and the sun is shining. I saw the exhibit called "The Dead Sea Scrolls" at the Museum of Natural History here in Raleigh and it was awesome. Amazing what scientists can accomplish.

The wedding was in All Saints Chapel. It was an old 1850's wooden church and so quaint. I arrived, in my new green dress, to the strains of a string trio. It was small, with cathedral ceilings and wooden chairs. It felt as if I had gone back in time. The unity and memorial candles were enveloped in a rainbow of colors.

The ceremony was beautiful. Priscilla nearly held it together, but I saw those blinks. She was dressed in an antique gown with a long veil and looked wonderful. Jimmie and all the groomsmen were dressed in black and white. He was soooo handsome. The bridal party was dressed in brocade like off white dresses with black sashes and were lovely.

The reception was in the Long View Art gallery. All types of art garnished the brick walls. It was a great use of space with a raised platform dance floor, a fabulous DJ and tables surrounding the center table laden with all kinds of goodies. We danced and danced until we left and raised sparklers over P and Jimmie as they left. It was an awesome time for all of us.

Well, on to Canada tomorrow and more pictures.

Love,

Kerry

Raleigh, NC

I knew it was going to be a great day, when I got to the airport and the flight attendants were dressed in Halloween costumes and their were lights on the desk. I arrived in beautiful downtown Raleigh around 1 and was upgraded to a suite on the Penthouse floor with a beautiful view. The weather is spectular and around 70. My costume was waiting for me, compliments of Jamie, Jimmie's sister. I walked around the city for a bit, worked out and dressed for the rehearsal dinner. It was held at the Luna Cafe, an Italian eatery and we had a private room just for the 30 of us. Everyone was dressed to the 9's! The Roaring 20's were definitely back. The room was decorated with boas and pearls as were the guests. Priscilla looked fabulous in a red flapper dress, complete with headband and Jimmie was in a white pinstriped suit with spats. There was more fringe, boa, spats, garters and fishnets then I had ever seen in my life. It was great! There were several speakers, who made everyone laugh and cry, but there was so much love in that room too. I will post the pictures as soon as I can. Can't wait for the wedding tomorrow. 23 skidoo........