Blog
Well, here we are!
The final countdown before I head off to the Polar Sub-Arctic of Canada. The excitement is 'real', folks! I’m about to chase polar bears, rub shoulders with scientists and researchers, and meet other adventurers just as crazy (I mean, 'passionate') as myself. It’s been over a year of planning, and now it’s all coming together. But as the departure date inches closer, the last-minute prep has kicked into overdrive, as have the nerves!
First things first: packing. And let me tell you, packing for the sub-Arctic isn’t like tossing a few T-shirts and jeans in a suitcase. Nope, it’s more like playing a high-stakes game of “Will this keep me from freezing to death?” Layers are my new best friends—base layers, mid-layers, outer layers, the whole works. I’ve been obsessing over the right balance between warmth and mobility. Thankfully, the Churchill Northern Science Centre has a heavier parka set aside for me along with snow pants if needed. That said, here are just SOME of the clothes I trust and rely on day in and day out, no matter what the season:
Those are just some of the many items that I use and/or carry. All of my sweaters are either 100% Wool (my goto is the Icelandic Wool sweater I bought while in Iceland). Along with all of that are my camo real tree gear, toques, etc.!
And then there’s the 'gear'—cameras, lenses, tripods, batteries, chargers, memory cards… it’s a lot to juggle. My biggest dilemma? Deciding which gear is worth the weight and space. Do I go big with the zoom to get those tight shots of polar bears in the wild, or do I take a wider angle to capture the stunning landscapes? Decisions, decisions. These are the types of questions you have to ask for trips such as this! Obviously, I'm bringing both long and wide lenses, however, it's more the accessory type gear and other possible lenses that I have to do a great deal of decision making on.
Let’s not forget the interviews! I'm hoping to have a few with scientists and researchers, so I’m looking forward to just learning and capturing whatever I can. In the process, setting up my recording gear, and making sure I’ve got everything I need to capture those moments. Polar bears may be the stars of this adventure, but I’m just as pumped to learn from the experts and share that knowledge with you all. The mix of science and storytelling is something I can’t wait to dive into.
I’ll admit, though, in the middle of all this prep, I’ve had a few moments where I’ve just had to stop, laugh, and take it all in. I mean, who gets to say they’re about to chase polar bears and hang out with some of the brightest minds in wildlife research? It’s a surreal feeling, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
So, what’s next? The next few days will be all about double-checking gear, making sure I’ve got everything dialed in, and mentally preparing for this adventure of a lifetime. I can’t wait to take you along on this journey with me. There’s going to be so much to see, learn, and share—stay tuned because the adventure is just beginning!
Got any questions about what it’s like to dream up, plan and execute an expedition such as this?
Drop a comment, and let’s chat before I head off into the Arctic wilderness!
p.s. Once I have my final gear list and everything sorted, look for the post(s) regarding that so you can see exactly what gear I've decided to bring and why!
p.p.s. I can NOT forget to continue thanking all of the folks supporting this expedition! From the 13 financial supporters and a clothing supporter along with a couple of other gear supporters, this trip is not happening without you! Stay tuned for my Sponsor Stories that will be coming up and learn about how YOU can support THEM!