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Rosmaru Expeditions Newsletter January 2010

Zodiac cruise along glacier snout

THIS MONTH'S FEATURE: Spitsbergen: An Arctic Oasis!

  1. Spitsbergen
  2. Website Tips
  3. Photo Tips
  4. Bits and Pieces

Fellow Travelers,

Spitsbergen is one of the most exciting places to visit in the arctic. It is easily reached via Oslo, and despite it's relatively small size, Spitsbergen is rich with wildlife, steeped in history, and presents the visitor with stunning arctic vistas. Expedition ships ply the waters and make for a comfortable home as you venture into the high arctic. Ice and weather dictate where and when you go, so any trip to Spitsbergen is true exploration.

What will you see there? Plenty! Polar bears wander the pack ice in their search for seals, seabirds swarm around their nesting cliffs as they race to raise their chicks, walrus and seals ply the waters as they enjoy the rich benthic food supply, and all around is the silent subtle beauty of the high arctic.

Spitsbergen is also steeped in history, with explorers like Nansen, Nobile, Andre, and others using it as a launching point for their expeditions. A large mast, used to tether air ships attempting flights to the pole, still stands as a reminder of the triumphs and tragedies of polar ambition. Remains of early settlements are testaments to the brutal Arctic climate and mans unyielding desire to explore.

Your time in Spitsbergen is spent cruising through pack ice on your ship in search of polar bears, or exploring the rugged coastline by zodiac. Ashore, walks of different lengths are offered to accommodate different abilities and desires. Often under-appreciated rubber boots are the footwear of choice for the sometimes wet tundra.

The archipelago of Svalbard, or Spitsbergen as it's often called, lies over 1100 miles north of Norway and it's northern most islands cross the 81 degree latitudinal line, meaning that is is less than 550 miles from the North Pole. Norway has sovereignty over Svalbard and has worked hard to make it feel as thought it were an extension of Norway, even creating regular air service between Oslo and Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen is a small quaint town, but don't be fooled. As soon as your ship sails, you realize that you are truly in the high arctic and your voyage of exploration has begun.

We have listed several expeditions below that we feel provide the very best of what Spitsbergen has to offer. There are many options though, so visit our Spitsbergen page for a complete list.

If you haven't been traveling lately, NOW is the time! Visit us at www.Rosmaru.com, or call us at (877) 587-3397, we can help.

Please Note: If you are having difficulty viewing this email, please add our email address to your inbox. This will ensure that the images in our emails display properly.. Alternatively, visit our Newsletter page to read this Newsletter on line.

"The north is the only place where Nature can still claim to rule, the only place as yet but little vexed by man. All over the globe there spread his noisy failures: the north alone is silent and at peace." - Stephen Leacock, My Discovery of the West

Warm regards,

Colin McNulty
President
Rosmaru Expeditions
(877) 587-3397


1. Spitsbergen Adventures

When: June - August
Where: Svalbard - Ship based tour

Backlit Polar bear on ice

Spitsbergen Aboard M/S Quest (9 Days aboard M/S Quest)

Explore the spectacular ice-crowned archipelago of Spitsbergen and survey the surrounding pack-ice aboard the expedition ship, M/S Quest. In Spitsbergen there are twice as many polar bears and walrus as there are people. With an estimated population of over 3000 in Spitsbergen, we hope to have ample opportunity to photograph polar bears in their natural habitat.

Seabirds, such as ivory gulls, guillemots, little auks and puffins will be our constant companions during the trip. We may even see the rare Ross` gull. Tundra flowers will be in full bloom and the bird colonies should be bustling with life.

Later in the season, we hope to explore the eastern side of the archipelago. This area is usually only accessible for a very short period during the summer. One highlight is the fantastic Storöya, east of Nordaustlandet and a favorite area for both polar bears and walrus.

Ship Type: Expedition Ship

Polar bear drinking water on ice floe

Spitsbergen Explorer (11 Days)

This active adventure departs and returns to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. Aboard our expedition ship, we plan to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen, the largest in the archipelago. Ice and weather conditions will dictate our exact itinerary - this will be true exploration. We expect to sail into magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs along towering sea bird cliffs and search for polar bears, walrus, and seals in their natural habitat. Ashore, we will search for wildlife and photograph the stunning high arctic scenery that surrounds us. For those wanting a sea level view of things, kayaks are available on most departures.

Spitsbergen has a rich concentration of arctic wildlife, making this expedition a great choice for nature and wildlife photographers. Between hikes on shore and cruising in zodiacs or on the ship, you will have many excellent photographic opportunities. Spitsbergen is the "Land of The Midnight Sun" so bring lots of digital cards for your camera!

Ship Type: Research Vessel

Polar Adventurer takes in the scenery

Spitsbergen In Depth (15 Days aboard Akademik Ioffe)

This 15-day adventure begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway's Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago. If the ice conditions are favorable, we hope to sail around the entire archipelago exploring all that Svalbard has to offer.

This arctic archipelago is rich in history and wildlife. We will experience the true arctic as we push through pack ice searching for polar bears, hike across the tundra learning about the arctic ecosystems, and identify the myriad of birds that call Spitsbergen home for the summer. Pushing to the north east, we hope to land at Kvitoya where Andre's remains were discovered, then sail into the Hinlopen Strait where we can experience thousands upon thousands of Murres racing to raise their chicks before winter descends. Walrus ply these waters and we hope to visit with these incredible creatures as they lie in great piles upon the shore or pose for us on ice floes.

Ice dominates this land and we will see first hand how glacier have sculpted the stunning landscape. We will also search the pack ice for the Lord of the Arctic, the polar bear, as they hunt for elusive seals. In true expedition style we will take advantage of every opportunity to explore this arctic oasis called Spitsbergen.

Ship Type: Research Vessel

Polar bear face close up

Land of the Ice Bears: An In-depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard (11 Days aboard National Geographic Explorer)

Special Offers Available

A remote archipelago situated just over 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, mountains and massive sheets of ice. During summer, when the sun never sets, the tundra experiences a warm awakening. It is carpeted with wildflowers. Ice-peppered fjords ring with the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. Walrus raise their sleepy heads to observe us. And everyone holds their breath as a polar bear is spotted and cameras click wildly. Experience nature in its purest form in the High Arctic.

This is as far north as it is possible to travel without an icebreaker, and you’ll experience the legendary midnight sun. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife. This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery. Nature is full of wonderful surprises and we are guided by her. Our pace is unhurried and our options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary below is a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this region.

Special Feature:
National Geographic Photographer teamed with a Photo Specialist as part of the expedition staff.

Ship Type: Luxury Expedition Ship

Polar Bear Wanders the pack ice

Beyond the North Cape: Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (16 Days aboard National Geographic Explorer)

Special Offers Available.

The fjordlands region stretches 1,000 miles along the west coast of Norway. Each fjord is different from its neighbor and presents its own beauty and ruggedness. Listening to the roar of waterfalls, photograph flocks of auks in the fairytale light, and marvel at tiny villages that cling to the steep sides of the fjord walls.

Then just 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, lies the archipelago of Svalbard, a wilderness region that few Americans know. Towering ice caps, deep fjords mountains, massive sheets of ice and long hours of beautiful light make this a photographers dream. Wildlife abounds as we hike ashore and cruise through pack ice in our ship and zodiacs. Polar bears roam the pack in search of seals, walrus rest on ice floes, while birds whirl overhead. This is an oasis in the vast arctic.

Special Feature:
National Geographic Photographer teamed with a Photo Specialist as part of the expedition staff.

Ship Type: Luxury Expedition Ship


2. WEBSITE TIP — Galleries and Images

We have worked hard to ensure Rosmaru.com is as clear, concise and user friendly as possible. In this section we highlight different features of our site that will help you to find the trips that work best for you. We always welcome feedback, so if you have any suggestions about how to improve our site, send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know.

Rosmaru.com has a galleries page where you can visually see some of the destinations we visit. These galleries give you a taste of what each trip has to offer. If you see something you like, click anywhere in the gallery and you will be taken to that trip.

In addition, most images throughout the site can be enlarged by clicking on them. Clicking on image brings up a larger view and by clicking on either side of that larger image, you can advance to the next image or move to the previous one. Clicking outside the image or in the bottom right corner, closes the enlargement.


3. PHOTO TIP — Remember Why You Take Photos

Interested in expanding your photographic skills? You'll find more tips in our Photography section. This section is updated regularly, so be sure to check back. To simply enjoy images of each destination, visit out Galleries page.

Excerpt from Steve Morrello's most recent book:
The Traveling Nature Photographer : A Photographic Guide to Exploring the World

A good photo is one that evokes memories or brings back a moment in your life that meant something special to you. So what if it is not the best exposure or it does not compare with photos others have taken. If it makes you feel good, it is a good photo. If it is just a bad shot that does nothing for you go ahead, throw it away. But if it makes you feel something, it reminds you of a dream trip you always wanted to make, or it makes your heart smile, it has done its job and you should hold onto that photo forever.

I was on a trip to Antarctica and the South Georgia Islands. We visited an island to photograph Wandering Albatross that nest there. I got on my belly and began to crawl towards a nest to get some close up, wide-angle (20mm) photos of one of the birds when it got off of its nest and waddled right up to me. I lay still and suddenly it began to preen the hair on my head, and then the eyebrow above my eye. As the bird separated each hair on my eyebrow I turned the camera and pointed it towards the bird. I turned the aperture to close it down for the greatest depth of field and hoped for the best as I began to photograph without looking through the camera. The results were awkward, the bird’s features were out of proportion because of the wide-angle lens being so close to the bird’s face, and the sky is filled with clouds and not too interesting. I love this photo. It brings me back to an experience few people have ever had, and one that I will probably never get the chance to repeat. Who cares if it is not the best quality, it makes me happy.

For me the biggest reason I love photography is that it has enabled me to see the world in a very special way. It has taught me to look for the details and the small things that make the big picture so complete, and, it has given me a way to share the things I love with the people that mean most to me.

- Steve Morello



Bits and Pieces

This email was sent to you from Rosmaru Expeditions. We hope you enjoy this newsletter, and invite you to visit us at www.rosmaru.com. If you find this newsletter interesting or helpful, please feel free to pass it on to others who may feel the same. In addition, if you would like to add someone to our newsletter list : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Rosmaru Expeditions
1518 Robbins St Santa Barbara, CA 93101
rosmaru.com
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(877) 587-3397

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST: 2093510-40

© 2010 Rosmaru Expeditions Privacy Policy

Cheers!

Rosmaru Expeditions Newsletter November 2009

Tortoise

THIS MONTH'S FEATURE: The Galapagos Islands!

  1. Galapagos Islands
  2. Website Tips
  3. Photo Tips
  4. Bits and Pieces

Fellow Travelers,

The Galapagos Islands straddle the equator 600 miles west of Ecuador. Discovered in 1535 by a Spanish Bishop and made famous by Darwin's visit in 1835 and subsequent publication of The Origin of Species, the islands comprise an archipelago of 19 extraordinary islands. Each island is unique and offers a stunning variety of wildlife and scenic vistas. Well acclimated to visitors, the wildlife is always out and waiting for you. Watch out for nesting birds as you hike along the many trails, and then swim with the acrobatic sea lions as they dance through the clear waters. Tortoises roam the highlands, while marine iguana feed on the green algae near shore. The Galapagos Islands are an exceptional year round destination and one that everyone should visit in their lifetime.

The Galapagos are also wonderful family destination. What better classroom than the "Enchanted Isles", where young people can explore and learn in a safe and exciting environment. Some of our operators offer dedicated family departures while others offer discounts for people under 18.

Some expeditions offer the option of camping on shore for a night in a specially designed tented camp. Some also offer pre or post extensions visiting Macchu Pichu in Peru. This is a great combination and definitely something to consider if the timings work for you.

Some ideas to consider when choosing a Galapagos Cruise.
1. Boats. From Sail boats, to motor yachts, to luxury ships, the Galapagos Islands have them all. They come in different sizes and price ranges, with large ships (100 passengers) offering all sorts of extra amenities, and smaller ones, a more intimate setting. While sailboats have a romantic charm to them, the cabins are usually a bit smaller, the deck space a bit more limited, and because of the distances, they usually only sail once or twice on a cruise. Motor yachts usually offer a more stable ride than sail boats, though in the Galapagos, this isn't usually a major issue. That said, there is nothing like the feel of the wind through your hair as you silently glide through the rich waters of these enchanted isles.

2. Itinerary. In an attempt to limit the number of visitors at each landing, every ship has a fixed itinerary, so you must find the best combination of ship and itinerary that works for you..

3. Guides. The quality of the guide is paramount to your experience, so it is important to ensure you have the best guides available. Each ship will have guides on board that will split the group into smaller groups. Even on larger ships, you will still be in a small group, thereby maintaining the intimacy of your adventure.

If all of this control seems a bit much, consider that by limiting the number of people that visit one spot each day, and ensuring that they have a trained guide with them when they visit, the islands and wildlife are still thriving today despite an increasing number of visitor each year. Visiting the Galapagos today, is not far from what it was twenty years ago, and that is due in large part to the local efforts to maintain the pristine environment.

We have listed several options below that we feel provide the very best of what the Galapagos Islands have to offer. There are many options though, so visit our www.Rosmaru.com, or call us at (877) 587-3397, we can help.

Please Note: If you are having difficulty viewing this email, please add us to your inbox. This will ensure that the images in our emails will display properly.. Alternatively, visit our Newsletter page to read this Newsletter on line.

“A journey is a person itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policies and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” -John Steinbeck

Warm regards,

Colin McNulty
President
Rosmaru Expeditions
(877) 587-3397


1. Galapagos Islands

Galapagos aboard Islander

Galapagos Islands (10 Days aboard the National Geographic Islander - Starting at $5,120)

Special Offers Available.

The moment you set foot on your first island in Galapagos you’ll see that curiosity and fearlessness are a way of life. Whether strolling the islands’ pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a “chat” with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, a feeling of freedom surrounds you.

From aboard the intimate 48-guest National Geographic Islander we navigate the volcanic archipelago, and our nimble Zodiacs and a fleet of kayaks take us further in our exploration and afford us intimate views of Galapagos wildlife.

The team of 3 expert Naturalists (including an Undersea Specialist) and Expedition Leader are always available to point out the intricacies of the wildlife as it unfolds before your eyes on the Galapagos Islands. Their specialized knowledge and use exploration equipment including video microscope, Splash-Cam, underwater video and hydrophone provide a deep and unmatched understanding of Galapagos.

Tortoise

Classic Galapagos Cruise (11 Days aboard the Letty - Starting at $4,895)

* Cruise among the islands’ prolific wildlife aboard an intimate, well-appointed yacht
* Swim with sea lions, sunbathe with iguanas, and kayak among whales and dolphins
* Learn about scientists’ conservation work at the Charles Darwin Research Station

Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, surrounded by open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else in the world. Home to a profuse array of wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where lizards and penguins and blue-footed boobies share the beaches with us, unconcerned by our presence. Herman Melville called the Galapagos “Las Encantadas,” or Enchanted Isles, an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today.

Sleeping Sea Lions

Classic Galapagos Aboard the Nina (11 Days aboard the M/C Nina - Starting at $5,595)

Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, surrounded by open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else on earth. Home to a profuse array of wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where iguanas and penguins and blue-footed boobies shared the beaches with human visitors, unconcerned by our presence. Herman Melville called the Galapagos “Las Islas Encantadas” -- The Enchanted Isles – an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today.

 

Male Frigate Bird

Galapagos My Way (11 Days aboard the Isabela II - Starting at $7,480)

Join Jack Grove and expert naturalists aboard the specially designed 40-passenger Isabela II yacht for a luxury adventure travel cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Jack has drawn on his years of experience in the Galapagos to create an itinerary that showcases both the terrestrial and marine wonders of the legendary Galapagos archipelago off the coast of Ecuador. Activities include birding, hiking, natural history, photography, sightseeing, snorkeling, and Zodiac cruises.

Golden Rays

Galapagos + Peru's Land of the Incas (16 Days aboard the National Geographic Endeavour - Starting at $8,160)

Special Offers Available.

Thematically, one might ask, why connect a visit to Peru with an expedition to the Galapagos Islands? For that, we have two distinct answers: Firstly, as magnificent as the Galapagos Islands are for wildlife, so is Peru from an historical and archaeological perspective. Secondly, Peru’s capital city of Lima, is less than two hours away by air from Guayaquil. So, if you have the time, you’re almost there anyway!

There are a couple of key issues to point out following the expedition to Galapagos aboard National Geographic Endeavour: We spend a full week in Peru. Even though for many the highlight of the trip is an overnight stay in Machu Picchu, the fact is that rushing from sea level through the high altitudes of Machu Picchu and back to sea level in only a few days is just not wise. It takes time to adjust. The main reason however is that there is just so much more to Peru, including Lima, The Sacred Valley of the Inca and the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, which you can read more about in the Day-by-Day itinerary.


2. WEBSITE TIP — Compare Trips

We have worked hard to ensure Rosmaru.com is as clear, concise and user friendly as possible. In this section we highlight different features of our site that will help you to find the trips that work best for you. We always welcome feedback, so if you have any suggestions about how to improve our site, send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know.

Compare up to 3 trips at the same time. From the general page that shows the trip with a thumbnail image and a brief description, click the Compare box next to the trips you are interested in (it's on the far right). Then click on the Compare button near the top of the page. This will bring up a new window showing each trip side by side for comparison.


3. PHOTO TIP — Watch your Horizons!

Interested in expanding your photographic skills? You'll find more tips in our Photography section. This section is updated regularly, so be sure to check back. To simply enjoy images of each destination, visit out Galleries page. For other photography articles by Colin McNulty, visit his page on Ezine Articles.

One of the easiest ways to ensure your horizons are level when you shoot, is to use a focusing screen with a grid pattern. Many SLR type cameras (digital and film) allow you to replace the stock focusing screen, and the camera manufacturers usually offer several choices for easy replacement.

Installing a focusing screen with a grid means you will see faint lines, in a grid pattern, when you look through the viewfinder. This enables you to line up the horizon with the grid and ensures that your camera is level. This is very important when shooting landscapes, buildings, and panoramas.

It is possible to correct horizon errors using programs like Photoshop, but when you rotate the image to fix the horizon, you will need to crop the image. It is usually better to get it correct in when you take the image. This will speed up your workflow and maintain the integrity of your image.

You can find focusing screens at your local camera shop, or on-line at most major camera retailers. They are relatively inexpensive and are usually easy to install.

- Colin McNulty



Bits and Pieces

This email was sent to you from Rosmaru Expeditions. We hope you enjoy this newsletter, and invite you to visit us at www.rosmaru.com. If you find this newsletter interesting or helpful, please feel free to pass it on to others who may feel the same. In addition, if you would like to add someone to our newsletter list : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Not for you? Click to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . No questions asked.

Your feedback, both positive and negative, is always welcome. If you have comments or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We love to hear from fellow travelers!

Rosmaru Expeditions
1518 Robbins St Santa Barbara, CA 93101
rosmaru.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(877) 587-3397

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST: 2093510-40

© 2009 Rosmaru Expeditions Privacy Policy

Cheers!

Rosmaru Expeditions Newsletter - October 2009

Brown Bear Cub

THIS MONTH'S FEATURE: The Bears of Katmai !

  1. Brown Bears of Katmai
  2. Polar Bears of Churchill
  3. Antarctica
  4. Photo Tips
  5. Bits and Pieces

Fellow Travelers,

When was the last time you went on an adventure? This summer I had the great pleasure of spending two months working with brown bears in a remote area of Alaska. It was a wonderful experience and served to remind me why I am in this business. It reminded me that I love to be out doors.

I have two small boys now and time away from home is a rare treat. My days are usually spent at a desk, and though I talk about exploring, expeditions, and adventure, I don't actually get to do much of it myself. I started in the business in the early 1990's and reveled in the wildlife, adventure and romance of travel. It was heady stuff. I've since settled a bit and eased into a life where big events include planning a birthday party for my 3 year old son. Between the economy, and demands from work and family, I haven't traveled much in the last few years, which is why this trip was such an eye opening experience for me.

I hadn't realized how complacent I had become. I'd settled into a routine that did not include travel. There was a void, but because my life was busy, it was never really an issue. There was always something to occupy my time. This adventure in Alaska remind me that I every once in a while, I need to step away from my desk, put on some boots and head into the wilderness.

Stepping into the wild brings one back to nature. It helps put things into perspective, and can give one a new outlook on life. Breathing in the fresh air clears the cobwebs and re-energizes the soul. Interactions with wildlife and different cultures always enrich and educate. Then, sharing these experiences with friends and family is fulfilling to all involved.

I have listed several destinations that are coming up shortly. Each is a favorite for different reasons. The Polar Bear adventures are starting right now, and the Antarctic voyages are not far off. Yes, this is short notice, but I felt it was important to remind everyone about these great destinations. There may be deals available, and space may be limited, so please ask about this when you contact us.

If you haven't been traveling lately, NOW is the time! Visit us at www.Rosmaru.com, or call us at (877) 587-3397, we can help.

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." - T.S. Eliot

Warm regards,

Colin McNulty
President
Rosmaru Expeditions
(877) 587-3397


1. Brown Bears of Katmai

This is a spectacular destination. It is true wilderness and filled with bears. Stay on a boat and venture ashore each day to wander among the bruins as you explore coastal Katmai. There is no other place on earth where you can find such intimate encounters with bears in their natural habitat. Your guide will present you with unparalleled access to these bears which makes this an excellent opportunity for nature photographers. There are several options here so please ask.

When
: June - August
Where: Katmai National Park - Boat based tour

Brown Bear cub scratching on log

Grizzlies: From Kodiak to Katmai (8 Days - Starting at $6,595)

In a flash of liquid silver, a salmon leaps from a foaming cascade. An Alaskan brown bear captures it in its jaws in mid-air. The water boils as several Alaska grizzlies, the largest grizzlies in the world, perch on its banks to gorge on the river’s bounty during this annual summer feast. And where the river tumbles into the sea, bears are here, too, foraging for clams and loping along the beach. Here in Katmai National Park in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, our Alaskan grizzly bear tours offer a rare encounter with Ursus arctos in all its wild majesty.

The July 12, 2010 departure is a dedicated Photo trip which includes one extra day on the boat (8 days total). Other departure dates and options are available, so please ask us about this trip.


2. Churchill Polar Bear Tours

As the temperature drops in the fall, Polar bears gather near the shores of Hudson Bay, just outside the town of Churchill, to wait for the ice to freeze. Venture forth in warm Tundra Buggies and photograph the king of the arctic. There are several different options available that vary in trip length and price. This season is beginning right now and space is limited, so please call for availability or to reserve your spot in 2010. Below is only a portion of our offerings. Visit our Churchill page for a full listing.

When: Oct 10 & Nov 18
Where: Churchill, Manitoba, Canada - Land based tours

Polar Bear

Classic Polar Bear Expedition (6 Days - $4,195 and 7 Days - $4,895 )

Looking out onto the vast ice floe, we spy them, white on white. Alternately regal and whimsical and always awe inspiring, polar bears in the wild offer a natural encounter charged with drama and magic. Yet a warming climate and melting ice sheet are affecting Arctic ecosystems, threatening the future of all polar bears. There’s no better time than now to see polar bears in their natural habitat, and no one better to take you up close than us. Come face to face with these kings of the north on a polar bear expedition to Churchill, Manitoba.

Polar Bears outside Tundra Lodge

Churchill Tundra Lodge Adventure (7 Days - $5995)

An experience like no other – a stay at the Great White Bear Tundra Lodge, situated outside Churchill on the arctic tundra itself. As evening falls, guests remain in the domain of the polar bear to experience sunset across the snow and ice. Safe inside this custom lodge, experience surprising comfort, considering our environs. This “train” of connected bedrooms, dining room and lounge car is on wheels, allowing it to be stationed for optimal bear viewing each season. There’s no more thorough immersion in the world of the polar bear than on this most unique adventure to the north.

Given that you remain on the tundra, with the bears, for your entire time in Churchill, this is a fantastic opportunity for photographers. Capture the early morning light as the sun rises over the tundra and capture the bears, foxes and ptarmigan as the setting sun illuminates the sky overhead. This is Churchill at it's best.

Polar Bear Family

Ultimate Churchill (7 Days - $6095)

This polar bear expedition offers a total immersion into the world of the polar bear and the Canadian Far North. Our warm, self-contained tundra vehicles take us into the icy wild to view polar bears as they hunt, play and interact, entertaining us just feet away from our windows. But our adventure travel tour doesn’t end there: We’ll also helicopter to the polar bears’ denning area and experience the northern boreal wilderness by dog sled. When night falls, watch for the swirling colors of the aurora borealis, as vivid here as any place on earth. “Ultimate Churchill” is the ultimate north.


3. Antarctica

Covered in ice and snow for most of the year, during the austral summer, the Antarctic continent warms just enough to enable penguins and seals to come ashore and breed. The waters surrounding Antarctica are rich with food and nutrients which in turn bring seabirds and whales. The shores teem with wildlife as it races to reproduce before the ice claims the land again. Steep mountains, draped with glaciers, tower over the ice filled waters. Antarctica is a stunning land where travelers can revel in raw nature and grandeur of this immense continent. Below is only a portion of our offerings. Visit our Antarctic page for a full listing.

When: November through February
Where: Antarctica -Ship based tours

Adelie Penguin

Classic Antarctica: Discovering the Peninsula (11 Days - Starting at $3890)

Antarctica is a land of extremes. It is the highest, windiest, and coldest continent, and one of the most beautiful on earth. Journey to the Antarctic peninsula and enter a world filled with penguins, seals, whales, and some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in the world. Summer on The 'Frozen Continent' is a busy time as penguins race to raise their young before winter sets in. Whales ply the cold waters feasting on krill, and flying birds take to the air in marathon journeys for food.

As you sail from Argentina, through the famed Drake Passage, to the Antarctic Peninsula, the expedition staff provides an educational program to prepare you for your adventure and while seabirds escort the ship south. Your days on the peninsula will be filled with zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, cruises through the ice filled waters, and moments to absorb the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. This is an adventure you will not soon forget.

Water Cascading off Iceberg

Explorers' Route: via the Falklands (Malvinas) and South Georgia (20 Days - Starting at $7,890)

Trace the footsteps of Earnest Shackleton and other explores as we sail from Argentina to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. In the wind swept Falklands we will be greeted by kelp geese and rockhopper penguins, and we will visit with a local family to see what life is really like on these remote islands.

South Georgia is a wonderland, rich in wildlife and history. We will spend several days exploring many of the beaches and coves on this stunning island. King penguins crowd the shores while elephant seals belch at passers by. High in the tussock, Wandering Albatross raise their chicks while sooty albatross soar overhead.

The Antarctic Peninsula is noted for it's dramatic scenery and shores teeming with penguins. We hope to find whales and seals as we cruise through this magnificent land.

Our Expedition Team will provide an extensive educational program while on board, and be available for hikes and talks on shore as well. This will be an interactive expedition you will remember for years to come.

Sunset on a Tabular Iceberg

Epic Antarctica Via the Phantom Coast and the Ross Sea (31 Days - Starting at $22,490)

Explore the very best of Antarctica on this rare semi-circumnavigation. Spend several days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula with it's rich and concentrated wildlife. Jagged mountains form the backbone of the peninsula and provide dramatic scenic back drops for the myriad of penguins that line the shores.

Then sail along the Phantom Coast and enter the world of the early explorers. The size and scale of Antarctica becomes apparent as you cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf and fly over the Dry Valleys. McMurdo Station, America's largest base, is here and should provide an intimate look at the science projects carried out in the polar extremes. Farther north, lie some of the most stunning sub-Antarctic islands anywhere. Visit with Royal Albatross and search for the elusive Yellow-eyed Penguin.

This is an expedition like no other, and for the adventurer or photographer, this will truly be the trip of a lifetime.


4. PHOTO TIP — Read the Manual!

Interested in expanding your photographic skills? You'll find more tips in our Photography section. This section is updated regularly, so be sure to check back. To simply enjoy images of each destination, visit out Galleries page. For other photography articles by Colin McNulty, visit his page on Ezine Articles.

Your manual is an important piece of equipment that should be read and carried with you whenever you travel.

For many people, myself included, the first step when opening a new camera (or any electronics) is to throw the manual away. I look at it almost as a challenge. I'm a smart fellow, I can figure this out on my own. Sadly, this is one lesson I have yet to learn. Each new camera includes new technologies, new buttons to push, re-designed interfaces, and different terminology. The cameras these days are incredibly advanced pieces of equipment. If you try to do it on your own, you will probably replace your camera before you learn everything there is to know. In addition, when you are shooting in the field, you don't want to be speeding time learning about your camera. You should be shooting!

The solution: Read the Manual!!! Sounds simple enough. Makes sense. By reading the manual you will learn about any new technologies incorporated into your camera, and how to use them to your benefit. It will help you to set up the camera so that you won't need to fuss with it in the field. Certain situations call for specific settings, and if you haven't read the manual, it's likely that you will have to poke through the ALL of the settings to find the ones you need. This could mean missing 'the shot'. In the field, you should be able to work your camera by sense of feel. You should be focusing on your subject rather than fiddling with different buttons. The settings should be second nature which frees you up to direct your energy at your subject. You can only do this, if you read the manual and understand your camera and it's settings.

In addition to reading the manual, throw it in your camera bag, so that if you can refer to it when traveling.

- Colin McNulty



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Cheers!