The big grins say it all – this is up there as the most exciting moment of the expedition so far – my first brown bear. The bears on Sakhalin are currently feeding up for the winter of sleeping, much the same as I will be doing when I reach my final destination in Japan in a few weeks. Later that day we saw a mother leading her two cubs off the beach and up the cliffs into the forest. I don’t think either of us stopped smiling about it all day.
Japan itself is not very far far away now and at the same time very far away. We are being stamped out of Russia in a few hours and will be dropped off at sea in the early hours of tomorrow morning, first intersecting the path which we paddled yesterday, so as to complete my planetary loop. From there it is nearly 30 miles kayaking across La Perouse Strait – a long and challenging slog through the waves, battling against strong currents for which we have little data. We leave at first light on Friday morning and expect it to take at least ten hours. Excited, nervous and in the zone. Next shout, Japan.
Sooo exciting!!! Can’t wait to share with the kids! Best of luck for arriving in Japan 🙂 x
Cute, fluffy bear!
Nice weather and beautiful view.
good luck on your way to Japan! 🙂
LUSH VIEW ! ! ! ! ! ! SOOOOO PRETTY
CUTE BEAR ! ! ! ! ! !
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great to see you so well and excited by the bear. What a fantastic sight. Hope all goes well in Japan. Take care. Love from all at SHS.
Good luck Sarah, we’re all thinking of you. xx
Good to see some more pics of you….and the bear of course. Such a privelege to be able to watch the bear in its own little world. BIG HUGS. Safe crossing to Japan!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
What a great bear!!! Lucky thing!! And so close without him knowing you were there – perfect!! You deserve it after the snow etc. Good luck with the long kayak.
Frankie
Amazing scenery and totally at one with nature watching a Brown Bear feed without feeling threatened. Top stuff Sarah x
Okay 50 meters is just too close for me! Glad you have the courage to get that close. You were even closer at one point. Be careful out there.
Thanks for sharing mileage to Japan. My wife & I were checking out Google Earth and the spanse of water & figured about that! Safe crossings! We are praying and thinking of you Sarah.
Blessings,
Dave & Louise Baldwin
Wow – so exciting. so lucky to be able to share his world.
Prayers for your crossing tomorrow. Much love
Wow, Sarah, that certainly was Daddy bear! Good job you were not trying to eat his porridge!
Good luck for the long paddle from all at SJS.
Libby
So so good to have a chat with you this morning. Big “bear” HUGS for the crossing. Stay safe!!!!!
Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
may the winds and currents be kind to you,respect to you for all your achievements,i like the way your travelling in a natural style leaving only brown recyclables behind.many people travel the world[i.e.get on planes]you are playing it on an even field, with just the Bear necessities[sorry
but its a great song] may your hopes and determination be rewarded,i think you deserve that,at the very least.good luck,chok dee.
Following you all the way and can see you are in heaven seeing yor bears. What an experience. Many many congratulations on your MBE,well deserved and a huge honour. Lots of luck with your big paddle now and happy landings. Love Jo.
I don’t comment very often, but I read every entry and follow your adventure with excitement and enthusiasm, as I wait for the next stage. you are such a cool lady and have become a subtle, but important, part of my day-to-day life. I wish you continued good luck on your journey and will send out a prayer for your safety through to the end in 2013.
Colin Walford x
Hi Sarah,
Class Six at St Peter’s Whetstone in Leicester are really enjoying looking at your blog, Emma (aged 8) says that you are very brave to travel around the world and Ethan (aged 9) thinks your overnight bike ride sounds impossible!
We look forward to hearing more news from you
Miss Scott and Class Six
Hi, my name is Gabby Smith aged 8. In my class, we have been learning about explorers. (you have been my favourite explorer so far)
I love that cute fluffy bear ! ! ! I honestly do not know how you can go that close to it ! ! ! Have you met any other animals on your trip around the world?
I cant wait to hear more news about your adventurs. Hope you keep safe.
From Gabby age 8.
.x.x.x. 🙂
Hello, my name is Gabby Smith aged 8. In our class (class 6) we have been learning about exploreres, you are my favourite so far. I love that cute bear. I honestly don’t know how you can get that close! Have you met any other animals on your adventure? I hope you return safely. I look forward to more news about you’re trip around the world.
From Gabby Smith age 8.
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hello, my name is Gabby Ssmith. I am 8 years old. In our class (class 6) we have been learning about explorers! You have been my favourite so far.
I love that cute bear! I honestly do not know how you can get that close! I would be terrified! Have you seen any other animals on your adventure around the world? Hope you are keeping safe.
From Gabby Smith.
.X.X.X.X.
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂