https://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/30/which-lagoon-should-i-visit-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/which_lagoon_should_i_visit_in_iceland.jpgWhich lagoon should I visit in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hvammsvik_winter.jpgOne of the pools in winter, ringed by black rocks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hvammsvik_summer.jpgThe view from one of the pools down to the beach on a warm summer day with people coming out of the fjord after a jellyfish-infested swim.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hvammsvik_snowy_mountains.jpgOne of the winter pools with the snowy mountains in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hvammsvik_paddleboarding.jpgA selfie on a paddleboard wearing a ludicrous padded gilet-style buoyancy aid and holding a paddle with a lime green blade.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hvammsvik_selfie.jpgA timer selfie sitting in the pool looking across at the snowy mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/forest_lagoon_view.jpgThe view over the fjord and Akureyri from a corner of the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/forest_lagoon_selfie.jpgA selfie in the Forest Lagoon with the sauna behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/forest_lagoon_drink.jpgThe Forest Lagoon's signature non-alcoholic cocktail in a branded cup on a background of the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/forest_lagoon_pool.jpgA view over the Forest Lagoon itself from inside the sauna.2026-03-29T11:12:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/04/02/i-spent-10-weeks-learning-norwegian/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/i-_spent_10_weeks_learning_norwegian.jpgI spent 10 weeks learning Norwegian | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/norwegian_textbooks.jpgColloquial Norwegian, the course book we didn't actually use, along with my Fast Talk phrase book which I'm going to use for the next step.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/norwegian_resource_collection.jpgThe collection of Norwegian books I've amassed over the last decade: Complete Norwegian & Enjoy Norwegian, Norwegian Tutor (the grammar books), Short Stories in Norwegian and a Fast Talk Norwegian phrasebook.2026-03-28T19:38:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/about/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/arctic_circle_selfie.jpgA selfie at the Arctic Circle, depicted by a white line painted on the ground. I'm wearing a purple padded coat, a long-tailed red and black striped coat and my hair dyed red in plaits falling over the purple coat in a really mismatched way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/kayaking_on_jokulsarlon.jpgMe in a red kayak and a red buoyancy aid over a red waterproof suit, paddling on Jokulsarlon, which is a shade of teal with striped icebergs floating in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3076-0b7c8-about_me.jpgMe in Reykjavik, in the snow, under a heavy grey sky and in front of a half-frozen lake. I'm dressed all in black, holding out my arms and wearing a colourful pastel matching hat and scarf set.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d04f1-f8b1c-me_in_the_snow.jpgMe in Reykjavik, in the snow, under a heavy grey sky and in front of a half-frozen lake. I'm dressed all in black, holding out my arms and wearing a colourful pastel matching hat and scarf set.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d03d-5a751-tca-badge-black.jpgTraverse Creator Awards, shortlist nominated 2024https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/feb3a-abcd8-about2021.pngAbouthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4236b-5700d-aboutme2019.jpgAbout me | iamapolarbear.com2026-03-25T16:15:29+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/22/switzerland-in-analogue/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/switzerland_in_analogue.jpgSwitzerland in analogue | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/romont_station.jpgAnd we finish on yet another station - this time the snowy view taken across a few platforms, tracks and overhead wires towards a snowy town beyond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/romont_selfie.jpgAnother selfie, this one not a bad one. I'm a little more grainy and brown than I would be in digital but it's definitely the best of the lot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/romont.jpgA view of an interesting-looking town from its station. There's a single tall brick tower sticking out of the town which suggests it's somewhere I'd like to explore next time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/broc_chocolaterie.jpgThe station at Broc-Chocolaterie - a brown and white chalet housing the station building is on the right and a steep hill with a stone wall holding it back on the left. The train track runs between the two and although the house is probably darker than its digital equivalent, this isn't a bad picture either.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/maison_cailler.jpgMaison Cailler, a chocolate factory that looks more like a four-storey manor house than a factory, painted white and sitting below a blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/palezieux_bus.jpgThe station at Palézieux again, this time with the main railway line on the right and the bus waiting to take skiiers out to the villages on the left. The road is less cleared of snow than the road passing the hotel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/palezieux_hotel.jpgThe station hotel and snowy melted road outside Palezieux station.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/palezieux_snow.jpgA field of snow and heavy snowy clouds as seen from a station - you can see the tracks and the lines between me and the view.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chillon_courtyard.jpgA slightly grainy picture of the inside of one of Chillon's courtyards.2026-03-23T16:17:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/23/helsinki-on-film-winter-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/negatives.jpgThe negatives cut into strips and held up against the Big Light. They have a very obvious huge patch of missing pictures in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suomenlinna_island.jpgThe view past the cafe on Suomenlinna. Beyond it is a bridge which takes you onto the more fortified island.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kings_gate_view.jpgThe view across the harbour from the King's Gate, the southern entrance to the fortress.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suomenlinna_bay.jpgThe frozen sea looking a bit yellow and choppy and fragile near the coast.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suomenlinna_barracks.jpgA frozen bay off the side of Suomenlinna that's quite popular for swimming in the summer.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suomenlinna_walls.jpgA view across Suomenlinna and the frozen sea from the walls that encircle the southernmost island of the archipelago.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suomenlinna_bridge.jpgA nice fairytale bridge in a bit of rural Suomenlinna, which is just a Christmas cake of a snow scene right now.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suomenlinna_ferry.jpgThe Suomenlinna ferry tied up at the jetty on Suomenlinna, waiting to depart.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/allas_sea_pool.jpgAllas Sea Pool, a geothermal pool in a wooden deck floating in the frozen harbour.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/helsinki_harbour.jpgHelsinki's harbour, an expanse of almost entirely undisturbed ice with a cross-Baltic ferry in the distance.2026-03-22T19:19:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/26/a-first-timers-iceland-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/a_first_timers_iceland_tinerary.jpgA first-timer's Iceland itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/wine_in_sky_lagoon.jpgTwo glasses of pinky-orange wine on a ledge next to the "cliff" in the Sky Lagoon. Over on the infinity edge, the sun is getting low.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/perlan.jpgPerlan, a glass half-sphere sitting on top of six silvery tanks. It's on top of a hill which looks a bit the worse for being winter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/raudfeldsgja.jpgThe stream inside Rauðfeldsgjá, which is dark rock covered in light green algae with a certain slant of light landing on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/arnarstapi.jpgThe cliffs and a sea arch at Arnarstapi, a small town on the south coast of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kayaking_jokulsarlon.jpgMe in a red kayak and a red suit on the background of a teal glacial lake with icebergs floating in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fjadrargljufur.jpgFjaðrárgljúfur, a green canyon with a gentle river rolling through it and with a mist sitting just above it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/selfie_at_skogafoss.jpgOne of my favourite pictures - me in front of Skogafoss but something about the perspective, maybe the low camera, maybe the big waterfall, makes me look unnaturally tiny.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/seljalandsfoss.jpgA view in the early evening from behind Seljalandsfoss, which is a web of white water falling into a pool against green scenery stretching away into the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/secret_lagoon.jpgA timer selfie in the Secret Lagoon, hanging over a foam pool noodle in the water and looking straight at the camera.2026-03-22T18:13:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/19/what-happens-at-a-big-rebel-meet-up/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/what_happens_at_a_big_rebel_meet_up.jpgWhat happens at a Big Rebel Meet Up? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cross_stitching.jpgMe sitting on the floor between sessions working on my Rosie cross stitch.This is one of the official photos rather than one I've taken and I technically shouldn't post it here but Charly lets us borrow them just a little and I wanted a picture showing me actually doing something.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/bollywood_dancing.jpgA selfie, dressed up and bejewlled over my Rebel t-shirt and neckerchief, to do some Bollywood dancing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pumpkin_sketch.jpgA sketch in charcoal and chalk of a pumpkin during our autumn vegetable still life drawing class.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/watercolour_mushrooms.jpgA page of watercolour mushrooms mostly in unlikely colours.2026-03-18T16:02:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/14/rebel-summer-camp-part-2-sunday-and-monday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52016-f49ab-night_line.jpgNight line - all remaining members of Greta 2 plus two visitors from Greta 1, all in various shades of green, walking down a path with blindfolds on, one hand on a rope and the other on the shoulder of the person in front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6c80-4577e-me_on_the_climbing_wall.jpgMe at the top of the climbing wall, posing for a quick photo before abseiling back down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eea86-cdbd7-go_karting.jpgA motion-blurred photo of Maddi zooming by the lap line, with an opponent's arms visible in the foreground and two spectators in green patrol t-shirts in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c848c-d4373-greta_2_playing_dodgeball.jpgGreta 2 Patrol playing dodgeball. I'm second from the right in a bright green t-shirt and PL George is right up at the front line in darker green.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53dec-d4ce9-abseiling.jpgMe a few feet from the top of the abseiling tower, hopping down. At the bottom is one of my teammates who is standing closer to take photos.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fee7e-511ee-nerf_wars_silver_olympics_pose.jpgMe in my green Rebel Summer Camp t-shirt holding a red plastic nerf gun at the camera, trying to look as unconcerned as Yusuf Dikeç winning his silver Olympic medal. You can't see from this angle but my left hand is in my pocket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43357-23f6a-high_all_aboard.jpgLaura and Maddi standing on top of High All Aboard, holding hands and leaning back - or possibly trying to pull each other off the tiny platform.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4b5b-143dc-me_on_high_all_aboard.jpgMe on High All Aboard, in a green t-shirt and full body harness. I'm standing on metal posts about six fee off the ground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20485-7951a-towing_practice.jpgMe and a partner in the pool. I'm pretending to tow her while actually posing for the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4c1b-6849d-genius_square.jpgThe Genius Square, a game where dice decide which squares wooden blockers go in and then players have to use their Tetris-like pieces to fill the spaces all around. In this example, my opponent & I have managed to do it completely differently (she won, it's fastest to complete it).2026-03-17T11:09:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/11/rebel-summer-camp-2025-friday-saturday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/rebel_summer_camp_friday_saturday.jpgRebel Summer Camp 2025: Friday & Saturday | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/group_photo.jpgA group photo of everyone sitting out in a field in their Patrol groups, with the flags held up at the front. I'm on the right, between the Nelson and Rosa flags, accidentally as Rosa is my Cup Patrol but I'm in Nelson for the weekend.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/felt_polar_bear.jpgA felted and slightly wonky polar bear held up to a camera late enough in the evening that it's only lit by the greenish light of a string of LEDs around my tent.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/rifle_target.jpgA square paper target held up at the campsite afterwards, with four holes in the 7-9 zone and one just breaking the line between 5 and 6.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/screenprinted_bag.jpgMy bag, lying in the sun to dry. It's a yellow cotton tote bag with the outline of a polar bear screenprinted onto it in pink.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/screenprinting.jpgScreenprinting - a screen laid down on top of a yellow cotton bag with a squirt of bright pink paint on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bean_bag_golf.jpgNelson 1 playing bean bag golf, all standing at the second "level" among kayaks standing up on end like they're in a graveyard.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/catapults.jpgA sliver of me pulling back a catapult. My photographer has captured the target, splattered with yellow paint from where various people have hit with the paintball from their catapult.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gladiator_duel.jpgMe vs Patrol Leader Heather on the gladiator duel. We're both standing on foam platforms in the bouncy castle, trying to push each other off with big foam staves. The whole contraption is orange and purple and we're both wearing purple patrol t-shirts so very nicely coordinated.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/round_the_campfire.jpgRebels gathered around the campfire. It's dark and the picture is slightly blurry because of it, lit only by the glow of the fire and the light of one person's torch because they can't conceive of taking a photo of a big light in the dark without flash.2026-03-17T11:09:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/15/rebel-summer-camp-2025-sunday-monday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tiny_newt.jpgA tiny baby newt, all frills around its neck and legs, in a tray of pondweedy silty water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/giant_connect_four.jpgA giant Connect 4 board where red has connected 3 several times and yellow was excited to get 4 in a row, only to discover it was already 4 in a diagonal line and now it's 5 and no one noticed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/team_building.jpgOne of the official photos, of part of the surviving Nelson 1 patrol crossing an imaginary lava flow on plastic crates. I'm second, so I've got it easy, I just pass the crate from the person at the back to the person at the front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/crossbows.jpgA badly-lit selfie with a child's plastic crossbow target and I'm unreasonably pleased because I've managed to hit the 10 in the centre with the little plastic sucker dart even though it's a toy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sunday_night_campfire.jpgA small campfire in a big firepit, with a piece of wood resting across the top, not quite burned in half (easier than trying to cut or break it).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/board_games_group_selfie.jpgFour of Nelson 1 patrol sitting around a table playing a game that involves packing cats and clothes into a suitcase.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cheerleading.jpgNelson 1 taking a break between cheerleading. I'm standing in the middle of the photo, back to the camera but looking over my shoulder, holding silver sparkly pompoms.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/large_axe_in_target.jpgA large axe with a tape-covered handle stuck right in the middle of the target, which is made up of 8x8 square wooden blocks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/small_axe_throwing.jpgTwo of us throwing small axes. I'm furthest from the camera but I look like I know what I'm doing. Axes look a lot less dramatic than they feel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/goat_selfie.jpgA selfie with a goat. The goat is not very good at taking selfies.2026-03-17T11:09:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/10/rebel-summer-camp-part-1-friday-and-saturday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a84d-f47c5-rebel_summer_camp_part_one.jpgRebel Summer Camp part 1 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce368-2ffe5-rebel_summer_camp_part_1.jpgRebel Summer Camp part 1 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7773-6d2a4-being_winched_up_the_giant_swing.jpgBeing winched up the giant swing, wearing my big blue waterproof because it was raining when we walked down, although the sky is now bright blue and sunny. The giant swing is a giant wooden frame covered in wires; four of them go down to a metal bar which Maddi and I are harnessed to and another wire, leading to a pole behind us, is hauling us up towards the sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8fa26-6d1c3-blackwell_in_the_evening.jpgA green sloping field, almost like the Windows 95 background, edged in darker green trees under a sky fading from light blue to light orange.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ec87-c9a97-cooking_pasta.jpgMy tiny camp table outside in the dim light of evening. On the table is a cheese grater on a plate, a collapsible colander containing a camp spoon wrapped in orange and glow-in-the-dark Fimo, glowing slightly, a hand-whittled wooden spoon and a pot balanced on a gas stove.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d46f-963de-bollywood_dancing.jpgA selfie at the end of Bollywood dancing. I'm wearing a crystal bindi dot on my forehead and doing my best Bollywood pose.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/085ff-b8e86-me_on_multiscramble.jpgMe, in full waterproofs because it's pouring with rain, on the rope ladder that leads to the first beam of the multiscramble obstacle. I did not get any higher.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e89c6-f7de9-making_a_woggle.jpgA woggle in progress - a length of bright blue and pink paracord wrapped around my fingers as I start to weave it into a Turk's Head Knot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3dd0f-ff8d7-the_nail_problem.jpgEleven or twelve giant nails balancing on a pole under some trees in the pouring rain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fcead-8925d-waiting_for_the_campfire_to_go_out.jpgThe last of the campfire, down to one half-burned logs and a lot embers.2026-03-17T11:09:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/07/i-did-my-rebel-stargazer-badge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9317-fa169-51837845361_fbe91bcacf_k.jpgSelfie on a night walk. I'm wearing a green ribbed hat and a suede and sheepskin poncho. Sirius is visible behind me but the camera can't pick up both me and the star so you can't see it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9fbc-023f8-51838582795_9564958ac6_k.jpgThe waxing quarter moon over the Blue Pool. Look carefully and you can see Orion above the blurry trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/510bd-1522a-51837956568_908c84d4ed_k.jpgWaxing crescent moon over a residential street. Just above the moon you can see Jupiter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3504-084d0-51837846431_4fff1f98a3_k.jpgA photo of the sky, with the full moon whiting out most of the left and an orange glow from a streetlight just off the bottom right corner. Sirius is visible near the bottom, as is a a blob of light that isn't a star.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f748-37657-51838582190_d6e2b97480_h.jpgScreenshot from my SkyLite app showing Orion. The lines are drawn in blue and the horizon is a red line near the bottom. My phone isn't good enough to see the stars I'm actually pointing the camera at.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc40b-82aa3-timeline.pngA sample of my space exploration timeline. There are 147 lines and 123 actually filled in, showing year, date, details and category.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/358bc-fcbfd-51837954203_c52917ee18_k.jpgThe star projector on my ceiling. This disc has the constellations marked but I have a second disc which doesn't have them joined up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81d36-a1ad5-51836896302_b122e96b0d_k.jpgMy solar system model. It's eight cardboard planets coloured in felt-tip pen - to scale! - hanging from a keyring by gold threads. The distances are not to scale.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2030b-61d3e-51837956648_fea5ba2bfe_k.jpgMy Stargazing stuff - a notebook with my star log scribbled in, my model solar system, my stargazing book and my Rebel Stargazing badge, which is a small brown sew-on badge with a telescope on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4901-6b66b-rebelstargazer.pngI did my Rebel Stargazer badge2026-03-17T11:08:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/25/i-did-my-rebel-water-sports-badge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41364-b0ec8-51702983387_0633ca7485_o.pngI did my Rebel Water Sports badge! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/295e4-d2561-51699520796_00cd7a5b5f_k.jpgPoole Harbour from SandbanksAgain, no photos of the lesson so you'll have to make do with this panoramic view of the bit of sea where I did ithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5088a-6ad9e-51699805873_61778c6208_k.jpgMe out rowing, really badlyAnd another of me doing the thing! I'm actually getting stuck in the reeds right now, as usualhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d651-22bd2-51603715815_2c2edda11f_k.jpgPaddleboarding on Roadford LakeYes! An actual picture of me doing the activity!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80ca8-7b69a-51539073490_94aafc021d_k.jpgMe out canoeingI don't have any photos of my canoeing lesson either, so this is the casual canoeing that led me to book the lessonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91780-afe16-51540814697_4b3db5fa28_k.jpgSea kayaking by nightI don't have photos of the lesson, so this is the night nav the lesson was leading up tohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49d28-9d346-51699798318_bab828c80a_k.jpgSelfie with my Rebel Water Sports badge and certificatePossibly my favourite thing about this photo is that I know the camera remote is hiding right there behind the certificate and you don't.2026-03-17T11:08:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/02/an-overnight-adventure-in-purbeck/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc0b4-8732a-51257333526_4992139c37_k.jpgMe on Brownsea last year, wearing a pink vest, a red and blue checked shirt, a navy bucket hat and carrying a blue 65l backpack.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f70a-2c1dd-overnightpurbeck.pngAn overnight adventure in Purbeck | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23b53-9ce95-52097564062_000a09b916_k.jpgA glass milk bottle with an inch of chocolate syrup in the bottom being filled with milk from a vending machine dispenser.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84422-ca154-52098592638_b9f4117e54_k.jpgMe in the sea again, this time under a vivid blue sky which is turning the sea bright blue too.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4cbc4-82237-52105163359_90944d0795_k.jpgMe standing in a field opposite Corfe Castle, wearing an oversized dark green Eldhestar t-shirt, with my arms outspread.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6914-b9e2e-52104944881_84bbde1759_k.jpgMe, dressed all in black except a navy bucket hat, sitting on the driver's seat of the steam loco cab, my hand on a bit of iron among a mass of iron levers, pipes and gauges. In front of me is the coal hole and it looks like the entrance to hell, a huge yellow-white fire.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/faa6d-55cda-52105453420_3f71ecbadd_k.jpgBattle of Britain class steam locomotive in the sun at Swanage station, this time attached to the train and pointing in the right direction.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1e0a4-b1d09-52105456515_1ed0225749_k.jpgLunch in the sunshine on the pier: a cheese panini with a limp-looking pile of salad and some crisps. Good panini.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40c4d-b963f-52105202449_22a7c90c38_k.jpgSwanage Bay, a great sweep of blue water bordered opposite me by grassy chalk cliffs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/687ac-5b64c-52104990993_debc302c20_k.jpgMe poking my head out of the window at the very back of the train. The train stretches out in front and you can't really see the locomotive in the distance.2026-03-17T11:08:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/13/wet-wild-at-wimbleball-camper-badge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfd86-f7b51-rebelcamper.pngWet & wild at Wimbleball: doing my Rebel Camper badge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4951-7070b-52123455832_ce5dadadb9_k.jpgMe posing outside my tent in a floaty summer dress. The background is black but it's so covered in pink and yellow flowers that you can't even tell. I'm accessorising with a faded navy bucket hat, red Crocs, and sunglasses and as usual, my hair is in two plaits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08b32-9718f-52127670572_f7d153ad79_k-1.jpgSelfie on a yellow paddleboard. My hair is damp and tied back, I'm wearing a wetsuit and a sailing jacket with pink sleeves under a purple buoyancy aid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4d33-9dca5-52124485243_ee6999f9a3_k.jpgA piece of garlic bread nestled in silver foil. Behind it is a tiny camping table with an enamel mug of squash on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b581-a5d0f-52124464146_9b0c5b52c1_k.jpgThe "5 - bumblebee" page of the orienteering booklet held open in front of an orienteering control point with a bumblebee on. The plate with the bumblebee on is raised. You're supposed to take a pencil and make a rubbing of each one on the page but I only had an unsuitable pen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0bbca-b42e4-52124484623_9dc48cd38e_k.jpgThe same firepit again, this time with a foil parcel perched on the edge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19c73-79c11-52124497263_b3afa85bd4_k.jpgA pitta bread filled with golden melty oozy cheese, held up in front of the fire pit which is blazing very quietly and barely visibly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c0e1-991a5-52124500853_a6a90be176_k.jpgA fire burning merrily in a steel barrel-shaped fire pit in a green field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36184-b303a-52123462857_5814a4781e_k.jpgA bowl of spiral pasta and a plate of grated cheese, in the low evening sun, sitting on my camp blanket amid by 2006-2008-ish badges. In the pasta bowl is a fork with its handle wrapped in orange and cream polymer clay. The cream glows in the dark.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/884e9-d9f5a-52123390247_46df205cec_k.jpgA length of blue agricultural rope being used as an improvised peg. It runs from one peg to the other via the loop on the bottom edge of my tent, where the ground is too stony to get an actual peg in.2026-03-17T11:08:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/20/i-met-the-rebel-badge-club/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e13d1-fcd7a-rebelbadgelcub.pngI met the Rebel Badge Club! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15156-36139-52438458657_16c331c6f5_k.jpgThe terrarium end of the big upstairs room. The tables have been removed and Tom, just off the edge of the photo, is hoovering up gravel and soil with a red Henry hoover.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88d82-45d1c-52439422020_3df4301d30_k.jpgMy finished terrarium, blurry because I've just misted it with water on the inside. It's a 1 litre jar filled with gravel, moss and soil, with a pink and green plant in there and decorated with white stones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/748dc-fcc6c-52438465392_f7366dd7c4_k.jpgA 12-sided token on a clip on a keyring. The token is divided into a blue zone at the top (with the Kwik Fit logo), then a green, yellow and red zone to show where your tyres are and are not an ok depth.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7822-e2f73-52438958476_dccf042df9_k.jpgNelson patrol sitting around a horseshoe of tables in the big upstairs room, filling jars with gravel, soil and plants. Tom from Camp Wildfire in instructing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/132fa-8ff84-311063038_.jpgMe. in a dark red hoodie, blue jeans and bright yellow plimsolls, kneeling beside a white car, trying to undo the nuts to remove the wheel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6b03-3f825-52439294532_6de9a1e558_k.jpgThe same woman, this time from the side. This picture is in charcoal and chalk and is much more confident, with shades and highlights. Ziggi's face is an unnatural shape and her neck is far too thick but it's better than the first one.There was very little skill taught in this session. Any difference between this drawing and the first comes simply from increased confidence.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3460-bc6d4-52440251255_c341eff950_k.jpgA bad pencil sketch of a woman with a lot of curly hair piled up on her head, wearing an off-the-shoulder top. This is a photo taken in unnatural light of a drawing done in unconfident pencil.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/129ca-94fcb-52439482708_e4f2b3abc2_k.jpgThe finished cross stitch, now neatly in the frame with the edges of the fabric trimmed, hanging from a red ribbon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27d3a-ca2d5-52439487648_576cadb923_k.jpgMy cross stitch early on with only a few light brown crosses stitched in. They're on a white piece of aida in a light brown round frame. Underneath is the pattern, showing the We Can Do It! poster. There's also a little big containing all my threads.2026-03-17T11:07:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/10/i-did-the-bronze-level-of-four-award-schemes-how-do-they-compare/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/i_did_the_bronze_level_of_four_award_schemes.jpgI did the Bronze level of four award schemes. How do they compare? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/elemental_bronze_badge.jpgElemental Bronze badge - a circular laser-cut badge with an off-white centre with a mountain on it and the word BRONZE in bronze letters. Around that is half a circle in black with the word ELEMENTAL in orange and the other half of the circle is in orange with CHALLENGE AWARD FOR GROWN-UPS in black. It's not sewn on my blanket but it's lying on a piece of pink vegetable-dyed fabric.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/maverick_award_badges.jpgBronze Maverick badge - both rectangles with rounded corners, both in a slightly light-orange shade of brown with a dark edge and the word Maverick across the middle in darker brown with a white shadow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/voyage_award_badges.jpgBronze Voyage Award badges - a large red and blue badge with a yellow boat on it and a bronze metallic border is sewn on my grey fleece blanket. Next to it lies a smaller metal badge in much the same design except the sky is bronze and the rim is red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dofe_badges.jpgBronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award badges - a small reddish-brown oval with the device in reddish-gold pinned to my Girlguiding badge tab, lying on my blanket where a grey diamond-shaped badge with the device in bronze in sewn on.2026-03-17T11:07:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/16/i-climbed-tower-bridge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/i_climbed_tower_bridge.jpgI climbed Tower Bridge! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kayaking_under_tower_bridge.jpgTwo two-man kayaks about to paddle under Tower Bridge on a sunny day last year when the river was extremely brown, even by Thames standards.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/engine_room.jpgThe shiny green and brass engines in the engine room.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tower_view_west.jpgThe view west from Tower Bridge, with the Shard off to the left and an assortment of skyscrapers to the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/on_the_glass_floor.jpgMy feet kind of silhouetted on the glass floor against the road and river below, which are well lit because it's a sunny day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/coal_boiler.jpgThe front of one of the three giant boilers in the engine room, a big black thing with glass and brass valves and two small doors where you shovel the coal in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/east_view_selfie.jpgA selfie in almost direct sunlight overlooking the view east from Tower Bridge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/east_walkway.jpgThe East Walkway, a glass walkway supported by white metal tubes and with blue information panels all along the inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/victorian_diving_suit.jpgA Victorian diving suit in the exhibition. There's a very heavy brass helmet and very heavy boos. You're very clearly not swimming in this thing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tower_stairs.jpgThe stairs inside South Tower. The underside of the stairs are painted white and the banisters and steps are chocolate brown. They're quite wide and open and light and airy.2026-03-16T13:44:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/12/sauna-and-aquajogging-what-finns-actually-do-at-the-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/swimming_and_aquajogging.jpgSauna & aquajogging: what Finns actually do at the pool | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/swimming_stuff.jpgMy swimming stuff, all laid out in a towel - stripy swimsuit, gloves, goggles, mini sauna towel, coin & card purse and the Urheiluhallit bag on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/makelanrinne_map.jpgAn annotated map of the pool area at Mäkelänrinne with the pools themselves coloured in blue to make it really obvious. At the front are the lane and diving pools and at the back you can see the warmer relaxing pools.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/makelanrinne.jpgMäkelänrinne from the other side of the road, in the snow. It's a pretty uninspiring grey building but you can see the inclined glass walls - here enclosing reception but round the back, it shows off the pool.2026-03-12T12:01:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/03/13/raudfeldsgja-one-of-icelands-better-kept-secrets/2026-03-10T14:35:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/09/why-finnish-trains-are-the-best/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/why_finnish_trains_are_the_best.jpgWhy Finnish trains are the best | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/finnish_paper_train_tickets.jpgMy two Finnish train tickets, laid out next to each other. They're patterned in very pale green and white, have a QR code at the top and a collection of codes at the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ekstra_selfie.jpgA selfie in Ekstra class, although all you can see is me. I'm no longer wearing my hat or fleece but now you can see my orange and pink t-shirt and the light pink thermal top underneath.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/drinks_station.jpgThe drinks station in the middle of the Ekstra Calm carriage. There are two jugs of coffee and hot water, two stacks of green paper cups and a shelf of tea, sugar, stirrers and milk.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ekstra_calm.jpgThe Ekstra Calm compartment, with wider seats than usual, with brown headrests and absolutely no one in there.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/train_tracking.jpgTwo screenshots from the app showing the status of my journey as a list, with stops and ETA, and a screenshot of the journey and a map showing all the trains in the area, with mine haloed in grey.Screenshothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/seat_maps.jpgTwo screenshots from the app, showing my original journeys. On the left is the seat map and the option to book an empty seat and on the right is my seat number for the return journey and the options to upgrade to Ekstra.Screenshothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/upstairs_train_selfie.jpgA selfie upstairs in the train with the station platform below me, although I admit it's not quite so obvious in the photo. I'm wearing my colourful Musselburgh hat, an off-white Marimekko fleece and my pink and orange scallop-striped Marimekko t-shirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/closed_train.jpgA single decker train, white with faded red markings and a bright orange display on the front declaring it "Stängd" and "Close". If you look closely, it also says this on the information panels by the doors.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/train_to_turku.jpgThe double-decker train, in white with green stripes and a grey top, parked at Helsinki Central.2026-03-09T12:42:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/05/taking-the-icebreaker-to-suomenlinna/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/taking_the_icebreaker_to_suomenlinna.jpgTaking the icebreaker to Suomenlinna - or is it? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/helsinki_in_the_distance.jpgThe frozen sea from near Suomenlinna. From here, the icebroken channel is a lot less visible than it was in the first picture and the city looks like it's barely on the horizon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/frozen_sea_selfie.jpgA selfie with a colourful hat and infinity scarf. One loop of it is pulled up over my face because it's so cold and because everything's so white, I'm wearing sunglasses so you can't even see me. Behind, you can see snow-covered sea ice to the left and wetter, more open sea to the right. This is from the top of the walls on Suomenlinna, not from the ferry. I didn't think of taking a selfie on the ferry, it was too cold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/idiots_walking_on_ice.jpgThe ice below the cliffs towards the southern end of Suomenlinna, with at least three people walking on the frozen harbour. There are definitely parts where the ice is visibly thicker and safer than other parts; those are not the parts these people are walking on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/snow_covered_fort.jpgWhat looks like a featureless field of snow is actually thick snow burying several rounded grass-covered bunkers and fortress walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/croissant_and_hot_chocolate.jpgA croissant and a hot chocolate in a handled latte glass mug in the cafe on Suomenlinna.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/shipping_lane_in_ice.jpgA lane about the width of the ferry, made up of slush, cut into the solid harbour ice and leading back to the jetty in the market square a few hundred metres away.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/suomenlinna_ii.jpgSuomenlinna II, the little passenger ferry over to Suomenlinna. It's summer in this picture, with blue sea and sky (and taken on 35mm film).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/helsinki_frozen_harbour.jpgHelsinki's harbour, completely frozen and covered in snow, looking perfectly clean and white under a blue sky.2026-03-05T14:20:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/03/02/skinny-dipping-in-helsinki-womens-day-at-yrjonkatu/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/skinny_dipping_in_helsinki.jpgSkinny dipping in Helsinki: women's day at Yrjönkatu | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/the_other_door.jpgThe first door you come to in the corner of Yrjönkatu, with the opening times engraved on a brass panel. This is the door to all the facilities that are not the pool, though. The pool door is ahead to the right of this door.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pool_entrance.jpgA fairly imposing pair of double wooden doors at the end of the corridor right in that corner, with the words "(big) swimming pool" over them in Finnish and Swedish.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/yrjonkatu.jpgYrjönkatu's north end, where a building in red brick and yellow plaster meets a building in a greyer Art Nouveau style. The ground is thick with yellow sand covering ice and snow.2026-03-02T14:18:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/26/a-sunrise-swim-at-allas-sea-pool-at-12%e2%81%b0/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/a_sunrise_swim_at_allas_sea_pool.jpgA sunrise swim at Allas Sea Pool at -12⁰ | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/swimming_club_patch.jpgA blue Swimming Club 2026 patch with a mermaid in the middle of it, held up in front of the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/allas_selfie.jpgA selfie in swimsuit and towel, looking a bit frozen (although I'm actually pretty fresh from the sauna) in front of the pool, out in the snow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/allas_geothermal_pool.jpgThe geothermal pool from just above, with people swimming.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/allas_sea_pool_and_deck_saunas.jpgThe sea pool, which you can just make out is pretty frozen. Next to it are three huts in dark wood with snow-covered roofs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/allas_in_snow-1.jpgAllas Sea Pool in the snow. The pool itself is liquid and steaming gently but the decking and the harbour are both utterly frozen.2026-02-24T17:22:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/23/i-celebrated-100-years-of-world-thinking-day-six-times/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/trefoil_ceremony.jpgA table with a map on it, covered in tealights to represent all the countries we're thinking of. You can just about make out a tall curly candle at the far end; there's one at each end and they represent Lord & Lady Baden-Powell.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/trefoil_crafts.jpgMy Trefoil crafts - a mosaic fish in purple & green, two paper friendship knots and a friendship bracelet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/animal_penholder.jpgA penholder made by a Brownie. It's two toilet roll tubes stuck together and then covered with a piece of grey paper decorated to look like a really cute dog with a neon orange bandana.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/friendship_chain.jpgA paper chain made of rainbow coloured strips folded together and "what I bring to friendship" written on each ring.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/i_celebrated_wtd_six_times.jpgI celebrated 100 years of World Thinking Day six times | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/world_centres_uma.jpgAn A4 sheet for a Brownie Unit Meeting Activity called World Centre Wonders, which is a pack of games themed around the five World Centres.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pax_lodge_badges.jpgAll my Thinking Day 2026 badge lying on top of my international neckerchief (red with blue & white borders) on my uniform.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/brownie_candle_ceremony.jpgA table covered with a red tablecloth and a world map. On each side of the world map are jars the Brownies have decorated with a battery-operated tealight twinkling inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/selfie_at_pax_lodge.jpgA selfie outside Pax Lodge in my Guide uniform and red & gold Trefoil Guild neckerchief.2026-02-23T10:52:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/16/reynisfjara-has-been-washed-away-now-what/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_waves.jpgA grey day, with waves breaking gently on the black sand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_in_sunshine.jpgReynisfjara under a blue sky, with the green moss on the cliff vivid, the black sand grey and the whole scene actually looking appealing for once.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_cliff_and_cave.jpgReynisfjara with its famous cliff, cave and pinnacles all showing in a picture from a bit further back. The moss on the cliff is quite bright green, so for once it actually looks like it's summer here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/me_on_the_columns.jpgMe standing on a basalt column about a foot high, leaning against the taller ones that I very visibly can't climb up onto.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_warning_signs.jpgThe grey sandy path from the card park to the beach, with two bright yellow and orange warning signs that you shouldn't be able to miss. These aren't there anymore.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_mist.jpgLooking down Reynisfjara towards the cliff and the pinnacles on a grey summer day with a bit of mist low on the beach, almost like a curtain of magic starting to sweep in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_moody.jpgThe corner of the basalt column cliff, a bit of sea and two of the pinnacles, all looking very grey and wintery despite this being taken in July or August.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_cliff.jpgThe big green-covered basalt cliff at Reynisfjara, towering over tourists and black sand alike.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/reynisfjara_has_been_washed_away_now_what.jpgReynisfjara has been washed away. Now what? | iamapolarbear.com2026-02-15T19:22:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/19/my-silver-jewellery-turned-black-in-the-blue-lagoon-what-do-i-do/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/my_silver_jewellery_turned_black.jpgMy silver jewellery turned black in the Blue Lagoon! What do I do? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sky_lagoon_selfie.jpgA selfie at the Sky Lagoon. I'm sitting against the cliff wall, facing the sunset, rune pendant and tiny huggie hoop earrings visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/gold_waterproof_jewellery.jpgTwo pairs of waterproof gold hoop earrings and a twisted chain necklace, all lying on a piece of purple velvet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/stainless_steel_jewellery.jpgA pair of gunmetal stainless steel hoop earrings, a bangle and my El Camino bracelet, a cord bracelet threaded with stainless steel "steps" as well as an assortment of coloured glass ones representing various experiences and places.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/polishing_solution.jpgA blue pot of silver polishing solution with my rune hanging over it (but not actually dropped in because I can't be bothered to get up and rinse and dry it right now).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/silver_polishing_cloth.jpgThe same bindrune lying on a very blackened, once pink, cloth. The black is polish, so it's meant to look like this but it is getting past its best by now.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/blackened_rune.jpgA selfie in Mtskheta in Georgia a couple of days after my sulphur bath. I'm wearing a silver bindrune pendant representing energy which is noticeably blacker and more tarnished than it should be.It isn't just the shadows; that thing should be sparkly silver and instead it's, at best, gunmetal grey.2026-02-12T16:08:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/12/i-an-ordinary-person-get-to-swim-in-an-olympic-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/i_get_to_swim_in_an_olympic_pool.jpgI, an ordinary person, get to swim in an Olympic pool | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pool_selfie.jpgA quick selfie taken after my mile swim from the seating on the far side of the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/competition_pool.jpgThe competition pool in the main hall. The whole room is illuminated in blue from the massive blue windows along the top of both sides and there are banks of seats along the side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/aquatics_centre_outside.jpgLondon Aquatics Centre, a building with a curved roof sticking out from the canal bank. A peaked roof shelters an entire array of bright blue glass panels that almost make it look like the mouth of a hungry fish from this angle.2026-02-08T15:46:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/09/sleeping-in-a-shipping-container-snoozebox-london/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/snoozebox_and_abba_arena.jpgSnoozebox, on the left, and Abba Arena, on the right, as seen from underneath Pudding Mill Lane DLR station. The hotel is a stack of black-painted shipping containers, looking surprisingly subtle, whereas the Abba Arena is a kind of 3D diamond with ABBA on the front pulsing in a rainbow of colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/snoozebox_and_dlr.jpgSnoozebox from the outside; black-painted containers with large white numbers on the side stacked two high and surrounded by a green fence. Between the fence and the pavement, the ground is very overgrown. Behind it all, you can see Pudding Mill Lane DLR station.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sleeping_in_a_shipping_container_snoozebox_london.jpgSleeping in a shipping container: Snoozebox London | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/bed_and_door.jpgThe main bed, which is a double with bedding, right next to the door which has a circular window in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/bathroom_mirror_selfie.jpgA selfie in the bathroom mirror, with the frosted glass walls reflected and the sink in the centre.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/bathroom.jpgThe bathroom door slid open, showing a hint of toilet, the tiny sink and the towels on the rack on the wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wardrobe_and_bathroom.jpgThe green frosted glass of the bathroom door/wall and the wardrobe unit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wardrobe.jpgThe wardrobe unit which doubles as a ladder up to the upper bed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/arena_view.jpgA view out of the circular window by night over the Abba Arena2026-02-08T15:30:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/05/how-i-use-my-5-9-january-2026-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/how_i_use_my_5-9_january_2026.jpgHow I use my 5-9: January 2026 edition | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/farmer_keith_bench.jpgA wrought iron (well, probably steel but you can picture it better if I call it wrought iron) bench where the entire back is a farm scene with several cows and the words "In memory of Farmer Keith" along the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/baby_shower.jpgA table in a village hall. On it are two presents and a pile of baby prediction cards. Next to it are a pile of transparent boxes filled with balloons. The boxes have letters on the sides spelling out BABY from top to bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/maiden_castle_views.jpgCountryside views with an unusually blue sky for the time of year after I climbed a hillfort on my way to the spa.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/switzerland_in_the_snow.jpgA selfie in a great hat and scarf and very colourful fleece against a background of white snow and vivid blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/no_engine_management_light.jpgMy car's dashboard, while parked outside Brownies, to show the blank space where the engine management light had been glowing away for the last three weeks.2026-02-03T17:36:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/02/02/one-really-simply-does-not-walk-into-mordor-swimming-in-a-volcano-getting-stranded-in-a-lava-field/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/one_really_simply_does_not_walk_into_mordor.jpgOne really simply does not walk into Mordor: swimming in a volcano & getting stranded in a lava field | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/grey_lava_field.jpgMore lava field - lots of grey rock, a scattering of the very finest green grey vegetation amongst yellowish pumice powder and a bit of mist coming up from a minor waterfall hidden from this angle below the level of the lava field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/highland_river.jpgA very grey and rough river full of glacial debris, running through a grey rocky landscape. We sat near here for quite some time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/bridge_crossing.jpgThe enormous black jeep crossing a wooden bridge only a foot or two wider than it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/inside_the_jeep.jpgInside the jeep. My camera is misted up and full of mud, so the picture is misty. There are a lot of wires sticking out of the dashboard, including a chunky satnav and a tour guide headset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/viti_crater.jpgViti crater. There's a dark streak on the left hand side which is the path down to where you get changed and get in the water. It's very steep.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/people_swimming_in_viti.jpgPeople swimming in Viti, dragging mud from the shore into the milky blue water. The photo is taken from the rim of the crater, looking almost straight down from the north side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/askja_and_viti.jpgThe flooded crater Viti in the foreground, filled with milky blue water. Behind it is the dark blue Askja lake, which is enormous, although you can't really tell from this angle. This is three years later and the sun is shining down on it all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/askja_caldera.jpgThe Askja caldera, with a cloud sitting on it. The snow-patched mountain behind it is part of the older caldera wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/walking_across_askja.jpgWalking across Askja. It's very cloudy, hanging low across the mountain, but my camera lens being wet & muddy is not helping. The mountain is a deep red that's almost black, patched with snow and you can see an assortment of cars and buses parked just a little distance away.This is what it looked like at the time. All the Askja photos after this are going to be on a nice day three years later so you can actually see it all.2026-01-30T13:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/24/a-possible-last-visit-to-askja/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/885d3-9eef6-last_visit_to_askja.jpgA (possible last) visit to Askja | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69c4c-e6fdb-selfie_at_myvatn_nature_baths.jpgA selfie at Myvatn Nature Baths. The low evening sun is behind me, reflecting on the blue water and there's a row of heads at the end of the lagoon looking down at the valley, although you can't see the view from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/467bd-3ab44-dreki_huts.jpgThe cafe hut at Dreki, a dark-green building with a pointed roof. In the foreground is an enormous road-scraping machine and our coach is just peeking into the corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6522e-eb227-viti_crater.jpgLooking into the steep-sided flooded Viti crater from an opening near the top. From this angle, you just can't see how very steep the scramble is down to the water but let me assure you, it's extremely steep.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7d33-93cda-selfie_at_viti.jpgMe, now with a jacket over my pink t-shirt, taking a close-up selfie above Viti.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b5a2-d23c9-viti_and_askja_lakes.jpgA smallish but steep-sided deep crater flooded with opaque blue-white water. Separated from this by a relatively thin wall of rock is a much bigger lake, clear and dark blue and contained within a ring of mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78805-315e5-askja_car_park.jpgThe Askja car park, a patch of slightly reddish gravel, surrounded by very rough dark grey lava. Behind it, a mountain ridge speckled with snow hems in the lava.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/616e0-770f8-moon_selfie.jpgMy "moon photo", a blurry selfie taken using the timer functin. I'm wearing a big pink t-shirt and am in mid starjump. Behind me, the land is grey and bare with only a mountain on the horizon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9c2b-3e3c4-jokulsa_a_fjollum_waterfall.jpgA shallow narrow black canyon filled with foaming grey water. You can see the river falling into the canyon as a waterfall on the other side. On the side near the camera, you can see how the water has wandered around near the top of the canyon, rather than staying neatly in any banks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9340-4a00b-eyvindurs_cave.jpgA hole in the blocky lava field, with rocks used to build up the edges of it a little. Plants are growing out of it and it's just about big enough for two people to sit in.2026-01-30T12:35:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/01/grettislaug-camping-at-a-saga-pool-north-iceland-part-1/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/grettislaug_camping_at_a_saga_pool.jpgGrettislaug: camping at a saga pool (North Iceland part 1) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/in_jarlslaug.jpgLounging in the sun in Jarlslaug in the morning.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/in_grettislaug_in_the_morning.jpgA selfie in the actual original Grettislaug in the morning, with the mountain behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/morning_grettislaug_dip.jpgMe with my back to the camera looking at the mountains from the warmer pool early the next morning, with a vivid blue sky above me at last.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/grettislaug_black_beach.jpgThe black beach behind the campsite at Grettislaug, with a mountain at its other end, the still water gleaming under the late evening glow of the sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/grettislaug_mountain_view.jpgThe view from Jarlslaug towards the campsite buildings and the mountains in the damp afternoon low cloud.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/selfie_in_jarlslaug.jpgMe sitting in Jarlslaug, with the rock wall and pool steps behind me and the changing rooms at the far end of the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/grettislaug_changing_room.jpgInside the Grettislaug changing rooms, a very bare white room with a rubber mat on the floor, with wooden benches and pegs around the edges.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/drangey_and_shore.jpgA bit of black rocky shoreline rising up into a green hill at the end. Far away in the distance is a square-sided island, some four or five miles out to sea, which Grettir once swam from.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/north_iceland.jpgAn expanse of grass with a fjord gleaming in the distance, a mountain rising up on the left and heavy black clouds looming over it all.2026-01-26T12:54:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/29/stay-at-the-swiss-chocolate-hotel-lausanne-with-me/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/stay_at_the_swiss_chocolate_hotel_lausane_with_me.jpgStay at the Swiss Chocolate Hotel Lausanne with me | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cocoa_bean_chair.jpgA chair upholstered in a fabric with a pattern of cocoa beans in shades of brown, yellow and blue. The wall behind it is a shocking shade of yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chocolate_hotel_bed.jpgThe bed, with a bedside table resembling a stack of chocolate. Behind the single bed, you can see a mural of cocoa beans which runs up the wall and across the ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chocolate_door_number.jpgA plastic plaque that looks like a bar of chocolate on the door, labelled 703.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lobby_chocolate_fountain.jpgThe chocolate fountain in the lobby. It's late in the evening so the jar of biscuits has been put away but the fountain is still running, on five different levels.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chocolate_advert_lift.jpgA mirror selfie in a lift plastered with vintage chocolate adverts. I'm adding to the colour by wearing a rainbow coloured fleece.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lindt_and_sprungli_portraits.jpgThe 7th floor corridor, which has a carpet in chunks of dark, milk and white chocolate shades. On the left wall is a portrait of a man with a moustache (Rodolphe Lindt) and on the right is a man with curly hair (Rudolf Sprungli).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hotel_swiss_chocolate_lausanne.jpgThe outside of the Hotel Swiss Chocolate, which is just an ordinary brown hotel front with its name in cream-beige letters over the front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/schynige_platte_selfie.jpgA selfie in the snow at Schynige Platte in early 2017. It's very snowy, there's a sheer mountain behind me and I'm wearing a red and black striped hat with a long tail.2026-01-24T16:06:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/26/before-it-burns-down-lausanne-cathedral/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lausanne_cathedral.jpgBefore It Burns Down: Lausanne Cathedral | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lausanne_cathedral_in_the_snow.jpgThe cathedral after my visit. Now the ground outside is lightly dusted with snow, as is every bit of roof, tower and turret on the cathedral.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lausanne_cathedral_nave.jpgThe tall Gothic nave, a little better lit than most of the rest of the pictures. The arches aren't as pointed as Gothic will get and the pillars aren't quite as slender but it's undeniably Gothic.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/abraham_window.jpgA close-up of the Abraham window, which is of a much more modern style than the others.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/crossing_tower.jpgThe crossing tower, a high, very grey, very dark tower interior with two windows glowing brightly high up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/zodiac_rose_window.jpgA close-up of one "fan" of the rose window, showing fire surrounded by Leo, Cancer & Virgo with the sun as their matching element.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vaud_window.jpgA window depicting local coats of arms. In the centre are Moudon, Yverdon, Nyon & Morges with smaller ones down the sides and headed by the Swiss flag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/painted_arch.jpgA small vaulted chamber off the south transept, its arches and pillars painted in colourful red and white stripes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2006_east_end.jpgA picture of the domed east end taken in 2005/06. It looks very dark but the stained glass windows around the top of it are glowing blue in a way they only could if there was bright light outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hot_air_vent.jpgA massive circular air vent in the floor, shaped a bit like a rose window. You would not believe how much hot air this thing is putting out.2026-01-24T14:06:35+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/28/what-im-packing-for-campervanning-in-iceland-in-summer/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/what_im_packing_for_campervanning_in_iceland_in_summer.jpgWhat I'm packing for campervanning in Iceland in summer | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/swimming_stuff.jpgMy swimming stuff: A bright green drybag, a pair of sage green plastic sandals, two swimsuits (one navy, one with a polar bear on it) and two dark blue travel towels.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/scrapbooking_stuff.jpgAll my scrapbooking stuff. At the left side is the actual little A5-ish scrapbook, then an assortment of charcoals, paints, pens and things to stick and cut with.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/electronics.jpgMy electronics: from wires & plugs, camera accessories and spare batteries to actual cameras: an elderly SLR, a plastic film camera and a digital one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/camping_stuff.jpgMy camping stuff: sleeping bag in a grey stuffsack, little plastic box of plastic cutlery, two sharp knives, a headtorch and a circular tent light.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/clothes.jpgAll the clothes & shoes I'm taking, laid out reasonably neatly, with pyjamas at the top, footwear down the sides, t-shirts in the middle and then outwear laid out on top of my trousers at the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/washbag_contents.jpgThe contents of my washbag laid out on a glass bathroom shelf. There's a miniature purple soap at one end, toothbrush & toothpaste, a rolled-up washing line in a little pouch, deodorant, tiny moisturiser, all-purpose liquid soap, soap leaves and then the solid shampoo & conditioner sitting on a grey draining mat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jewellery_roll.jpgMy jewellery roll, a yellow piece of fabric backed with blue, with rings and pockets to secure necklaces, a piece of aida for earrings, a tube for rings and a pocket for miscellanous bits, like the bracelets poking out.2026-01-22T14:06:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/20/i-went-to-the-restored-notre-dame-dont-bother-trying-to-reserve-tickets/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/i_went_to_the_restored_notre_dame.jpgI went to the restored Notre Dame (don't bother trying to reserve tickets) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/notre_dame_selfie.jpgA selfie with Notre-Dame in the background sitting on the raised steps at the opposite end of the square.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/stained_glass_and_chandelier.jpgA stained glass window high up, made up of lots of little squares (possibly from the scraps of windows exploded in the fire) and a multi-level gold chandelier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/demon_ceiling_boss.jpgOne of the ceiling bosses, a gold piece connecting six beams, with a crown of leaves in the middle, a horned head with a grey beard and gold horns on one side and a shocked lady on the other.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/crown_of_thorns_selfie.jpgA selfie in the chapel at the east end with lovely stained glass and a big gold disc with the Crown of Thorns in the middle of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/south_transept.jpgThe south transept and rose window and the crossing, all of which is gleaming white and soaring high.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/notre_dame_nave.jpgThe nave of Notre-Dame, with surprisingly heavy pillars, as Mass begins down at the far end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cite_at_daybreak.jpgEmerging at Cité station while the sky is still royal blue and the orange lights over the entrance are still orange. It has the traditional Parisian Art Deco Metropolitain sign over the stairs.2026-01-22T09:07:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/11/04/a-pilgrimage-to-canterbury-the-bloggers-tale/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db857-df4ea-canterbury.jpgA Pilgrimage to Canterbury: The Blogger's Tale | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ce90-0bda3-p1130887.jpgCanterbury Cathedral Christ Church GateCanterbury Cathedral Christ Church Gatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33666-909c9-p1000131.jpgA priest chatting in the Gothic cloistersA priest chatting in the Gothic cloistershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75881-46faf-p1000001.jpgCanterbury Cathedral undergoing renovationCanterbury Cathedral undergoing renovationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2bada-f2866-p1000044.jpgThe tomb of Henry IV & Joan of Navarre in Canterbury CathedralThe tomb of Henry IV & Joan of Navarre in Canterbury Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83791-6c3f6-p1000025.jpgThe candle marking the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury CathedralThe candle marking the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46601-67b14-p1000067.jpgCanterbury Cathedral's Norman cryptCanterbury Cathedral's Norman crypt, which I definitely didn't take any sneaky photos ofhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03769-1f53a-p1000161.jpgThe more Norman end of Canterbury Cathedral's exteriorThe more Norman end of Canterbury Cathedral's exteriorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a2e2-c4119-canterbury_cathedral_view_of_the_western_towers_engraved_by_j.lekeux_after_a_picture_by_g.cattermole_1821_edited.jpgCanterbury Cathedral engraving showing Gothic and Norman western towersBy engraved by J. LeKeux after a picture by G. Cattermole - Published in The History and Antiquities of the Metropolitical Church of Canterbury: Illustrated by a Series of Engravings, of Views, Elevations, Plans, and Details of the Architecture of that Edifice, with Biographical Anecdotes of the Archibishops, Etc by John Britton, page 125. Printed by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, 1821., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=560501https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5e382-5b743-p1000011.jpgCanterbury Cathedral's Perpendicular Gothic nave, complete with restoration work in the ceilingCanterbury Cathedral's Perpendicular Gothic nave, complete with restoration work in the ceiling2026-01-22T09:04:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/17/3-days-in-london-in-october/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e7a3-e8374-3_days_in_london_in_october.jpg3 days in London in October | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/047fa-71fb5-old_stanfords_building.jpgThe old Standfords building on Long Acre, a six storey brick building with decorative stonework around the windows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7b85a-0a6cc-buckingham_palace_selfie.jpgA selfie, still in Guide uniform and neckerchief, outside Buckingham Palace.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d84c-2e9d6-train_selfie.jpgA selfie on the train. I'm wearing my navy Guide uniform with mid-blue accents and a region neckerchief, which is hot/dark pink with mid blue and white borders, rolled together neatly and tied with a friendship knot just out of the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33968-54a20-pub_selfie.jpgMe sitting in a pub with greenery hanging from the ceiling, wearing my yellow hoodie, with a pint of Coca-Cola in front of me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4cad2-a3655-tower_bridge_from_the_water.jpgTower Bridge as seen at a slightly wonky angle from the middle of the river, from the back of the Clipper.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e975-f8591-london_eye_and_cable_car.jpgA view from the cabin looking towards the London Eye and the glass towers of the Canary Wharf district, with a purple cable car cabin hanging right in the middle - plus an annoying spot of dirt on the cabin window!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a09f-a4691-flying_over_the_river.jpgA tall twirling pylon lifts a cable high above east London, almost level with the two shiny tower blocks to the right of the photo. There are two purple cable car cabins hanging from the cable next to the pylon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cc1f-65fc9-london_aquatics_centre.jpgA massive curved blue glass window at apparent ground level (the pool is actually at least one storey down) with a big curving "browbone" of a roof swooping up and over it. This is the side and the roof of the pool building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a256d-69a64-theatre_selfie.jpgA selfie (I'm wearing a yellow hoodie) on the Grand Circle of the Lyric Theatre, overlooking the stage.2026-01-22T09:04:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/23/on-the-ceiling-i-went-to-the-sistine-chapel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af932-3380b-sistine.pngOn the Ceiling: I visited the Sistine Chapel | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1899-3ff8c-p1090398.jpgElaborate gold ceiling in the Gallery of Mapshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0cf73-7ddad-p1090502-1.jpgNo photos of the Noah scenes in the Sistinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a685b-24a35-p1090502.jpgP1090502https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e7be-04e56-p1090488.jpgNo photos of the Last Judgement in the Sistinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed4fd-097f5-p1090463.jpgNo photos of the Sistine ceilinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40527-406d3-p1090308.jpgNo photos of the Sistine ceilinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d3b4-bb01e-p1090317.jpgNo pictures showing how quiet the Sistine washttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ede07-f34e8-p1090301.jpgTour groups blocking the Gallery of Mapshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0e39-26ac0-p1090360.jpgA quick drink in the Vatican bistro2026-01-22T09:04:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/12/beforeitburnsdown-york-minster/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a554a-0be94-yorkminster.jpgInside and under York Minster | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c8a2-6e51b-49277957217_4f3914eae4_k.jpgYork Minster south viewhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a4b3-e3879-49268446076_3c3537470a_k.jpgYork Minster restored east windowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85a18-17601-49267982423_8e3bbfa4e6_k.jpgMedieval glass in York Minsterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08151-0ae5a-49268478751_ad8776f2f2_k.jpgYork Minster navehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f212c-4a409-49277291188_8fb66a7f8b_k.jpgPicture of York Minster Chapter House with its original painthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ea2c-11c08-49268461741_6619d64af5_k.jpgYork Minster reconstructed quirehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4114e-21559-49268467496_9d04fb4df8_k.jpgNorth west aisle of York Minster showing how the arches don't alignSee how the end arch of this aisle doesn't match the arches of the aisle?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01336-f009a-49268700962_0dc9a5638c_k.jpgSelfie in part of York Minster crypt where you don't normally get to gohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a12a5-80394-49268040388_7a826753e6_k.jpgYork Minster crypt showing Norman, Gothic & modern architecture2026-01-22T09:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/04/22/day-at-winchester-cathedral/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65607-4ff1d-winchestercathedral.jpgWessex Girl: A day at Winchester Cathedral | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f439f-a5d36-p1090010.jpgSelfie on the south roofhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0272-65cae-p1090005.jpgWinchester Cathedral west roof windowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d198-1413e-p1080994.jpgP1080994https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8cb5a-3f54c-p1080982.jpgThe view from Winchester Cathedral towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5c93-e881e-p1080965.jpgWinchester Cathedral bellshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95b9d-f26c0-p1080954.jpgWinchester Cathedral bellringing roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e273-72b06-p1080939.jpgWinchester Cathedral roof beamshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0969c-ef79c-p1090149.jpg3D touchable model of Winchester Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21560-15073-p1090132.jpgLopsided south retroquire in Winchester Cathedral2026-01-22T09:03:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/10/salisbury-cathedral/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/880fa-bdde6-salisbury-cathedral.jpgBefore It Burns Down: Visiting Salisbury Cathedral | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5fdb9-9c7ea-p1100118.jpgScone in the refectoryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/928fb-e657d-p1100078.jpgSalisbury Cathedral clockhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8919-35a67-p1100106.jpgSalisbury Cathedral quirehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/632a5-09b77-p1100098.jpgGlobe art installation in Salisbury Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4db76-4ce6d-p1100105.jpgSalisbury Cathedral navehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1fedb-da582-p1100071.jpgSalisbury Cathedral from the water meadowshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e230a-58bd1-p1100056.jpgDrunkenness of Noah Salisbury Chapter House friezehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/174c6-d7b8c-p1100047.jpgSalisbury Cathedral Chapter Househttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74469-7382c-p1100051.jpgSalisbury Magna Carta2026-01-22T09:03:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/19/on-top-of-st-pauls-cathedral/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/547de-8f552-stpauls.pngOn top of St Paul's Cathedral (#BeforeItBurnsDown) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3717c-6ecd8-49435602617_1daad44b02_k.jpgThe view towards Westminster and the City from Westminster Cathedral's towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea98b-848c3-49434911243_22b9d593d8_k.jpgThe front and tower of Westminster Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15f75-e1d40-35631590561_1b99fbfda5_k.jpgSt Paul's Cathedral in the evening light from around WaterlooDisclaimer: I actually took this photo in July 20187https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ccf7-70281-49435625977_b59cb008e8_k.jpgSelfie with the Waterloo sunset from the Golden Galleryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff2a5-07a87-49434936913_f2bfde2f8f_k.jpgLondon, featuring the Shard, from the Golden GalleryCan you spot the Monument?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e065-0a0ce-49435415701_6b5caa36cd_k.jpgLondon skyscrapers from the Golden Galleryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a762-2e0f8-49435643272_2e219ed8b3_k.jpgWaterloo Sunset - the sun setting over London seen from the Golden Galleryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8d19-dba6a-49435644792_af36b8f54354403_k.jpgCrowd/queue trying to get out onto the Golden Galleryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c951-263e8-49435644792_af36b8f403_k.jpgMore spiral stairs inside the dome2026-01-22T09:03:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/15/the-weirdness-and-wonder-of-wells-cathedral/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4165d-d717e-wellscathedral.pngThe weirdness and wonder of Wells Cathedral | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52389-be593-49194473667_9e6657f93a_k.jpgWells Library. The floor is wooden and the ceiling is made of ancient-looking wooden beams. Under the windows on the left are low bookcases. Then there's a passageway and then rows of tall bookcases perpendicular to the passage on the right. Many of these books look very old and if you look carefully, you can see chains attached to the ones on the middle shelves.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3bef0-fb7b9-52285696457_34ff4fe141_k.jpgIn two elaborate Gothic niches on the front of the cathedral are two figures. The one on the right is probably a saint but time has weathered him down to an absolutely featureless human shape. On the left is a human-ish figure made of rusted-effect cuboid boxes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4fc56-d7b44-52287160990_1f041ca0f5_k.jpgThe arms of Hugh Sugar in a plaque in the side of one of the houses in Vicar's Close. There's a thing in the middle that might be a stool or a scale but around it are three cones. These are sugar, for his surname.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37a60-bed4d-52286942984_a8d12c6b62_k.jpgA flying buttress, a curved spur of stone that holds the building up without actually being attached to it. This one has a wrought-iron gate underneath and is covered in greenery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfe28-d7e27-52286683788_ddcade085a_k.jpgA small wooden door set into some fairly rough stone. This is inside the cathedral walls and leads outside from the Lady Chapel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a7fc-ad31c-52286681238_8b8d6ea7a7_k.jpgA small stone head on the outside of the Chapter House. It's wearing a flat cap and glasses, has quite prominent teeth and looks profoundly non-celestial.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6ca8-6a68f-52287166835_2a6f4294d7_k.jpgThe tops of stone pillars holding up an arch. At the top of the pillars is a succession of carvings showing a king being captured, beheaded and buried.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db5c3-c6bab-52286679953_92e6325980_k.jpgVicar's Close, a cobbled street lined both sides with terraced stone houses with disproportionate octagonal chimneys. This photo is only of the left side of the road because the two cars parked on the other side spoiled the effect a bit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b70fa-bd3e3-52287177395_c68672a025_k.jpgA close-up of one of the figures from the Golden Window. I think this is Mary in her older years. She's wearing a green and gold dress, a green hat and is surrounded by red and gold leaves and fruit.2026-01-22T09:02:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/22/cologne-cathedral/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45b10-2b1b9-cologne_cathedral.jpgA Day Out of Frankfurt: Cologne Cathedral | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af91f-6f870-ambulatory_chapel.jpgOne of the chapels in the ambulatory. It's lined with red brick and has niches painted on the wall, containing saints. There's a lot of gold, especially in the altarpiece. The delicate columns are painted in red, gold and green patterns. The effect is like a red version of the blue splendour of the lower chapel at Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f3dd-59e7e-cologne_cathedral_quire.jpgA view into the quire from the south ambulatory, seen through the pillars. Above the arches in the quire, there are frescoes of angels on very gold backgrounds and above, there's a row of huge windows with the subtle coloured patterns similar to the one I showed earlier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f154-e785b-three_kings_reliquary.jpgA large gold box shaped like a church without towers. This contains relics of the Three Kings, allegedly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1f96-f2d35-cologne_cathedral_in_the_mist.jpgThe south side of Cologne Cathedral with a mist blotting out the top of the towers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c937b-97670-cologne_hauptbahnhof.jpgOn platform 5 of Cologne Hauptbahnhof in the winter evening. A huge arched roof encloses the long station. There's a white ICE train at the next track but this one is empty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44aa1-94812-sheltering_in_the_cathedral.jpgA selfie inside the cathedral, with the east end and the pillars visible behind me. I'm wearing a green brioche woolly hat and have my circular scarf pulled up over my mouth.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db9c0-0914d-christmas_tree_decorations.jpgThe small Christmas tree in my office. Its branches are "snow-covered" and it's lit by warm white star lights and cold white snowflake lights. Among its branches, you can see on the bottom left, a white ceramic tree with Koln 2022 written on it and at the top, a wooden star with a cut-out of the cathedral in the middle of it. I couldn't get the tiny bottle of eau de cologne to balance in the branches.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d9c9-d87e4-heinzels_wintermarkt_mug.jpgA round-bottomed dark red mug with a pale yellow inner and a brownie on the front wearing a red pointed hat. The mug is full of steaming hot chocolate and you can just make out a couple of nails which have the scrappy remains of two-week-old blue nail varnish on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3be7f-217b2-christmas_market_from_above.jpgThrough the wire mesh, and behind something spiky and ornate, you can see the red roofs of the market below, some 97 metres down.2026-01-22T09:02:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/19/lord-byron-was-never-a-prisoner-at-chateau-de-chillon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lord_byron_was_never_a_prisoner_at_chateau_de_chillon.jpgLord Byron was never a prisoner at Chateau de Chillon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lords_bedroom.jpgThe Lord's bedroom, painted with the faded remains of frescos of animals both local and exotic.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/aula_nova.jpgAula Nova, a large medieval dining room where the walls are painted in (restored) off-orange and white chevrons, with a huge fireplace.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/selfie_with_halberds.jpgA selfie on the stairs above the hall of poleaxes, halberds and other long weapons.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chairs_in_coat_of_arms_hall.jpgThe arch of old chairs in the Coat of Arms Hall, where the coats of arms of the bailiffs of Bern are painted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hot_chocolate_in_aula_magna.jpgA cup of hot chocolate in a glass cup in a medieval banquet hall with stripy walls and ancient pillars.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/courtyard_1.jpgThe first courtyard where ramparts overlook the buildings that make up the sides of the courtyard. The building to the left is actually the gift shop these days.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/byrons_vault.jpgThe vault Bonivard was chained in, which Byron visited. It's got a fairly rough natural floor but the room itself is carved ornately with Gothic vaulting.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/byron_graffiti.jpgBYRON carved into the stone pillar and protected by a piece of glass in a little frame attached over the name.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chillon_boxes.jpgShelves packed with medieval wooden chests and boxes which would once have carried all Savoy's furniture.2026-01-17T15:06:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/15/i-did-a-chocolate-workshop-at-a-swiss-chocolate-factory/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/swiss_chocolate_workshop_at_swiss_chocolate_factory.jpgI did a chocolate workshop at a Swiss chocolate factory | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/factory_view.jpgA view from the train across the Cailler complex, which is surprisingly picturesque, especially in the snow under a blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/finished_bar_in_box.jpgMy finished and set chocolate bar in a nice square Cailler gift box ready to take home.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tempered_v_untempered_chocolate.jpgThe marble slab after the tempering demo. On the corner of the spatula is untempered liquid chocolate. Next to it is a curl of solid tempered chocolate originally from the same bowl.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tempering_temperatures.jpgA bar of white, milk and dark chocolate piped with the temperature to melt the chocolate, the temperature to cool it to and the temperature it should end up when recombined.Tempering temperatures for three types of chocolate. The first is the melting temperature, the second is the temperature is should be when you've finished manipulating it and the third is the temperature when it's recombined with the melted chocolate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/both_chocolates.jpgMy two chocolate bars on the cooling rack. The real one is on the left and the leftover chocolate dollop is to the right, and it's not a whole lot smaller than the real thing, although it's a lot less neat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/finished_chocolate_bar.jpgMy finished chocolate bar in its mould, poured, decorated and piped but still liquid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chocolate_mix.jpgMy steel bowl of two kinds of chocolate being mixed with all my crunchy ingredients.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ingredients.jpgTrays of ingredients in jars for either flavouring, texturising or decorating our chocolate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/apron_selfie.jpgA timer selfie in my apron at my workstation. I'm wearing a bright pink t-shirt and a chocolate-brown apron with the Cailler logo embroidered on the front in gold.2026-01-14T17:39:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/12/snowshoeing-in-the-dark-above-lake-geneva/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/trail_lantern.jpgThe lanterns that mark the trail - proper old-fashioned lanterns with a flame inside gently issuing a small amount of smoke.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/snowshoeing_in_the_dark_above_lake_geneva.jpgSnowshoeing in the dark above Lake Geneva | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cheese_fondue.jpgA fork with a piece of cheesy bread held over the fondue pot. The metal dish that separates the pot from the burner has little cut-out Swiss crosses in it and the burner itself looks like gleaming (if slightly dented) brass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/my_snowshoes.jpgMy feet in snowshoes. No longer basket-like or tennis raquet-like, these are massive blue plastic things with ratchet straps holding them to my feet and serrated teeth underneath. It's so snowy that my left shoe is almost invisible under the snow but you can see my right one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lantern_selfie.jpgA selfie with my headtorch off, standing next to one of the lanterns and the Chemin aux Lanternes sign that explains what's going on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/snowshoeing_selfie.jpgA selfie taken from the side and looking away, more so that my headlight doesn't overwhelm the camera but giving the effect of me trudging through a snowstorm. Which is exactly what I was doing. You can just about make out a line of trees against the sky if you look really closely, but I promise, I couldn't see them in real life at the time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/snowshoe_view.jpgThis is what I could see while snowshoeing: heavy snow coming at me like lines of whiteness in the headtorch light and a few metres of churned up snow in front of me and everything else was just blackness.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/departing_les_pleiades.jpgMe, slightly blurred, heading away from the station at Les Pleiades. I'm wearing my Fluffy Clouds hat and scarf with my headlight on, trying to point it away from the camera. I've got two poles in my other hand and my big black heated coat worn open over my rainbow fleece because it's too much effort to zip it up right now.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/train_map.jpgAn illustrated map of the train route from Vevey to Les Pleiades as pictured on the train table. The other routes are also there but I only took a picture of the part of it showing my route.2026-01-12T13:54:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/01/a-windy-christmas-adventure-on-portland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/windy_christmas_adventure.jpgA windy Christmas Adventure on Portland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/portland_bill.jpgPortland Bill, looking along the low cliffs towards the lighthouse. The sea is calm but still splashing against the rock and the sky is blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/west_coast_portland.jpgThe view down the west cliff of Portland from the Cove Inn, with the sun getting low over the sea and a hint of orange on the horizon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/portland_west_cliff.jpgThe view along the west coast of Portland, sheet limestone cliffs tumbling down into a mess of scree before disappearing into a navy blue sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/portland_views.jpgTom walking down the road from the Old Higher Lighthouse with views down to the Bill and the open sea under a blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/me_at_pulpit_rock.jpgMe, in red trousers, rainbow fleece and rainbow hat, standing in front of a large rock apparently shaped like a Bible leaning on a pulpit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lighthouse_selfie.jpgMe and Tom, in our Tom-made knitted hats and our rainbow tops with a lighthouse behind us.2026-01-01T14:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/03/two-bears-adventure-in-lyme-regis/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89e28-84fbd-lymeregis.jpgTwo Bears Go to Lyme Regis | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f79b-0705d-p1070774.jpgLyme Regis at sunsethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2dc84-40228-p1070767.jpgMary Anning's househttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b96d6-b6ffb-p1070764.jpgView from Mary Anning's househttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cea41-62aba-p1070760.jpgView from the pub on the beach at Lyme Regishttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec36e-39238-p1070742.jpgLyme Regis fossil beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f02e-d1b1c-p1070739.jpgLarge ammonite on Lyme Regis beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7d88-cf2c6-p1070740.jpgLyme Regis cliffshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64d07-6433a-31583953937_ea9a0fa4kjhkljhc7_k.jpgLyme Regis harbour at low tidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5788-6dfd6-31583953937_ea9a0fa4c7_k.jpgLyme Regis Cobb2025-12-30T17:08:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/01/04/two-bears-get-lost-in-dorset/2025-12-30T17:07:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/01/07/swanage-durlston/2025-12-30T17:07:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/02/a-tom-julie-geology-adventure/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1e45a-468a3-tomlulworth.jpgLulworth Cove: Juliet & Tom's Christmas Adventure 2019 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9725-8bc5e-49286631643_84432ade98_k.jpgSelfie at Lulworth CoveSelfie in Tom-made knitwear at Lulworthhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7801-60758-49286625348_014bdf5b93_k.jpgTom drawing in the sand at Lulworthhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd135-8af79-49287222736_7d919e779b_k.jpgSourdough garlic bread at the Lulworth Lodgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4b1f-4c368-49287351637_b74d2fe0aa_k.jpgTom at Stair Holehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80ab2-16d3e-49286669258_52eadf71d8_k.jpgStair Holehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f058-df49b-49287148446_018a999ea6_k.jpgLulworth Cove in the winter mist and drizzleLulworth Cove in the winter mist and drizzlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e3d2-693cf-32487966818_c4030349f9_k.jpgLulworth Cove looking beautiful in the summerLulworth Cove looking beautiful in the summer2025-12-30T17:07:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/03/two-bears-and-a-barnacle/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07e98-48c2f-51784024457_f6fc08c3c6_k.jpgWe walked back through the woods. It's all a bit grey and overcast. The trees in the background are birch, the foreground is a path surrounded by orange brush.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85872-b6ed4-269978221_10159691918781602_2987933004683326216_n.jpgTom takes a selfie in the hide while I, oblivious to it, photograph the spoonbills.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4009-d00b9-270208579_10159691918881602_2432462660232869867_n.jpgMe and Catherine in the hide. I'm photographing the curlew while Catherine grins at the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60b33-b160f-51784853056_c8e63cc759_k-1.jpgA curlew prowling in the mud. It's a mid-sized brown wading bird with a long curved bill for digging in the mud.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73b95-10f0f-51785469469_9e9d46dd1d_k.jpgA flock of spoonbills on the water's edge. From this distance, most of them are just blurry white birds but you can see the spoon-shaped bill on the one on the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/682c3-59793-51784033197_9e43d5a52c_k.jpgA perfectly still mirror-like pool in the woods, its dark water reflecting orange brush and pine trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb3fb-66bb2-51785472199_954513679a_k.jpgA nice view from a viewpoint over Poole Harbour, with islands sticking out of the sea. Right at the front is Tom making a face at the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0b5d-d1f05-51784033622_4ae02abc15_k.jpgCatherine, learning on a wooden fence, to look out over the nature reserve. She's just turning back towards me and I've caught a fleeting disapproving expression that was probably there and gone so quickly I wouldn't have seen it with my eyes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f30ac-e7158-51785103228_7aecef985c_k.jpgLong Island from Shipstal Point. It's dark and gloomy, although that's more in the picture than in real life. The foreground is reed and mud and the island is covered in pine trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1b6f-a4c9b-51784853056_c8e63cc759_k.jpgAn egret, a tall white heron-like bird wading in the mud off Arne.2025-12-30T17:06:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/07/a-covid-christmas-adventure-at-studland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd5e8-bdfbc-50770665147_988e0e2074_k.jpgTom outside the Pighttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6b14-efa4f-tomstudland.pngA COVID-free Christmas adventure at Studland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e804-80c59-50770524646_476b99c422_k.jpgClose-up of the nearly-full moonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6dea0-39fc3-50770524301_39ca0f704d_k.jpgThe view across Studland Bay as duskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68e40-857b6-50770641627_f6241cc0e6_k.jpgTom taking photos of the viewhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3ca7-dcceb-50769780513_c64be55a5c_k.jpgYou have no idea how cold I amhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68050-6e42d-50794636638_b93d41ea8e_k.jpgCheese baguette at the Bankes Armshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b824f-5b6dc-50770539511_88fb2f430d_k.jpgThe annual selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dfa2c-e44d7-50770661552_860561b7aa_k.jpgOld Harry from the meadows to the northhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1a8ce-3c5e3-50769803668_3cca891753_k.jpgTom drinking coffee in the sun by the beach2025-12-30T17:04:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/05/a-winters-day-at-mudeford-christmas-adventure-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/decc5-09582-winters_day_at_mudeford.jpgA winter's day at Mudeford: Christmas Adventure 2022 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/044bb-54d61-tom_and_me_selfie.jpgA selfie with the two of us. Behind us is a grey choppy sea. We're both well-covered in Tom-made knitwear.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dfb59-cc50c-tom_looking_for_mushrooms.jpgA better picture of Tom, this time in colour. He's in the woods, bent over to see if there are any mushrooms growing on a mouldy log. There are not. He concluded it's just too close to the sea and the air is too salty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b27b-93d9c-tom_on_the_beach.jpgTom walking up the beach, me following with a defective camera. The lens isn't properly open so there are black triangles in two corners and the camera has decided to make the picture almost sepia-toned.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8fbb-7279d-paddling_in_cold_water.jpgMe, with my garden-patterned dungarees pulled up, with my big scarf looped around my neck rather than hanging loose, feet in the very shallow harbour water and a look of absolute shock on my face.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9502f-cd318-mudeford_beach_huts.jpgMudeford beach huts - a line of small houses in a variety of colours facing a bit of land that's half sand and half grass. Imagine them under a blue sky and blazing sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b9a7-9fc77-mudeford_spit_from_the_head.jpgMudeford Spit as seen from the top of Hengistbury Head. It's a strip of sand with water on each side and a double line of beach huts along the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8566-44441-camera_problems_on_hengistbury_head.jpgMe on top of Hengistbury Head struggling with a camera that won't work properly. I'm wearing a navy bobble hat flecked with colours and a long scarf in wide neo-pastel nearly-stripes and holding up my camera with a distressed look at it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/584df-d38bd-christchurch_and_priory.jpgIn the slight haze of distance stands Christchurch Priory, a grey Norman-style church. In front of it are the white-fronted houses along Priory Quay and the whole lot is hiding behind an extent of wetlands, reeds, grasses and a thin sliver of harbour. All the vegetation is in its winter shade of orangey-brown.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d722-de7f4-kitesurfer_at_mudeford.jpgOn a pale greenish sea against a sky only slightly more blue, a kitesurfer flies across the waves on a windy day.2025-12-30T17:04:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/04/christmas-adventure-at-west-bay/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f395-e7e53-christmas_adventure_at_west_bay.jpgChristmas Adventure at West Bay | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed3f5-7f91a-rough_seas.jpgrough_seashttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6763e-fa0dc-someone_got_too_close_to_the_sea.jpgTom soaked from a wave splashing up onto the prom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a3c5-d76db-surfer_in_violent_sea.jpgsurfer_in_violent_seahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47d71-a4eb3-fallen_cliff.jpgfallen_cliffhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be15a-04f5e-hilltop_selfie.jpgTriumphant if windswept selfie at the top of the hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9d1c-cdacb-tom_being_blown_away.jpgTom adjusting his scarf in high winds before we started to climb the hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bbbe9-dad55-west_bay_cliff.jpgwest_bay_cliffhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3467c-7594f-waves_on_east_harbour.jpgWaves crashing on the east side of the harbour wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/feed7-33550-windy_corner_cafe.jpgwindy_corner_cafe2025-12-30T17:04:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/24/christmas-adventure-2024-at-hurst-spit/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/christmas_adventure_2024_at_hurst_spit.jpgChristmas Adventure 2024 at Hurst Spit | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/standing_stones.jpgThree standing stones, right on the edge of the shingle shore, washed with the waves. The biggest of the stones is maybe 18 inches tall and about half that width.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/selfie_at_hurst_castle.jpgA green-tinted 35mm selfie taken at Hurst Castle. I'm looking at the camera; Tom is looking at the selfie we've just taken on his phone.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/lighthouse_restaurant.jpgThe Lighthouse restaurant, an Art Deco building on the other side of the road from the Spit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/film_selfie.jpgA green-tinted selfie with me and Tom, both in hats knitted by him, with Hurst Lighthouse behind us.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/end_of_hurst_spit.jpgA view across the hook-shaped end of the Spit, with a bit of marshy water separating me from the lighthouse and castle on the other side of the hook.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hurst_castle.jpgThe older part of Hurst Castle, a two-storey round stone castle, a little wider than it is tall, with walls the same height sticking out both sides.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hurst_shingle.jpgA stretch of green-tinted yellow shingle low on the side of Hurst Spit where we collected hagstones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/swans_on_the_stream.jpgA little flock of swans floating under a wooden bridge on a narrow stream.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/isle_of_wight_across_solent.jpgThe Isle of Wight visible across the Solent. It's a grey cloudy day, which isn't helping the film haze on the photo.2025-12-30T17:03:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/05/why-doesnt-anyone-go-to-parc-asterix/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/why_doesnt_anyone_go_to_parc_asterix.jpgWhy doesn't anyone go to Parc Asterix? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/egyptian_caricature_selfie.jpgA selfie in profile with an Egyptian-style carved caricature.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vegetable_restaurant.jpgA restaurant on the edge of the lake, surrounded b a water ride. The restaurant is entirely decorated in giant fruit and vegetables.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/via_antiqua.jpgVia Antiqua, the main street at the entrance to Parc Asterix.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/parc_asterix_shuttle_bus.jpgThe Parc Asterix shuttle bus parked at Roissypole at Charles de Gaulle airport.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/asterix_selfie.jpgA selfie with a miniature Asterix statue and a background of Asterix comic panels.2025-12-28T14:33:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/29/2025-in-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025_in_review.jpg2025 in review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/rebel_camera_obscura.jpgMe in Rebel "uniform" with a giant eyeball made out of a bin on my head. It's a camera obscura, I think.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/whale_tail_selfie.jpgThis is the day after my Big Birthday, the day which I spent doing all the stuff I really should have just done on my actual birthday.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ice_skating_selfie.jpgA selfie on the ice at Somerset House. It's all illuminated in very un-icy orange.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/mirror_selfie_therme_bucuresti.jpgA mirror selfie wearing a blue towel and green plastic sandals. The mirror is left over from their sauna event and has "I am the main character!" written across it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/krakow_selfie.jpgA selfie up on the castle walls above Krakow with the river (and the boat I was sleeping on) in the background. I'm still wearing a purple t-shirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/nelson_patrol_summer_camp.jpgNelson Patrol, mostly wearing Patrol purple, sitting on the purple and orange inflatable gladiator arena.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/brownie_camp_selfie.jpgMe in the Scout hall on Brownie camp, wearing my Fearless Leader t-shirt and one of the Brownies' straw hats with a pink band around it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pula_arena_selfie.jpgA selfie at the Roman Arena in Pula. I'm wearing a white t-shirt with a blue checked shirt and blue linen trousers holding my arms out in triumph.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/kisssalis_selfie.jpgA selfie in blue cowl/hood outside the great curved glass building of KissSalis, the therme in Bad Kissingen.2025-12-28T14:12:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/25/gallic-christmas-at-parc-asterix/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/gallic_christmas_at_parc_asterix.jpgGallic Christmas at Parc Asterix | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/via_antiqua_central_square.jpgThe (circular) square in the middle of Via Antique, where houses of various styles come together (they're shops really).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/gallic_village_presents_selfie.jpgA selfie in the Gallic village in the middle of the park. You can make out some cottages with thatched roofs behind me and a pile of presents in bright wrapping and bows on a cart immediately behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/viking_christmas_market.jpgThe Christmas market, some wooden kiosks serving sausages and hot drinks, with Goudurix's loops rising up in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qui_veut_la_peau_du_pere_noel.jpgThe finale of Qui veut la peau du Père Noël? as seen from halfway up the seating. The scene is the back of a factory, with boxes and offices and a rusty ship as background and it all got used.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/obelix_selfie.jpgA selfie with a marble statue of Obelix preparing to throw a discus.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/circus_fire.jpgA large iron "crown" with a big fire in the middle of it. Instead of logs a foot or two long, these logs are four or five feet high and your clothes steam from six feet away because it's so hot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ancient_greek_vending_machine.jpgAn Ancient Greek vending machine featuring bags of "Aribos" in pointed Greek-style lettering and Ares chocolate bars.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/firework_finale.jpgThe firework finale over the lake, with blue and purple lights illuminating a small island, fireworks exploding above and Tonnerre 2 Zeus in blue in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roman_float.jpgA Roman float, starring Julius Caesar up on a podium.2025-12-28T14:11:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2026/01/08/up-the-chimney-at-battersea-power-station/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/up_the_chimney_at_battersea_power_station.jpgUp the chimney at Battersea Power Station | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/battersea_power_station_from_clipper.jpgBattersea Power Station almost silhouetted against the afternoon sky as seen from the Clipper sailing away.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/rooftop_pool.jpgLooking across the roof of the power station to the chimney at the other end of the building and behind it, there's a swimming pool on the roof of one of the new buildings; especially appealing when you're in a boiling glass box like we were.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/view_towards_central_london.jpgThe view from the glass lift looking east towards the centre of London. If you look carefully, you can pick out things like the Shard, the London Eye, Parliament and Westminster Abbey.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inside_the_chimney.jpgLooking up the chimney. The ceiling of the lift is encircled by little LEDs which are all starring spectacularly. Above it, the chimney interior is wrapped in circles of red, orange and yellow lights, with the lift metalwork almost blue from the light coming down the top of the chimney.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/flames_projection.jpgA selfie in the projected exhibition with flames across the wall and my face.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/turbine_hall_a.jpgTurbine Hall A, a more refined version of its twin, with glass-sided walkways connecting the floors towards each end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/turbine_hall_b.jpgTurbine Hall B, a cavernous space with walkways making it three storeys high and bridges criss-crossing it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/view_up_prospect_way.jpgThe view just after leaving the Tube station, of the power station ahead and the modern new building on the left as you approach.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/selfie_on_top_of_chimney.jpgMe, wearing a red t-shirt, with the view from Lift 109 over central London, from the top of the chimney at Battersea Power Station.2025-12-15T12:18:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/15/ice-skating-at-somerset-house-iconic-london-christmas-experiences/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ice_skating_at_somerset_house.jpgIce skating at Somerset House: iconic London Christmas experiences2025-12-14T19:29:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/11/lampworking-making-a-christmas-tree-using-a-blowtorch/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lampworking_making_a_christmas_tree_using_a_blowtorch.jpgLampworking: making a Christmas tree using a blowtorch | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/finished_christmas_tree.jpgMy completed Christmas tree, made up of hundreds of glass threads wound round a rod and with a glass star and holly leaf as decorations.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tree_in_cooling_sand.jpgMy finished Christmas tree relaxing in some grey cooling sand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lampworking_class.jpgA lampworking class, all wearing aprons and making flowers. I've scribbled over their faces and their purple glasses because they didn't ask for the photos to be used on my blog.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/blowtorch.jpgA blowtorch clamped to the desk. It looks incredibly space age, with red and silver knobs and tubes all over it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/oxygen_extractor.jpgAn oxygen-extracting machine and a yellow canister of gas under the table. The gas canister is taped to the table leg and the orange tubing is taped higher up using FRAGILE tape.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/premade_trees-1.jpgThree pre-made glass Christmas trees of assorted heights standing in a white box. Two are wrapped in green and the smallest is silvery-purple.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/song_gallery.jpgThe gallery end of SONG, where a table has been set out with lots of glass, mostly flowers.2025-12-09T17:44:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/08/zedwell-capsule-hotel-review-whats-it-like-to-sleep-in-a-coffin/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/zedwell_capsule_hotel_review.jpgZedwell Capsule Hotel review: what's it like to sleep in a coffin? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/my_capsule.jpgMy capsule, nice and clean and tidy before I've moved into it and made a mess. It's just a mattress and pillow in a space just big enough for a mattress with a mirror at the far end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dormitory_2.2.jpgMy dormitory, a narrow corridor with three storeys of capsules on each side, in pairs with a set of steps in between.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dark_corridors.jpgA corridor with black-painted walls and black doors and spotlighting.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/zedwell_reception.jpgZedwell reception, a room with wooden strips and several screens and lots of people either using them or waiting to use them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/capsule_steps.jpgThe steps up to my third-storey capsule.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/me_in_the_capsule.jpgMe crouched in the entrance to the capsule, reflected in the mirror at the pillow end. The way I'm crouched makes it look quite cramped.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hanging_hooks.jpgMy bag and coat hanging from one of the two hooks at the foot of my bed, next to the open "door".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/control_panel.jpgThe control panel in the capsule, containing a single plug socket, USB A and C sockets, a knob that turns and presses to dim and switch off the light and an old-fashioned switch for turning the fan on and off.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/zedwell_bathroom.jpgInside the shared bathroom. At first glance, it just looks like a hotel corridor but those grey doors conceal toilets and showers.2025-12-09T16:31:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/04/birminghams-frankfurt-christmas-market/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/birminghams_frankfurt_christmas_market.jpgBirmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/bauble_selfie_with_catherine.jpgMe and Catherine taking a double selfie in front of a big arrangement of oversized red and gold baubles.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/drinks_stall.jpgA drinks stall with an elaborate carousel thing on top, surrounded by candles at least six feet tall. Underneath are wooden signs for all the drinks available and a very prominent table in the shape of a big red mug.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cathedral_square_market.jpgA view down one of the "streets" of mostly hand-crafted wares at the market in the Cathedral Square.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/last_judgement_window.jpgA stained glass window depicting The Last Judgement with a lot of angels in very bright red robes by Edward Burnes-Jones and William Morris.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ice_rink_and_ferris_wheel.jpgThe ice rink and ferris wheel as seen from the terrace on about the fourth floor of the library, along with some of Birmingham's less decorative tall buildings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/toasting_marshmallows.jpgA firepit with a fair-sized log in the centre of it. People are toasting marshmallows on skewers over it, only because there are flames coming up around the log, they're mostly just burning the marshmallows (as a Guide leader, I have strong opinions on the correct toasting of marshmallows).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pigeon_in_the_park.jpgThe Pigeon in the Park, a pop-up miniature but realistic pub painted a not very festive shade of teal blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/garlic_bread.jpgSlabs of bread covered with a thick layer of grated cheese and some with sausage or herbs piled on too. On top of the counter is a net of large bulbs of garlic, in case you weren't clear that this is garlic cheesy bread and not plain cheesy bread.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/gingerbread.jpgA bag of ten assorted small gingerbread biscuits, all iced in different colours and tied up with a gold bow.2025-12-03T12:41:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/24/a-spa-day-at-spa-the-spa-that-named-all-spas/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/spa_day_at_spa.jpgA spa day at Spa, the spa that named all spas | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/thermes_de_spa.jpgThermes de Spa, a big circular glass building behind a low razor wire fence and separated from the path by bushes and gardens which are currently out of season.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/mineral_fountain.jpgA fountain, now bright orange and with the wall behind it orange wherever the water has splashed. There are clearly a lot of minerals in the water. If you look in the bowls where the water pours from the tap, the minerals have eaten right through and it now pours straight into the drain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/dark_leafy_path.jpgThe path down. It's lit right at the top but gets dark very quickly and is so covered in orange autumn leaves that you can't actually see the path.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/selfie_outside_thermes_de_spa.jpgA selfie with the big banner outside Thermes de Spa. I'm wearing a pastel rainbow striped top and look like I've just climbed a big hill, because I have.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/spa_funicular.jpgThe funicular that goes up to the therme on top of the hill at Spa. It has slanted glass roofs over where the car would be if there was one but there isn't.2026-01-08T12:39:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/18/the-boat-hostelchill-krako%e1%ba%83/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ryanair_selfie.jpgIt was not worth the Ryanair flight. Me on Monday evening, in a yellow jumper, taking a discreet selfie on the plane.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wawel_selfie.jpgA selfie at Wawel Hill, wearing a purple t-shirt, overlooking the river that I'm sleeping on. You can't quite make out the boat because the bridge blocks it out. At this point, I'm still enjoying my trip!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/the_boat_hostel_and_chill_krawkow.jpgThe Boat Hostel&Chill, Kraków | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/boat_hostel_on_river_by_day.jpgThe boat hostel by day. From this angle, you can properly see the big glass cafe attached to the end of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/boat_hostel_cafe.jpgThe cafe in the back of the boat. It's dark, with city lights coming through its big windows but the only source of light inside the room is from a big fish tank.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/boat_hostel_roof_bar.jpgThe lights on top of the boat by night. The bar, although illuminated, doesn't actually have any customers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/boat_hostel_from_river.jpgThe boat as seen from the middle of the river from a boat tour. Unfortunately, it's pouring with rain, so it looks pretty dreary but at least you can see the full length of the boat and how it's on the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/boat_hostel_bathroom.jpgThe private bathroom. It's quite narrow and the light comes from LED strips above and below the mirror, so the shower is a bit dark.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hostel_and_chill_bunks.jpgTwo of the bunks in my cabin. The lower one has its own light switched on and a fluffy blanket folded across the middle of it. There's an air conditioning unit next to it and then a table. On the other side of the table, unseen from this angle, are two more identical bunks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/boat_hostel_and_wawel_hill_by_night.jpgThe Boat Hostel & Chill by night, with Wawel Hill illuminated behind it. The boat is a plain off-white rectangular boat with a bar occupying the entire roof.2025-11-26T11:30:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/24/brownsea-adventure-camping/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf93f-98642-p1140608.jpgOrange-covered tree tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c90b3-3b82e-brownseacampingreview.pngBrownsea adventure camping review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/abd20-4e52d-p1140250.jpgMy tree tent with its cover on properlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8cdcd-978aa-p1140203.jpgA red squirrel (bit blonde in the summer) on the campsitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91714-0dc9a-p1140580.jpgA peacock at the breakfast tablehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d63c-3d44a-p1140685.jpgBrownsea cottages on the seafronthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/802cd-33ac4-p1140559.jpgPoole Harbour early in the morning from the campsitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b74f9-92922-p1140529.jpgSunset from the beach by the campsite on Brownsea Islandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1b05-1a241-51253354876_5341d09ddd_k.jpgMe and the view inside the tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/948f3-bc863-p1140619.jpgThe hatch's storage pouch2025-11-26T11:29:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/02/welcome-to-the-pheasants-retreat/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/welcome_to_the_pheasants_retreat.jpgWelcome to the Pheasant's Retreat | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/field_selfie.jpgMe, in my pink t-shirt, grinning in a steep field. I can't decide whether I've brushed and replaited my hair in the morning or not - the plaits are tidy but the top of my head is all over the place.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/glamping_kitchen.jpgThe kitchen, which is the end of a garden shed and has two gas rings, a sink and lots of shelves and cupboards.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fire_pit_and_hot_tub.jpgThe fire pit with a fire roaring in it, and the hot tub on the decking behind it. The woodburner for the hot tub is on the edge of the decking, putting at a very convenient height for lighting from down here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/inside_the_bathroom.jpgInside the bathroom, admittedly not in great lighting. It's a wooden garden shed but it has a massive shower with waterfall head and handheld head and a big glass sliding door.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bed_and_shelf.jpgInside the tree tent, looking across at a bed, a window and the hanging shelf. It looks a little more spacious and cosy from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tree_tent.jpgThe tree tent, as seen from outside with its door tied up so you can see the beds and the space inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/hot_tub_selfie.jpgA selfie in the hot tub. It's a bit too hot which is why I'm awkwardly half-standing in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/hot_tub_and_picnic_area.jpgThe hot tub on decking below where I'm taking the photo from, and a picnic area to its right, with chunky wooden furniture and woodchip on the ground instead of spiky yet sparse grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trees_in_a_field.jpgA gravel path scraped between two clumps of trees between two fields. If not for the wooden fence around the one on the right, you'd never guess that it could be home to a glamping setup.2025-11-26T11:27:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/14/welcome-to-st-agnes/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06c2d-042d6-welcome_to_st_agnes.jpgWelcome to St Agnes | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5f96-87f93-me_in_the_hot_tub-1.jpgMe in a polar bear swimsuit, seen from above, sitting in the hot tub in daylight, drinking from an enamel mug.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0d79-2bc15-lights.jpgA pair of small antlers mounted on a plate on the wall. Behind them are two lamps over the bed and a set of fairy lights strung from pegs above them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f03b-73b44-breakfast_table.jpgBreakfast laid out on the tiny table - a vintage plate and beaded knife with some baked rolls, a block of butter, jar of Marmite & jam, a blue soda glass of orange juice and a glass bottle with the rest of the juice, all on a fold-out table with a hint of garden out the window behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8d28-011b9-st_agnes_woodburner.jpgThe woodburner, blazing away in its corner. You can also see my red fire gloves on top of the basket of kindling next to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27879-61744-garden_and_hot_tub.jpgThe garden and hot tub, from close-up to the hot tub, so you can see its aluminium chimney and wooden cover, as well as the trees surrounding the far end of the garden and all the leaves on the ground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67aa8-78a75-st_agnes_bedroom.jpgThe bedroom. A slightly raised double bed with light brown sheets, surrounded by windows and a pointed ceiling. The window behind the bed has a stained glass panel in the top, with a blue flower surrounded by green and yellow rectangles.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7bce9-4abe3-st_agnes_kitchen.jpgThe kitchen, with sage-green cupboards lit from beneath with warm yellow LEDs. There's a wooden worktop and a sunken Belfast sink, vintage plates and mugs in a rack and a neat little pile of cleaning stuff.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17ccf-17a85-st_agnes_outside.jpgSt Agnes from outside, a shepherd's hut pretending to be a tin-clad tabernacle. It's in its own private garden and framed with dark green leaves.2025-11-26T11:27:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/01/stupid-questions-you-were-afraid-to-ask-the-first-time-you-went-to-iceland-winter-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/stupid_questions_you_were_afraid_to_ask_winter_edition.jpgStupid questions you were afraid to ask the first time you went to Iceland (winter edition) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/winter_layers.jpgMe standing in front of a winter wonderland scene at Hraunafoss where water pours straight from the lava field into the river. I'm wearing lined trousers, a heated coat with my yellow hoodie poking out the bottom, red gloves and handmade scarf and hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sun_voyager.jpgThe Sun Voyager, a steel stylised Viking ship. In the background is Reykjavik Bay in its navy blue winter mode and Esja on the horizon, a snow-covered volcano range gleaming pink in the mid-morning winter sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/husafell_pool_selfie.jpgA selfie in one of the nearly mint-green pools at the swimming pool in Husafell. The sky is turning pink as the sun begins to set over the snowy mountains in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/reykjavik_in_january.jpgReykjavik's Tjornin in January. The pavement is dry but the pond is icy and the city scenery is topped by a big pastel pink and blue winter sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/christmas_cat_reykjavik.jpgThe Christmas Cat sculpture, a massive illuminated cat in central Reykjavik. Behind it, it's snowing and the roofs are covered in snow but the ground is completely clean and dry.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/northern_lights_at_fossatun.jpgNorthern Lights at Fossatun, great green streaks photographed from the tiniest tripod in the grass on a little hump on the campsite.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/landmannalaugar_tour.jpgA jeep tour to Landmannalaugar that's so snowy that you can't tell where the land ends and the sky begins.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/christmas_cat.jpgA selfie in front of the Christmas Cat in central Reykjavik. The pavement behind me is a bit damp but it's absolutely snow-free despite the fact that it's visibly snowing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sandals_on_the_golden_circle.jpgA really awkward selfie so you can see my feet in pink mountain sandals. You can also see the snow around the edges of Gulfoss behind me. Not an ideal day for sandals.2025-11-25T12:24:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/27/spa-by-train/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/spa_by_train.jpgSpa by train | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/southampton_train_selfie.jpgA selfie on my last train of the day, back in the pink & orange t-shirt. It's dark enough outside to see my reflection in the window and that's about it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/sixteen_pools_last_page.jpgThe last page of my mini Iceland baths book, written in blue pen but scribbled over with digital white pen until the only words you can make out are "But that's another story...".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/eurostar_selfie.jpgA selfie in a yellow hoodie on the Eurostar. This time I'm in the aisle seat but enjoying that the window seat is empty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/pepinster_selfie.jpgA selfie at Pepinster. Now I'm wearing a t-shirt in wavy pale pink and orange stripes under a black down jacket. It's a grey damp day but not actually raining.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/view_from_rail_replacement_bus.jpgA view out the front of the rail replacement bus, where you'd see a lovely wet but autumnal valley road except that the windscreen is so misted up, you can hardly see anything.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/verviers_spa_train.jpgA Belgian Railways train waiting at Verviers station. It's mostly white, with a dark blue stripe right along the bottom of the carriages, red doors and an SNCB logo on the side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/eurostar_window_selfie.jpgA selfie with my rainbow-striped reflection in the window of the Eurostar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/st_pancras.jpgSt Pancras station, featuring the famous Christmas tree and the massive curved wrought iron roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/selfie_at_southampton.jpgA selfie at Southampton Airport Parkway station, with the station name visible on the opposite platform. I'm wearing a long-sleeved rainbow striped t-shirt under a jumpsuit, most unsuitable for November but travelling is hot work.2025-11-24T17:23:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/western-europe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/belgium.jpgBelgiumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/uk.jpgUK blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/netherlands.jpgNetherlands blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/italy.jpgItaly blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ireland.jpgIreland blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/france.jpgFrance blog posts2025-11-24T17:02:29+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/22/iceland-on-film-winter-2024-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/iceland_on_film_winter_2024_edition.jpgIceland on film (winter 2024 edition) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/taking_a_film_selfie.jpgMe in full digital colour (well, a bit silhouetted against the white sky) taking a selfie with my yellow plastic film camera. You'll have to imagine for yourself what it looks like to take two selfies simultanously.2025-11-18T11:26:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/15/a-night-at-loch-spiggie/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c547b-8c4a4-spiggie.pngA night at Loch Spiggie | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b44d7-a9976-50006096102_35e4a6651d_k.jpgThe state of the sea at Sumburghhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f81c-0285c-50005331083_ffb6d3bac5_k.jpgThe view of the loch from my windowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c91bb-a343b-50005314963_cfb33bf7af_k.jpgSpiggie landscapehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f9d7-44fdf-50006107177_2518cfbde8_k.jpgSpiggie Beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05855-35b78-50006107777_5e2f76a3ad_k.jpgSpiggie Beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43782-ca615-50005850636_c3883899fd_k.jpgSpiggie Beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/740da-33e8e-50005850981_f773520902_k-1.jpgTurquoise sea just visible between the scrubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0aeed-fbd3d-50006110077_c081539a43_k.jpgSwans on Loch Spiggiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d16b-eb1da-50005327698_c0f2f3687a_k.jpgLoch Spiggie on a breezy October day2025-11-13T12:57:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/07/the-day-i-fell-in-love-with-the-arctic/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b90a9-4c299-33378091895_8279c3c85d_k.jpgSnowy mountains as seen from the plane over North Norwayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21bbe-a193f-44685712395_61d8bbca0c_k.jpgMy shadow on the Arctic Cathedral at around 11.42pmA nearly-midnight shadow in the orange light of nearly-sunsethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97c40-7635c-43781856980_b3dab5133b_k.jpgA Hurtigruten ship sailing into Tromsø against a background of white mountains and a grey-green ocean.A bit industrial but prettyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a4f2-abed3-45599723591_2012bb11d8_k.jpgMidnight Sun, a bright glow in the sky, out of focus in favour of my watch showing midnight.Midnight Sun!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/404fa-5d460-30658738717_2d0874f927_k.jpgAnother try at the Midnight Sun, this time from on top of a mountain. It's gloomy and cloudy and there's barely a hint of a glow this time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/247b1-5f104-43781634680_70b0e21295_k.jpgMy first attempt at photographing the Midnight Sun - a faint pinkish-orange glow in the clouds behind a mountain behind the high railings of the wrong side of Tromsø bridge.My first Midnight Sunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f799-85b84-45549140972_80c70d5515_k.jpgMe in Tromsø in May, wearing a t-shirt and sandals, against a backdrop of snowy mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d18ee-61023-arcticlove.pngThe day I fell in love with the Arctic | iamapolarbear.com2025-11-13T12:56:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/10/17/the-iron-ore-line/2025-11-13T12:55:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/26/i-saw-a-moose-in-central-stockholm/2025-11-13T12:54:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/29/cave-paintings-under-stockholm/2025-11-13T12:54:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/04/09/getting-out-into-the-stockholm-suburbs/2025-11-13T12:54:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/04/16/packing-for-sweden/2025-11-13T12:53:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/12/20/innsbruck-christmas-market/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9733e-cdb65-innsbruck.jpgInnsbruck Christmas market title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0e8d-16df9-p1070692.jpgInnsbruck Christmas market stampshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7d1d-486e1-p1070691.jpgInnsbruck Christmas market mugshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6244c-cdabf-44432969790_c049012dsligjb5_k.jpgInnsbruck Christmas market by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/386b7-d1339-44432969790_c049012db5_k.jpgInnsbruck Christmas market food stallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6fbb0-45c7f-45526125784_28fd68c5f3_k.jpgHungerburg hot drinks at the market by night2025-11-13T12:53:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/04/01/another-look-at-kleine-scheidegg/2025-11-13T12:52:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/04/13/in-which-i-meet-the-bears-of-bern/2025-11-13T12:52:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/07/01/staying-travelling-grindelwald/2025-11-13T12:52:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/02/04/northern-lights-in-tromso/2025-11-13T12:50:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/03/14/the-most-beautiful-ferry-cruise-ever/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c845d-47d2c-hurtigruten.jpgThe Hurtigruten: the most beautiful ferry/cruise ever | iamapolarbear.com2025-11-13T12:50:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/20/my-five-day-romania-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/my_5_day_romania_itinerary.jpgMy five day Romania itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rynair_selfie.jpgA selfie wearing all the clothes that wouldn't fit in my bag, outside in the dark with a Ryanair plane.2025-11-11T11:35:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/13/how-to-spend-two-days-in-bucharest/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/how_to_spend_two_days_in_bucharest.jpgHow to spend two days in Bucharest after your Therme trip | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/royal_palace_of_bucharest.jpgSome of the Royal Palace of Bucharest as seen from the other side of the road because it's too big to get in one picture in a road this narrow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/piata_victoriei.jpgPiata Victoriei (in 2009 because I missed it in 2025), a huge empty square with more large concrete Brutalist buildings around the sides of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/piata_romana.jpgThe older buildings around Piata Romana, noticeably smaller and lighter than most of the rest of Bucharest.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/monument_to_heroes_of_the_air.jpgA stone column topped by a man with his arms outstretched and a shawl hanging from them, which mostly just make him look like he has very wide arms or very small wings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/arcul_de_triumf.jpgBucharest's Arcul de Triumf, a big stone arch similar to the Paris one but a bit smaller.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/herastrau_park_lake.jpgThe lake in Herastrau Park, surrounded by trees in autumnal colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/free_press_house.jpgFree Press House, a Brutalist/Stalinist monster of a building, 15 storeys high and then with a kind of crown and tower on the top in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cathedral_selfie.jpgMe in a purple t-shirt outside the National Cathedral during its inauguration ceremony. The cathedral is very overexposed but you can still see that it's big and gold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bucharest_bus_validator.jpgA validating machine on a bus. It's yellow with a bright blue screen asking you to "Validati cardul" and underneath is the contactless logo.2025-11-10T18:30:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/10/is-the-biggest-spa-in-europe-overrated/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/is_the_biggest_spa_in_europe_overrated.jpgIs the biggest spa in Europe overrated? My day at Therme București | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/i_am_the_main_character.jpgA mirror selfie in a blue travel towel and green flipflops. The mirror is from the recent Saunafest and has "I am the main character!" written across it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/selenium_bath.jpgThe Selenium + Zinc bath, surrounded by trees and with far too many people sitting around the edges with drinks to be able to relax properly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/therme_by_night.jpgTherme by night, the great glass atrium illuminated against the navy blue night sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/airport_therme_bus_stop.jpgThe bus stop at the airport. It's a fairly unobtrusive white sign with red writing but there's no shelter or anything that would make it obvious from a distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/selfie_with_drink.jpgMe on the Elysium terrace drinking a large paper cup of lightly sparkling lemon & lime water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/mineral_baths.jpgThe mineral pools in The Palm as seen from the Flower Lounge. There are three rectangular pools up against the glass walls, half-hidden by palm trees, although you actually can't see the third pool from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/seats_with_towels_on.jpgComfortable round seats with retractable covers, all piled with towels before 10.30am.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/palm_main_pool.jpgThe bright blue main pool of The Palm, surrounded by palm trees and all under a big glass roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/entrance_queue.jpgThe queue at the entrance of the Therme at just after 10am, going back beyond the barriers.2025-11-07T15:39:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/12/18/iceland-on-film-summer-2025-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/iceland_on_film_summer_2025_edition.jpgIceland on film (summer 2025 edition) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/selfie_with_miranda.jpgA selfie with Miranda, who is heavy enough that normally I'd hold her two-handed. This is at Stokksnes but I have no film photos from there despite carrying the heavy camera around because I didn't load the film correctly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/23_studlagil_up_close.jpgThe bit in the middle of Stuðlagil with all the basalt columns. The picture is quite saturated and chocolate brown.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/22_studlagil_from_a_distance.jpgThe turquoise river flowing into Stuðlagil, before it gets to the really pretty bit with all the basalt columns, as seen from the path above it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/21_desert_of_misdeeds.jpgA ridge of mountains across the Desert of Misdeeds, a vast barren brown lava field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20_lake_next_to_myvatn.jpgA small lake surrounded by irregular rock formations on the edge of the bigger lake Myvatn.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/19_myvatn_from_skutustadir.jpgMore pseudocraters and more lake, this time from the summit of the highest pseudocrater.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/18_skutustadir.jpgPseudocraters at Skutustadir, lava bubbles that look like small craters around the edge of the lake.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17_dimmuborgir_hole.jpgA circular "window" or arch in a free-standing bit of lava cliff at Dimmuborgir.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/16_myvatn_views.jpgA view across Myvatn from the car park at Dimmuborgir.2025-11-07T15:38:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/17/the-7-mistakes-i-made-in-romania-in-2009-and-how-i-did-it-right-in-2025/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7_mistakes_i_made_in_romania_in_2009.jpgThe 7 mistakes I made in Romania in 2009 and how I did it right in 2025 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/selfie_at_brasov.jpgA selfie on the platform at Brasov, waving my arm triumphantly at the word BRASOV on the platform to prove that I've made it to the right place at last.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bucharest_city_bus-1.jpgA green city bus waiting on the stand before coming to pick up its passengers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/palace_of_parliament_selfie.jpgA selfie, this time with a red checked shirt over my t-shirt, in front of Bucharest's Palace of Parliament, which is huge enough that it doesn't really matter that I'm halfway down the road leading away from it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tshirt_selfie_at_cathedral.jpgA selfie outside the National Cathedral wearing just a purple t-shirt. Everyone else is wearing at least outer layers if not full-on coats.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/hotel_breakfast.jpgA non-mouldy hotel breakfast of bread rolls and butter with the wateriest cup of apple juice I've ever tasted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ibis_styles_bucharest_room.jpgMy room in the Ibis Styles, which is themed in a sort of teal-green, with a cover over the foot of the bed, the back of the door and the cupboard unit all in teal. The back wall is decorated in stitches from traditional Romanian embroidery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/bucharest_airport_train_ticket.jpgA paper train ticket held up on the train. It's not actually for this train, so I had to buy a replacement ticket from the conductor.2025-11-07T15:21:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/06/i-visited-the-grave-of-vlad-the-impaler/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/i_visited_the_grave_of_vlad_the_impaler.jpgI visited the grave of Vlad the Impaler | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/snagov_bus_stop.jpgThe bus stop on the main road through the village in Snagov. The bus stop itself is just a blue sign with a picture of a bus on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/back_of_monastery.jpgThe elaborate brick back of the small monastery church. There are small trees around it and the roof of a little wooden well.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/selfie_with_grave.jpgA selfie in a black t-shirt, looking slightly amazed, with the grave of Vlad the Impaler behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/grave_of_vlad_the_impaler.jpgThe grave of Vlad the Impaler, a concrete slab surrounded by marble on a red carpet, with a portrait, flowers and a candle on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/snagov_monastery_interior.jpgInside Snagov Monastery, covered floor to ceiling in murals in prominent blues and golds, plus an elaborate chandelier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/snagov_monastery.jpgSnagov Monastery, a small squarish brick church with columns and an octagonal tower on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/barn_with_ostrich.jpgA wooden shed/barn with an enclosure outside. In the enclosure are a couple of large goats and an ostrich.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/snagov_lake.jpgA blue-green lake with a wooded island on the right. In the distance are more trees surrounding the lake.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/snagov_village_road.jpgA road in Snagov, with trees down it and all the houses behind walls.2025-11-04T15:21:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/04/a-daycation-at-studland-beach/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/staycation_at_studland_beach.jpgA Daycation at... Studland Beach | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93be6-c4842-sauna_on_the_beach.jpgA sauna on the beach at Studland Sauna Hut | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e427d-b5414-studland_sauna_huts.jpgTwo wooden sheds on the beach. The closest is the smaller and you can see the glass door and window on the front. The bigger hut is angled so you can only see the plain wooden side wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ebe56-e0a11-view_from_sauna_hut.jpgThe view from the sauna hut. You can see the woodburner in the shadows of the shed but mostly you can see sunshine and beach and blue sea through the glass door.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73a85-b4221-inside_the_sauna_hut.jpgMe in a bright-coloured swimsuit sitting inside the sauna hut, which looks like a wooden shed with a wood burner in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/665c9-178aa-sauna_view.jpgThe view from the sauna - the beach, the blue sea beyond and bright-coloured pedalos now on the beach.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc4c6-53367-me_on_old_harry.jpgMe standing on the rocky beach around Old Harry at low tide.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3bdb8-5e3f5-in_a_kayak_by_old_harry.jpgA selfie sitting a just-visible green kayak with the chalk formation Old Harry Rocks behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7eda0-3cb36-studland_bay.jpgStudland Bay, its waters brown where it's shallow enough to see the sandy bottom but vivid blue further out. To the right of the photo, away in the distance, are the cliffs between South Beach and Old Harry Rocks.2025-11-03T15:08:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/11/03/halloween-in-transylvania/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/halloween_in_transylvania.jpgHalloween in Transylvania (Bucharest to Brașov by train) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/brasov_station_by_night.jpgBrasov station by night, half abandoned (it's actually not that late) and lit by cold white lights behind information panels.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/brasov_square_and_mountain.jpgThe square in Brasov with the mountain behind it, the panoramic restaurant and BRASOV sign visible above the town.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/catherine_gate.jpgThe Catherine Gate, an elaborate gate in the old city walls with multiple spiked towers sticking out of the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/brasov_mountain_view.jpgA view down over Brasov and the mountains that surround it from the landing platform of the cable car.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/domed_building.jpgA brick building with a domed roof down a relatively narrow street.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/transylvanian_rugs.jpgRugs, mostly in the red spectrum, hanging up in the dark wooden pews along the side of the church. They're also hanging over the balcony and on the floor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/black_church_selfie.jpgA selfie in front of the Black Church, which is a bit overexposed but you can make out that it's not very black, Gothic and I'm looking very happy to be standing in front of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/council_square.jpgThe Council Square in Brasov, with a cobbled floor and medieval-style buildings all around it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/brasov_military_circle.jpgThe Brasov Military Circle building on the corner of the old town/new town where the bus drops you off.2025-11-02T11:09:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/30/48-hours-in-paris-two-itineraries/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/48_hours_in_paris.jpg48 hours in Paris: two itineraries | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/rer_sign.jpgA sign on the RER platform next to the Jardin du Luxembourg indicating that the RER B coming in on platform 2 is going to CDG rather than Mitry-Claye.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/jardin_du_luxembourg_fountain.jpgThe fountain of the Jardin du Luxembourg with toy boats sailing around in it. Behind it is lots of greenery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/montparnasse_view.jpgViews across Paris from the Montparnasse Tower. There's a patch of greenery in the middle, which is the Jardin du Luxembourg.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/inside_moulin_rouge.jpgThe main hall of the Moulin Rouge before the show starts. The stage is lit in blue, there's a red and yellow canvas "tent" covering the ceiling, every surface is covered in mirror tiles, or orange lamps or otherwise something decorative.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/luxor_obelisk_selfie.jpgA selfie with the Luxor Obelisk on a very bright sunny day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/petit_palais_interior.jpgInside the Petit Palais. The ceiling is painted with large oils and the floor is littered with small sculptures and people walking among them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/eiffel_tower_from_bir_hakeim.jpgA view of the Eiffel Tower on a perfect clear blue day from Pont Bir-Hakeim.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/under_passy_metro.jpgUnder Passy metro station under Pont Bir-Hakeim, where a scene in Mission Impossible Fallout was set.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/balloon_selfie-1.jpgA selfie in a red t-shirt and a red and black checked shirt, in a balloon 150m above Paris.2025-10-24T16:34:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/09/russia-2002-moscow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cc01-0a8a1-p1100487.jpgOn the overnight train from Moscow to St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9cd7-4f558-p1100485.jpgMoscow circus gymnasts & dancershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04292-58afd-p1100484.jpgMoscow rooftophttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc65b-6bcd0-p1100483.jpgRed Square, Moscowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a50ad-9cedd-p1100481.jpgSt Basil's Cathedral, Moscowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a6f4-56f99-p1100480.jpgTwin room in Hotel Ukraine, Moscowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2192-77435-p1100479.jpgHotel Ukraine, Moscwhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db9e4-84f43-moscow.jpgRussia 2002: A school trip to Moscow | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-23T11:06:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/12/russia-2002-st-petersburg/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/551ed-6dc52-st-petersburg.pngRussia 2002: A school trip to St Petersburg | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80b35-1f3fe-p1100498.jpgChicken dance, Russian folk show, St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d543-c8221-p1100497.jpgPlaying a saw, Russian folk show, St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82798-77a4c-p1100495.jpgFake marble pillars in St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee798-f5674-p1100496.jpgWinter Palace, St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98389-28f79-p1100492.jpgBattleship Aurora, St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab101-93ff1-p1100488.jpgSt Petersburg pizza receipthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b621-efb9e-p1100494.jpgPizza in St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0403-769e6-p1100491.jpgThe Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, St Petersburg2025-10-23T11:06:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/27/the-best-kept-secret-viewpoint-in-paris/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/best_kept_secret_viewpoint_in_paris.jpgThe best kept secret viewpoint in Paris | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/parc_andre_citroen.jpgParc André Citroën as seen from the air through the middle of the balloon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/underneath_balloon.jpgA view to the underneath of the balloon and all its cables and ropes as seen from the gondola.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/eiffel_tower_view.jpgAnother view north, this time less zoomed in so while you can still see the Eiffel Tower cut off in the distance, you can see the river winding up towards it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/paris_view_south.jpgA view south with the deep blue-green Seine running up the middle of the city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/balloon_selfie.jpgA selfie in the balloon, protected from falling by the mesh that covers the otherwise-open gondola above wall height.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/balloon_kiosk.jpgThe kiosk where you buy your ticket. It's a slatted wooden building set so far into the hedge it almost seems to be part of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/paris_view_north.jpgThe view north from the balloon, including the top two-thirds of the Eiffel Tower behind a tall building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/budapest_balloon_gondola.jpgThe gondola of the balloon in Budapest, with more people visible opposite me than we had in the entire balloon in Paris.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ballon_de_paris_from_below.jpgThe Ballon Generali de Paris seem from the ground as it floats 150m above, tethered to the park by a cable.2025-10-22T16:54:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/15/come-with-me-on-a-no-cruise-cruise/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94307-17a13-come_with_me_on_a_no_cruise_cruise.jpgCome with me on a no-cruise cruise! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0cab-3803b-closed_minigolf.jpgThe minigolf course, with a random palm tree in the middle of grass that looks reasonably well-tended but covered in daisies. The course is very much closed and looks like it has been for a while.No golf on the no-cruise cruise thenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21511-644c4-looking_over_the_railings.jpgMe in a wide-legged jumpsuit and green denim jacket leaning against the high railings that surround the deck on the third floor of Westquay Shopping Centre. The sun is on the other side of the building so although the sky is blue, I'm all in shadow.Taking a stroll on the prom deck that definitely isn't a shopping centrehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c20b7-e251f-inside_the_mayflower.jpgInside the Mayflower Theatre, a riot of red with gold accents. The screen on the stage has a huge bullet hole in it and it's only about a third full - but it's still at least ten minutes until the show starts.An evening at the theatre is traditional cruise entertainmenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/481ee-fd43f-dressed_for_the_theatre.jpgA mirror selfie in a black knee-length long-sleeved swing dress, red tights and silver glitter fake Converse.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91c95-555c2-in_pizza_huts_shame_corner.jpgHidden away in a booth in Pizza Hut with my hair looking very much like I let it air dry in a howling gale before plaiting it, which is exactly what happened.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de974-b53fc-selfie_with_axes_in_the_target.jpgA selfie with two axes in the neon spraypainted target.Sports afternoon on the cruisehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b284-e5d7e-inside_westquay.jpgInside Westquay Shopping Centre - three levels with escalators between them and lots of people on the floors and the escalators.This could absolutely be the atrium of a cruise ship, right?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93598-4f72d-iona_docked_in_southampton.jpgP&O's Iona docked in Southampton, which means there are fences and car parks between me and her because that's the closest I can get without documentation allowing me on board.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64a7d-3d3c4-sea_views.jpgA view out to a slightly grey sea from behind iron railings. Pretend this is the view from my own private balcony.2025-10-15T15:42:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/23/a-first-timers-evening-at-the-moulin-rouge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/first_timers_evening_at_the_moulin_rouge.jpgA first-timer's evening at the Moulin Rouge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/outside_moulin_rouge_selfie.jpgA selfie in a red sequinned dress outside the Moulin Rouge by night.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/moulin_rouge_selfie.jpgA selfie at my table inside the Moulin Rouge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/champagne_in_buckets.jpgTwo bottles of champagne in ice buckets left briefly on my table before being opened and given to the table behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/moulin_rouge_main_room.jpgThe main room at the Moulin Rouge as seen from a raised table towards the back. There is a band on stage, illuminated in blue. The ceiling is draped in striped canvas and there's a raised area next to me that has mirror mosiacs along the side of it, just for a bit more maximalism.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/moulin_rouge_tile_sign.jpgA Moulin Rouge sign in tiles with a green border on a white brick background. The effect is of sneaking into some hidden secret underground club.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/moulin_rouge_by_night.jpgMoulin Rouge outside by night - that red windmill on the roof is possibly the reddest thing anyone has ever seen. To the right is the rounded front door, which isn't actually where you go in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/moulin_rouge_outfit.jpgA mirror selfie in my hotel room. I'm wearing a red sequinned dress that comes to a little above my knees and has long sleeves, with black tights and red glitter ballet flats. My hair is half tied back and you can't see my earrings from this distance.2025-10-15T11:22:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/13/easy-hikes-in-iceland-svartifoss/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/easy_hikes_in_iceland_svartifoss.jpgEasy hikes in Iceland: Svartifoss | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/campsite_views.jpgA view over the campsite as you get down the path. It's eight fields divided by hedges and a gravel track and beyond it is the expanse of sandur and a corner of Vatnajökull.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/svartifoss_from_a_distance.jpgOne of the film photos I tried to take - Svartifoss lurking among the lush forest of the heath above Skaftafell.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/svartifoss_up_close.jpgSvartifoss from the platform, slightly zoomed in so that there's nothing to get in the way of the waterfall dominating.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/svartifoss_selfie.jpgA timer selfie standing on the platform in front of Svartifoss.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/svartifoss_from_bridge.jpgA view of Svartifoss, a thin waterfall falling from a basalt cliff sunken into the woods.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sandur_view.jpgA view out beyond the scrubby heath towards a grey floodplain stretching towards the haze that will become the sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/matted_path.jpgThe path, plastic matting protecting the gravel, leading up to some wooden steps.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/svartifoss_hike_selfie.jpgA selfie halfway up the hill, with the view beginning to appear above the trees. I definitely didn't stop for this picture because I didn't have enough breath to keep walking...2025-10-13T15:17:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/06/what-was-the-best-place-i-swam-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/what_was_the_best_place_i_swam_in_iceland.jpgWhat was the best place I swam in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/hveragerdi_pool.jpgA long blue swimming pool set in something that looks like lawn. At the far end, a two-storey curved building hugs the small pool and hot tub, neither of which you can see from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/seljavallalaug.jpgA slightly murky dark green pool with a shabby off-white building at the end. From this angle, the lush green mountains rise directly out of the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/laugarvatn_fontana.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana, a pool complex on the side of the lake. The photo is taken from the raised hot tub, showing the long shallow pool, the natural pool semi-camouflaged in rock, a hint of the small swimming pool and a good view of the lake and the mountains that surround it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/hoffell_hot_tubs.jpgWater in a grey plastic hot tub shimmering under the sun. Beyond it is a second hot tub and behind that, a glacial tongue snakes its way down the mountain, with a glimpse of the ice cap behind that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/myvatn_nature_baths.jpgA lagoon filled with milky blue-white opaque water. On one side, the view drops away to the lake just out of frame; on the other, the slope of a mountain is cut off by the low service building. It's probably 10pm by now and then sun is setting, so everything's a bit darker and more silhouetted than would be ideal.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/forest_lagoon.jpgA pool surrounded by birch and pine trees. The water is translucent, as usual, but it's a darker green than usual and has a haze floating just above it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/hauganes_hot_tubs.jpgA row of hot tubs in wooden surrounds, right on the seashore. A few sheds function as showers and changing rooms.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grettislaug.jpgMe in Grettislaug, back to the camera looking at the mountains. It's quite a big pool, ringed by rocks and with a set of pool steps going down into it although everything else has come directly from the shoreline.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/krauma.jpgA selfie hanging over the edge of the pool that sticks out the front of Krauma, showing the black pools and the black angular buildings housing the relax room, sauna and steam room.2025-10-13T15:17:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/12/happy-10th-birthday-to-i-am-a-polar-bear/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/happy_10th_birthday_to_i_am_polar_bear.jpgHappy 10th birthday to I Am A Polar Bear! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/i_wrote_a_book.jpgMe, in the garden in a white t-shirt and my polar bear jewellery, holding up my two books. In my right hand is A Polar Night's Tale which is a blueish book with a mountain on the front and in my left is Lava Land, which has an eruption dominating the cover.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/polar_bear_ornaments.jpgA glass coaster with a polar bear looking up at a starry sky. On top of it is a small soapstone polar bear and my Swarovski polar bear necklace. Next to it, with the chain of the necklace disappearing behind it, is a more stylised soapstone polar sitting up on its haunches.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dubrovnik_sea_kayaking.jpgA selfie in an orange sea kayak out in the deep blue water of the coast off Dubrovnik.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/geosea_selfie.jpgA selfie in the blinding sun of a late July evening in Geosea geothermal pool in north Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/at_my_desk.jpgSitting at my desk, in a brown knitted hoodie and with my hair unbrushed and tied back. I'm quite hunched up over the keyboard with a laptop to my left and a small second screen to my right. There's also my personal laptop lying closed next to me. This picture was taken in November 2022 but other than the hoodie, it looks exactly the same as today, down the yellow badge-in-progress balancing on my laptop.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tree_tent_and_bedding_roll.jpgA three-cornered tent strung from three trees, its cover folded back to show it open. Underneath is my bedding roll, a parcel of sleeping bag and blankets wrapped in a groundsheet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/blue_lagoon_selfie.jpgA selfie, possibly via timer, in the Blue Lagoon. The sky and water are both similar shades of blue and there's enough haze to make it unclear where the two swap places. I'm swimming, only my head and a hint of my shoulders above the water.I don't (yet!) have a picture of me with Zac Efron, so here I am in the Blue Lagoon, star of Down to Earth.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/raudfeldsgja_selfie.jpgA selfie from 2014 at Rauðfeldsgjá, with the plaits and some really bright ginger-red hair. Rauðfeldsgjá is a tiny crack in the green-covered mountain behind me, barely visible.The scene of my first popular post.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/triumph_in_iceland.jpgA timer selfie by the edge of a lake in Iceland. The sky is grey with incoming snow, the lake is grey, the banks of the lake are white with snow and I'm wearing a long scarf and matching hat in yarn that's somehow neon bright and pastel at the same time.2025-10-09T14:19:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/19/how-i-use-my-5-9-may-2025-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/how_i_use_my_5-9_may_2025_edition.jpgHow I use my 5-9: May 2025 edition | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/glamping_hot_tub.jpgAlso from a previous trip, this is a hot tub visibly steaming far too much. The woodburner is attached to the front of it and then door's closed so you can't see that it's presumably burning almost white-hot inside. The hot tub is next to a dark blue shepherd's hut and it's all plonked on a woodchip garden with fields and hills stretching in to the distance behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/archery.jpgThe archery range in question, taken from just above one of the targets, which has an arrow through the edge of the paper face but not actually into the straw target. Behind, you can see a very ineffectual arrow-catching curtain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/finding_ms_monopoly.jpgThis picture is from last year's Monopoly and it shows my team being the first to find Ms Monopoly. She's the one in the middle with the bowler hat on and I'm rear right. We're both wearing burgundy Rebel t-shirts and I'm wearing a Rebel neckerchief, which is bright blue with burgundy and hot pink double border. Front left, Sammy is wearing the grey Rebel t-shirt with the neckerchief and then Jo and Amanda aren't in "uniform".This is from last year's Monopoly - it's hard to put in pictures from things that haven't happened yet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/adult_watersports_day.jpgMe in a sit-on-top kayak at the county adult leader watersports day. Behind me, you can just make out three more kayaks, one double and two single, containing the other three participants, our instructor and a dog.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/flower_arrangement.jpgA small flower arrangement meant for a table centre. It consists of three orange roses surrounded by rose leaves and then lots of fluffy tiny white and pink flowers that I took as "foliage". I daresay it's not what Sue intended me to make but it's quite pretty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brownie_activities.jpgA folder of Brownie activity cards. On the left is a yellow Unit Meeting Activity card with a purple corner called Can You Get It?, on the right is a pink Skills Builder card and on top of them is a Brownie Gold Award certificate and pin badge - not to be awarded to the girl that ran the activity actually, that came next week.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/festival_selfie.jpgA selfie among the blue and pink lighting of an outdoor summer festival. I'm wearing a cowboy hat and you can just about make out my bedazzled denim jacket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/this_week.pngThis week on my calendar, showing mainly events in green, yellow and purple, including a cluster of three that overlap on Thursday. Now you can see how I block them out.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/may_calendar.jpgMy Google Calendar for May. A few things, mostly at weekends, mark multi-day stays, almost everything else is a coloured dot with a time against it. A lot of it has been redacted and now looks kind of weird and empty.2025-10-09T14:19:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/22/is-it-worth-going-on-your-favourite-influencers-group-trip/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/is_it_worth_going_on_your_favourite_influencers_group_trip.jpgIs it worth going on your favourite influencer's group trip? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/thingvellir_in_winter.jpgÞingvellir National Park as seen from the viewpoint in winter. The sky is pink on the horizon, turning light blue up higher and the lava field below the cliffs is just white with snow and with fir trees poking out all over the place.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/blue_lagoon_mask.jpgAnother selfie in the Blue Lagoon, this one with my face covered in the white silica mud mask. I'm looking away from the camera and laughing, presumably at the ridiculousness of pretending not to take a selfie that I'm blatantly taking.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hraunfossar.jpgHraunfossar, a waterfall that pours out of a lava field into a deep teal-blue river. This isn't snowmobiling but if you do this particular trip, you'll probably stop here on the way to the glacier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/jokulsarlon.jpgJökulsárlón, the glacial lagoon, under a heavy grey sky. The lagoon is choked with large blue striped icebergs. Despite the wintery appearance, this was actually taken in August.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/downtown_guesthouse_rvk.jpgMy double room in the Downtown Guesthouse Reykjavik. It's a double bed with two sets of single bedding and a large window behind it that is currently pitch black because the picture was taken after 4pm in December. You can tell it's a very basic room but it's perfectly functional.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/laugarvatn_fontana.jpgThe complex at Laugarvatn Fontana, as seen from the raised hot pot. Most of the photo is dominated by a long shallow tiled pool. To the right, behind the boulders, is a hotter pool with a more natural bottom and behind that is a small swimming pool. You can also go out through the gate and swim in the lake behind the fence if you really want to.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/swimming_in_the_blue_lagoon.jpgMe swimming in the Blue Lagoon. It's very hazy so you can't see the line between the turquoise water and the sky that's nearly completely blue because of the mist between them. Behind me is one of the hot water intakes and although I'm taking a selfie, this is one of those pictures where you could just about believe I'm not.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/snowmobiling_on_myrdalsjokull.jpgA red snowmobile parked on a glacier with streaks of cloud across the blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/skogasfoss_by_sunset.jpgSkogafoss, a waterfall around 60m wide and high slightly pink-tinted by the sunset.2025-10-09T14:18:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/10/do-you-really-want-to-go-there-or-have-you-been-told-that-you-have-to/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/do_you_really_want_to_go_there.jpgDo you really want to go there or have you been told that you have to? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/under_the_louvre.jpgUnder the Louvre, where the glass pyramid is inverted underground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/spanish_steps.jpgThe Spanish Steps, so covered in people that you can hardly see the steps. A woman i a wedding dress is posing at the bottom and I'm pretty sure there's another one halfway up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/me_with_eiffel_tower.jpgA picture of the back of my head as I sit on the steps at the Trocadero looking across at the Eiffel Tower. It's a grey winter day and my hair is streaked with badly-dyed reddish dye.2025-10-09T14:18:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/17/iceland-is-erupting-for-the-12th-time/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/iceland_is_erupting_for_the_12th_time.jpgIceland is erupting for the 12th time | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/meradalir_crater.jpgThe erupting crater at Meradalir 2022, about two days before the eruption came to an end. A lava lake splashes in a small black crater, although the photo is taken so zoomed in that you can't really tell how big or small it is. It's pretty small.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/thorvaldseyri_and_eyjafjallajokull.jpgEyjafjallajokull looming over a farm. This is the same photo from the same angle as a famous one with an ash cloud, only this one doesn't have the ash. You can see how much ice there is on top of the volcano - this, mixed with fresh lava, created the ash.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/volcano_atv.jpgAn official ATV monitoring the route to Meradalir in 2022, with a big orange box of important stuff on the back, yellow hi-viz decals and a blue flashing light. Not a taxi, more a mountain ambulance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/meradalir_path.jpgThe "path" out to Meradalir in 2022. A wooden signpost stands in a field of rough stones which doesn't at all look (or feel!) like a path.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nature_baths_selfie.jpgA selfie in Myvatn Nature Baths, a large geothermal lagoon surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. It's early evening in the Icelandic summer and the sky is the pale blue of the sun thinking about starting to lower.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/standing_on_eldfell.jpgMe, dressed all in black, standing very awkwardly on top of a red volcano with a lava field behind it, a town in the distance, a cliff behind that and the Atlantic behind that. The volcano is streaked and patched with yellow and white mineral deposits and is still hot not very far down at all.2025-10-09T14:18:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/24/an-hour-and-a-half-a-week-a-girlguiding-volunteers-real-time-spent/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/an_hour_and_a_half_a_week.jpgAn hour and a half a week: how long a Girlguiding volunteer really spends on it | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/region_pax_lodge_trip.jpgMe on a Tube platform, my hair a little blown by the wind underground. I'm wearing a pink, blue and white Region neckerchief, my Guide uniform and a backpack.On the Region Pax Lodge trip, in my Region neckerchiefhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/boathouse_kayaking_selfie.jpgA selfie in a kayak out at sea at the boathouse. I'm wearing a stained navy bucket hat, sunglasses and an orange and grey buoyancy aid and piloting a big blue kayak.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brownie_sleepover.jpgA selfie at the Brownie sleepover, wearing my Fearless Leader t-shirt, in front of the industrial kitchen that I'm in charge of.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/legoland_with_rangers.jpgAt Legoland, with my waterproof pulled right up as we go up the water splash ride. Two Rangers are sitting behind me, similarly dressed but with their faces painted out. I'm excited but also terrified.2025-10-09T14:18:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/31/30-things-i-learned-about-travel-in-my-30s/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/30_things_i_learned_about_travel_in_my_30s.jpg30 things I learned about travel in my 30s | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/posing_in_the_snow.jpgMe, dressed all in black except a neon/pastel scarf and matching hat, posing with my arms outstretched in front of a half frozen lake in Reykjavik. The ground is snowy and the sky is heavy grey, promising more snow to come.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hvammsvik_selfie.jpgMe sitting in a thermal pool at Hvammsvik, surrounded by rocks and with a mountain ridge behind the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/trans_siberian.jpgThe red locomotive and the first grey carriage of the Trans Siberian Express that I took from Ekaterinburg to Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a_room_in_paris.jpgMy room in Paris in 2019. It doesn't look too bad but the floor was wonky, it made weird noises and bad smells, the electricity was borderline dangerous and the lighting was terrible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/swimming_at_gellert.jpgMe swimming lengths in the beautiful Art Nouveau pool at Gellert Baths in Budapest. I'm wearing a bright pink swimming cap which contrasts quite pleasingly with the bright blue water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/me_at_hengifoss.jpgMe sitting on a boulder almost at the top of a mountain ridge, with a nice waterfall behind me. I'm wearing hiking stuff, including waterproofs, boots and fleece because I've just hiked up from the lake at the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/glamping.jpgMe, in a long-ish green velvet dress, standing on the steps of a green shepherd's hut on a surprisingly sunny winter day.2025-10-09T14:18:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/04/what-is-a-volcano-and-how-do-we-know-when-one-is-going-to-erupt/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/what_is_a_volcano_and_how_do_we_know_when_one_is_going_to_erupt.jpgWhat is a volcano and how do we know when one is going to erupt? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/earthquake_report.jpgA screenshot of earthquake activity from en.vedur.is showing low earthquake activity on the Reykjanes peninsula for the last 48 hours. When there's an earthquake swarm, there are so many markers on the chart that you can't see them separately.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/askja_lakes.jpgAskja, overlooking two caldera lakes. In the foregound is the smaller Viti crater, flooded with opaque pale blue water. Behind it is the vast Askja caldera lake, which is dark blue. Askja has experienced some massive uplift in recent years but no volcanic activity has happened yet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/gas_meter_at_fagradalsfjall.jpgA gas meter mounted on a pole just beyond the lava at Fagradalsfjall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hekla.jpgHekla, once Iceland's most infamous volcano, a lumpy mountain with snow on the top. It's currently overdue an eruption, by our almost non-existent understanding.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/visiting_a_volcano.jpgMe, grinning, poking my head into the left of frame. Most of it is filled with a small crater, smoking and bubbly orange lava, sitting in a little valley. Behind me, people are sitting on the hillside watching it from a safe distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/skjaldbreidur.jpgSkjaldbreiður in the distance, a slightly hazy volcano with gentle sides sloping gradually upwards to a point in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/esja.jpgEsja, a great mound of volcano range opposite Reykjavik. The volcano is mostly covered in snow and barely stands out against the pale blue winter morning sky. Between camera and volcano is a dark blue bay.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/laki_craters.jpgA view across a rugged green moss-covered lava field stretching away to a glacier just visible as a white glow on the horizon. Between the mountain I'm taking the photo from and the glacier is a straight line of little craters.2025-10-09T14:17:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/07/how-far-do-you-have-to-go-to-become-a-tourist/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/how_far_do_you_have_to_go_to_become_a_tourist.jpgHow far do you have to go to become a tourist? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/in_the_hot_tub.jpgMe in the hot tub, with green fields behind me, drinking something red, fizzy and non-alcoholic from a champagne flute.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jellyfish_carnival.jpgTaking part in the carnival with Brownies. We're all dressed as jellyfish, with clear umbrellas decorated with strips of coloured crepe paper. I'm the red-yellow-orange one at the back and in front of me are a few Brownies half-hidden under their umbrellas but with their faces blurred for good measure.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/swiss_train.jpgMe sitting on a train in Switzerland looking out at the snow, wearing a red jumper and a rainbow-striped hat with earflaps.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cat_alley.jpgAn alleyway between two rows of back gardens, mostly blocked from view by 6 foot fences. This is often part of my daily walk route.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/country_walk_close_to_home.jpgMe sitting on a bench while out on a country walk while glamping a 20 minute drive from home.2025-10-09T14:17:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/18/why-i-didnt-go-to-see-the-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/why_i_didnt_go_to_see_the_volcano.jpgWhy I didn't go to see the volcano | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/eruption_up_close.jpgTaken with a very good zoom from the hillside several hundred metres away, lava is flung into the air from the lake of lava in the top of a small black crater.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/watching_meradalir.jpgMe in August 2022, wearing waterproofs and a woolly hat, sitting on a hillside, watching a small crater bubbling and shooting out liquid lava in the valley below. Actually, I'm looking at the camera right now but when I'm not taking selfies, I'm watching the eruption.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/lava_that_ate_the_road.jpgThe lava that ate the road to the Blue Lagoon last year. You can now pull off the new road and have a closer look at this lava, which I did. It's very spiky and you're told not to walk on it because it may still be fragile and hot underneath. Maybe I shouldn't have leaned on it for a timer selfie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/volcano_path.jpgThe start of the path that was built for Fagradalsfjall, extended for Meradalir and is now being used for Sundhnúkagígar. It's a black gravelly path leading through mossy meadows, past a big rounded hump of a hill.2025-10-09T14:17:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/09/myvatn-nature-baths-becomes-earth-lagoon-and-other-changes-in-icelands-lagoons/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/myvatn_nature_baths_bcomes_earth_lagoon.jpgMývatn Nature Baths becomes Earth Lagoon and other changes in Iceland's lagoons | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/earth_lagoon_and_building.jpgThe Earth Lagoon looking towards the current service building with a hint of orange volcano poking over the top and catching the light from the sunset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fontana_lauga_pool.jpgThe small swimming pool at Fontana with direct access to the lake in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/fontana_works.jpgFontana's natural pool with the crane and the new building works hidden away behind a fence.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/laugarvatn_fontana_saela.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana on a beautiful sunny day seen from the raised hot tub. Beneath is the long shallow pool, Saela, and between it and the lake is a low-set dark lava pool made of black rocks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sky_lagoon_sunset.jpgThe sun setting from the Sky Lagoon, where the rock and waterfall rises up out of the water on the right of the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sky_lagoon_sauna_window.jpgThe enormous window, slightly distorted by my GoPro, in the Sky Lagoon sauna overlooking the sea right outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/earth_lagoon_works.jpgA selfie in the Earth Lagoon in 2022, under a bright blue clear sky. Behind me, you can see cranes and a wooden fence starting to block out the volcano views.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/floating_in_earth_lagoon.jpgA timer selfie of me floating on my back in the Earth Lagoon in 2015 with the slope of the volcano very visible behind the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/geosea.jpgGeosea, an infinity pool on the clifftop where you can just about see the fjord below from this angle.2025-10-07T15:03:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/mediterranean/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/malta.jpgMalta blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cyprus.jpgCyprus blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/croatia.jpgCroatia blog posts2025-10-06T10:23:27+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/eastern-europe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ukraine.jpgUkraine blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/russia.jpgRussia blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/romania.jpgRomania blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/lithuania.jpgLithuania blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/latvia.jpgLatvia blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/georgia.jpgGeorgia blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/estonia.jpgEstonia blog posts2025-10-06T10:16:19+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/central-europe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/switzerland.jpgSwitzerland blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/poland.jpgPoland blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/hungary.jpgHungary blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/germany.jpgGermany blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/austria.jpgAustria blog posts2025-10-06T09:55:20+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/nordic-scandinavian/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/sweden.jpgSweden blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/norway.jpgNorway blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/iceland.jpgIceland blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/finland.jpgFinland blog postshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/denmark.jpgDenmark blog posts2025-10-05T18:10:33+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/15/a-night-at-the-paris-opera/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/a_night_at_the_paris_opera.jpgA night at the Paris Opera | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/768cc-3bc8f-a_night_at_the_paris_opera.pngA night at the Paris Opera | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61d78-3d50d-selfie_from_the_seat.jpgA selfie, without the feather-trimmed cloak, in my seat. Now you can see my statement necklace properly, except that it's a little dimly lit underneath the second balcony.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9079-855cd-opera_balcony.jpgLooking across the first balcony from my seat on the far right. You can now see the balcony above and you can also see the boxes set into the wall in front of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d5c7-dca82-la_boheme_programme.jpgA page from the programme, explaining in English what's happening in each act.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7ace-4bd7a-view_from_my_seat.jpgThe view from my seat in the first balcony. The bottom of the second balcony cuts off the upper part of the stage but I can see the stage itself and the orchestra from here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80374-cfde7-opera_halls_selfie.jpgA selfie in the halls of the opera house. From here, you can see that I'm wearing dangly silver earrings, a sparkly statement necklace and a clock with feather trim around the neck.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73ffe-4b8ff-dressed_for_the_opera.jpgA really bad mirror selfie in a pretty bad hotel. I'm wearing a short-sleeved black dress with a fairly short skirt that flounces out a little, black tights and boots and for once, I have my hair down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eaec6-16e89-opera_bastille.jpgThe Opera Bastille, a modern building with a glass-tiled front and a concrete square arch leading up to the main doors.2025-10-04T18:09:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/02/weekend-itinerary-48-hours-in-krakow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/weekend_itinerary_48_hours_in_krakow.jpgWeekend Itinerary: 48 hours in Kraków | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/stary_rynek_in_the_rain.jpgStary Rynek, the main square, in the rain. Everything's a bit brown and shiny but you can see that in the dry, these buildings would be a mass of colourful pastels.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cloth_hall_stalls.jpgStalls inside the Cloth Hall selling everything you could want as souvenirs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/inside_st_marys_basilica.jpgInside St Mary's Basilica, a breathtakingly ornate Gothic abyss in shades of red and blue with lots of gold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/father_bernateks_bridge.jpgFather Bernatek Bridge, a footbridge with acrobatic statues in various poses in the wires holding up the curved support beam.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tour_boat.jpgInside our tour boat, a kind of lounge with white leather seats running each length of the glass-sided boat, facing inwards.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/mcdonalds_cellar.jpgA brick and stone medieval cellar now used as extra underground seating for the McDonalds above it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/krakow_eye.jpgThe Krakow Eye wheel and balloon illuminated at night and reflecting in the black river.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/wawel_views.jpgA view along the Vistula River towards the Krakow Eye from the walls of Wawel Castle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/battle_projection.jpgAn image of two kings fighting each other in Krakow's early days, projected in firey orange onto a medieval wall now underground inside Wawel Hill.2025-10-04T18:08:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/10/backpacking-denmark-copenhagen/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43e39-36718-34124084610_d11d1cef4a_k.jpgYarnbombed bench and tree by the Lakes in Copenhagen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/527db-978ac-34124229440_225e1e3046_k.jpgMilitary buildings in the Kastellet fortress - long red brick buildings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37ca4-e1b10-34509773765_910be95c58_k.jpgGefion's fountain, a kind of long but low waterfall topped with a bronze statue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c9c2-de179-33667536794_b6b974fa35_k.jpgSt Alban's Anglican Church, Copenhagen. It's a pretty English-looking stone church in a Danish park.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db158-11ffd-34379357401_8a27fc62c8_k.jpgDanish palace guards at Amalienborg. They're wearing huge black furry bearskin hats, blue trousers and are carrying rifles.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfb0a-7ee98-bpdm-copenhagen.pngBackpacking Denmark: 48 hours in Copenhagen | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f0ea-fbd38-34378831051_99fb46a744_k.jpgInside Copenhagen main station. The ceiling is arches and the walls holding up the ceiling are decorative red brick.One more inconsequential detail: I bought a croissant at the station to eat on the train.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69922-8fc6b-34468121666_878e18ce9a_k.jpgUp in one of the domes in Copenhagen's Botanical Gardens. There's a lot of tall greenery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/395b6-e5a66-34468340476_5e8df80ab1_k.jpgSwans and cygnets (aka genuine Copenhagen "ugly ducklings") and a couple of ducks or grebes in one of Copenhagen's Lakeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce904-e7cac-34509738515_3e523edc8a_k.jpgA traditional wooden windmill in the green parkland of the Kastellet fortress.2025-10-04T17:51:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/21/backpacking-denmark-odense/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0729b-f7d5c-bpdm-odense2.pngBackpacking Denmark: 24 Hours in Odense | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7aeba-44bd4-34467303356_36ea067068_k.jpgOdense city centre and St Cnut's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c309-afcc3-34347874062_bf149a51a6_k.jpgHavhesten, Odense's Merhorse sculpturehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/888c5-b9731-33666206074_40f67ab344_k.jpgOdense riverbankhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/231d0-c3da3-34509256965_d236e444b2_k.jpgSleipnir drain coverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3695d-d6c95-34347845482_71e518b385_k.jpgNorse mythology on a drain coverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13780-5e192-34467311366_4fc693365d_k.jpgHugin & Munin drain coverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96807-9dbe0-33698426483_14551ac837_k.jpgSt Alban's Church, Odensehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01855-16b5f-34508592455_e1fd2b073e_k.jpgHans Christian Andersen statue in Odensehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb10f-a6ed3-34508596335_2cf0966843_k.jpgPaper boat sculpture on the river at Odense2025-10-04T17:51:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/24/backpacking-denmark-48-hours-in-aalborg/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e3ce-db5de-bpdm-aalborg.pngBackpacking Denmark: 48 Hours in Aalborg | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0927b-f136b-34466762256_3b2bc238d3_k.jpgAerial display team practising at Aalborg Airporthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ec8d-3d8cb-34122462720_b4f3546a25_k.jpgAerial display team practising at Aalborg Airporthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8eb88-b59f8-34466859696_0abdae13b7_k.jpgWindmill in the centre of Aalborghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c5d8-5ef33-33665669124_19fca4906c_k.jpgHistoric buildings in Aalborghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07bcb-aabbc-33697945663_c8f4b467df_k.jpgAalborg open air pool, on the side of the harbourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe51f-6dd6d-34508133355_bca05e697e_k.jpgSkagen Line trainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c71c9-7499a-34377729861_cf48259252_k.jpgGrenen beach across the dunes from the roadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33fce-1470a-34377754881_d26222029a_k.jpgMe at the tip of Grenen, in front of the two meeting seashttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35659-57f06-33698112163_86b2a92810_k.jpgThe beach at Grenen2025-10-04T17:51:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/10/what-to-wear-in-svalbard-in-winter/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b689d-34968-p1180679.jpgMy lower legs in black Polartec trousers. From mid-calf downwards, the trousers are unzipped to show the Cintamani logo on an extra piece of fabric that turns the trousers into wider bootcut trousers for winter occasions.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fedf1-335ed-p1180686.jpgMy feet in pale blue thin liner socks. My left foot is close to the camera so you can see the markings on the front of the sock. My right foot is turned so you can see the pink daisy on the back of the cuff.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1085-c19f1-p1180666.jpgA pair of pink and purple hiking socks. I'm actually lying on my back off camera, holding my crossed feet up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0e82-11c2e-p1180697.jpgMy legs in too-small grey leggings with pink flat seams. I'm standing on my left leg and holding my right leg out.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0230e-d6233-whattowearinsvalbard.pngWhat to wear in Svalbard in winter | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcc4b-6d9c3-51787705911_62de040944_k.jpgI'm still in the same outfit but now I'm wearing thick padded black mittens and trying to make the heart hands with them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ddd6-d43e5-51786884072_b8683f686d_k.jpgMe, still in the ski jacket and hat and about ready to collapse from heat exhaustion, holding my hands up to the camera. I'm wearing skin tight black merino liner gloves.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53f13-648d6-51788327229_56ca45b59a_k.jpgMy in my ski jacket, adjusting my gloves. The bit you should be paying attention to is a grey and brown woollen hat in the shape of a Viking helmet. It has no horns but it does have grey ear flaps.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0a82-2c498-51788568650_4f69df7aa1_k.jpgClose-up of my lower legs again, with the trousers rolled up to show white padded snow boots with plain black rubber up to the top of my feet, where they might have got wet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8ed1-f600d-51787955948_d3ff507d46_k.jpgMe in a well-padded but otherwise sleek dark purple ski jacket, the pink ski trousers and my mountain mittens and Viking hat2025-10-04T17:41:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/09/05/svalbard-preparation/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a207-12c84-svalbard-map-4.jpgsvalbard-map-42025-10-04T17:41:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/02/26/i-nearly-died-on-a-dog-sled/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74cec-faa83-dogsledding.jpgDogsledding title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e374e-db73a-dogs5.jpgSled dog Nuna (left) and annoying rowdy chain matehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/881ec-d9253-dogs4.jpgMe with the empty dogsledhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3525-0ff5b-dogs3.jpgPretending to drive the dogsledhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/922be-006c7-dogs2.jpgSled dog puppies (or polar bear cubs?)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dca6b-4c97c-dogs1.jpgDogsledding in Svalbard - meeting Fenris2025-10-04T17:40:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/07/27/how-to-travel-to-svalbard/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8a6d-47a4a-p1060670.jpgSvalbard water bottle & Svalbardbutikken canvas shopping baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54359-41725-2020svalbard.pngHow to travel to Svalbard | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c169-674f8-howtotraveltosvalbard.jpgHow to travel to Svalbard | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67660-2d3b3-24976604446_b221bf1768_k.jpgThe entrance to SvalbardbutikkenThe entrance to Svalbardbutikkenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d71a-ed631-24707603590_6e18275418_k.jpgMe in many layers of warm clothes suitable for Svalbard in winter.Me dressed for the November weather for a dogsledding adventure.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1267e-26d60-24909511851_af8ec94bff_k.jpgAstronomical twilight at about 11am in Longyearbyen in NovemberThis is about 11am in November, I think.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b46fe-89ea6-24976737636_aa3024ff04_k.jpgThe lights of Longyearbyen glowing in the distanceThe lights of Longyearbyen glowing in the distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af820-b9feb-24635414439_3a51f92927_k.jpgMe sitting on a snowmobile.My snowmobiling tourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca005-e4fb2-24375994023_4a957faf83_k.jpgPosing by the "beware of bears sign"We posed with the rifle for pictures with the polar bear sign but we would never be allowed to carry or use it. See my face for how happy I am to be holding a heavy gun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b4cb-dd391-24635504359_cfbece3188_k.jpgSvalbard Hotell roomMy hotel room in Svalbard. Notice how dark it is outside.2025-10-04T17:40:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/11/svalbard-the-polar-bear-story/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1a7eb-d91a5-polarbearstory.pngSvalbard: the polar bear story | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d00d7-ba450-50824337302_f9b28c630f_k.jpgStuffed bear on the baggage carousel at Svalbard airportThis is what tends to happen to bears that stray too close to Longyearbyenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd02f-78443-24884947302_39a1a5031d_k.jpgGjelder hele Svalbard polar bear warning signhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60d3f-d2dec-48847028083_49b5229b8b_k.jpgPolar bear in Perm Zoo2025-10-04T17:40:28+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/11/12/a-spa-day-at-home/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df947-b19ed-spadayhome.pngStaying Home : Home Spa Day | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d2e8-f985f-50555812262_9cf394a0f9_k.jpgHoney I Washed My Hair shampoo barhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6aca9-14ef4-50555639996_3b05ef4ce9_k.jpgBrightside bubble bar making an orange bathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80873-4a78c-50555548106_366e9bd81a_k.jpgAbracadabra bubble bar under the taphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd527-03795-50555595896_1ec16b6dc5_k.jpgLush order on my desk - a bath bomb, face & foot masks, a bubble bar and a conditioner barhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9bc5-75992-50555731127_d544640cef_k.jpgMy Lush order in its boxhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48670-c3fbe-50555718097_540e723879_k.jpgPolar Bear Plunge bubble barhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5f23-f6547-50555547786_04977de6f6_h.jpgFeet with Volcano clay mask hanging over the bathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/667a5-143dc-50550516553_b85df735d2_k.jpgMask of Magnaminty in the bathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8901e-7745b-50551269421_bca9374e78_k.jpgPink bubbly bath with a Marshmallow World bath bomb in it2025-10-04T17:13:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/20/monart-spa-poundbury-a-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/128a0-e4fc0-monart_spa_review.jpgMonart Spa, Poundbury: a review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1b5e-b6eaf-monart_changing_rooms.jpgThe changing rooms. Light-coloured lockers with darker beige-grey insets reach up to about six feet and there's an off-green sofa-thing in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4693-73948-poundbury_royal_pavilion.jpgThe Royal Pavilion in Poundbury, a neoclassical building with a large square tower on the far end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5312-f0ae6-monart_mirror_selfie.jpgA mirror selfie in a soft white robe and towel slippers, in a room with a blue tiled floor and green lamps at intervals, in little dressing tables to dry your hair at.2025-10-04T17:11:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/12/15/went-ice-skating/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9dfba-3e6fc-ice-skating.pngice skating2025-10-04T17:09:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/09/19/i-finished-my-bronze-voyage-award/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21ec7-2ecaa-bronzevoyageaward.jpgI finished my Bronze Voyage Award header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5443e-e90ce-northernlights.jpgNorthern Lights over Tromsohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de892-3ec8b-mondly-progress.pngNorwegian Mondly progresshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6388a-6bd95-duolingo-progress.pngNorwegian Duolingo progress2025-10-04T17:08:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/16/our-chalet-tuesday-the-waterfall-snowtubing/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/894bc-646ff-octues.jpgNew Year at Our Chalet: Tuesday up the mountain | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6f47-1f429-49327082412_74b232f4eb_k.jpgNew Year's Eve fireworks in Adelbodenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15ca4-4848d-49327090577_a5310394c8_k.jpgTable decorations for our New Year's Eve celebrationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9717-cdfe4-49326396463_f1c064b66a_k.jpgChocolate fondue at Our Chalethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5ad1-2df05-49326421383_db7906c937_k.jpgOrange inflatable something up Engstligenalphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce3d6-44986-49326398738_628962d1b1_k.jpgCandlelit silhouette inside the Magic Treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1514e-882bb-49326427118_9ae4c8c077_k.jpgFun in the snow at the top of Engstligenalphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6da32-d9600-49326427413_4793b532ff_k.jpgSelfie up Engstligenalphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e70f8-e62b1-49327127622_9ab670677f_k.jpgComing down the last part of the snowtubing course backwardshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57e8e-dcaea-49326917881_8278b5b8d9_k.jpgCollecting the snowtubes on Engstligenalp2025-10-04T17:07:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/20/our-chalet-lazy-wednesday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4a6b-3ba4c-ocwed.jpgNew Year at Our Chalet: Orienteering & lazy Wednesday | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21f97-2f7a9-49398409617_70a6522026_k.jpgOur Chalet guests posing for a silly photo on the stairsThe rest of the group wanted a "silly" photo for their Our Chalet challenge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8bb75-59e84-49398406407_dd4c641493_b-1.jpgOur Chalet papercutMy papercut was just a bit too big to put in my scrapbook so I folded it and put it across two pages.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/309a7-613ae-49327035182_19c9a552a9_k.jpgCalico cat in the snowThe cat from the Magic Tree hike last night came and joined us for orienteering.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/063bb-b8dc1-49326860601_857f7045bb_k-1.jpgOrienteering in the snow at AdelbodenUp on the snowy ridge behind Our Chalet, looking for Point 6.2025-10-04T17:07:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/23/our-chalet-walking-to-the-woodcarver-on-thursday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af865-808d8-octhurs.jpgNew Year at Our Chalet: Walking to the woodcarver on Thursday | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d42cf-89687-49391791121_33f2080d88_k.jpgOur Chalet Challenge badge, Our Chalet WAGGGS patch, arms of Adelboden badgeMy badges from the week - the Our Chalet Challenge, the Our Chalet WAGGGS badge and the Adelboden armshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/260cc-39c9b-49329167387_dd81a9e0e0_k.jpgOur Chalet as seen from Adelboden villageOur Chalet as seen from Adelboden villagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1aae-51a19-49329174112_c248fad955_k.jpgA lot of signs in AdelbodenA lot of signs in Adelbodenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a392-dfd01-49328480503_8f53a1699a_k.jpgSelfie of putting my nose in the fountain outside Adelboden churchNose in fountain selfie as per scavenger hunthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d4db-b6fbe-49328943036_7527e429ed_k.jpgWAGGGS World Thinking Day 2020 activityOur work from our Thinking Day activitieshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0d42-644c0-49329177497_1d976632f5_k.jpgHot chocolate in Bäckerei HaueterHot chocolate in Bäckerei Haueterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa3ee-57220-49326348388_2932d464fb_k.jpgBare feet in the glacial riverThis was really cold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11867-4738e-49327040887_9c772490aa_k.jpgA picture-perfect lunch spot in the mountainsA picture-perfect lunch spot in the mountainshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee94f-7ea88-49326513253_e46370805a_k.jpgSelfie at the Welcome to Our Chalet signSelfie at the Welcome to Our Chalet sign2025-10-04T17:07:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/30/the-our-chalet-challenge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e8db-6e42e-occhallenge.jpgNew Year at Our Chalet: Completing the Our Chalet Challenge badge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc7e8-a86a0-49398406407_dd4c641493_b.jpgOur Chalet Challenge: Switzerland - Traditional Swiss papercuttinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/817df-72a2b-49328462033_9c41274a1b_k.jpgOur Chalet Challenge: WAGGGS - the WAGGGS roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7504-ed7a7-49326348388_2932d464fb_k-1.jpgOur Chalet Challenge: Physical - my feet in the riverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0dbbf-5b3c8-49326875291_d4cea0c532_k.jpgOur Chalet Challenge: Physical - hike to the Magic Treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52ed6-0a146-49326461583_35c4608590_k.jpgOur Chalet Challenge: Physical - walk to Engstligen Falls2025-10-04T17:07:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/08/happy-international-womens-day/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cba2-d41a7-49515422532_a82f3b5e70_k.jpgWinter camp 2020https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c27a4-b327a-p1120357.jpgClay mini-me in leader uniformhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3cb12-d303a-49709280153_21c9cda9df_k.jpgArchery sessionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98883-7a0e6-p1120353.jpgMe in my Guide leader uniform this morninghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ada50-98fcb-iwd.pngHappy International Women's Day | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T17:06:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/30/wellies-wristbands-2021-at-home/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6793f-d90fb-wellies2021athome.pngWellies & Wristbands 2021 at home | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51b6e-9f9d4-51412713763_d66eaa4599_k.jpgThe skateboard ziplinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9eee4-52777-51412735058_de10e99ff3_k.jpgWearing my Jungle VIP and Zip Line Hero completist stickershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c82e-da4eb-51412475481_c83491870f_k.jpgSelfie in a nethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57fb1-88a35-51412739983_e9f6602a8b_k.jpgThe hanging X-step obstaclehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eea4f-c7830-51411733632_c05a6c59f4_k.jpgNet climb obstaclehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2bf0-3f16a-51413460630_b0983ce1a9_k.jpgGo Ape fishermans traphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6bd0-930f9-51411706892_23d2a4ee18_k.jpgBlue Go Ape paper bracelet (and my Wellies friendship bracelet)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59859-3851b-51413438845_2b32e9318a_k.jpgNight cafe chips by the firehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c836-fa1cd-51412720928_8d469a6888_k.jpgCampfire in the firepit2025-10-04T17:06:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/13/a-day-in-the-lauterbrunnen-valley/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa83b-316a7-lauterbrunnen.pngA day in the Lauterbrunnen Valey | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08324-b8407-35432282290_a0b82277fb_k.jpgWalking through Murren. It's a pretty Alpine village, all traditional chalets and flowers but it's narrow and the pavement has rails to keep you from falling into gardens on a slightly lower tier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6609-69b68-35432307150_6201b4ab6e_k.jpgOn the way down the cable car to Birg. You can see that I'm behind a glass window. The view is of those craggy mountains and we're sailing over the glacial desolate bit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2e6c-4d260-35432342750_88d3fbc548_k.jpgA panorama with the skyline walk to the left and a desolate grey and green mountain scene to the right. Behind, you can make out one of the lakes at Interlaken.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0836-af748-35432359940_c2c082c733_k.jpgMe, posing in a shiny orange bobsled, pointing a fake gun and looking very happy about it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fea73-e7908-35432348530_fc0986b2bf_k.jpgA selfie with Bond. I've taken off my blue sunglasses. Bond is a kind of thick acrylic cardboard cut-out, pointing a gun off into the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8e0b-8c66b-35780437156_bf15152ec6_k.jpgView from the top - a panorama of grey craggy snow-topped mountains on the other side of the valley with that grey and green scree glacial landscape on this side of the valley. Not that the perspective lets you know that there's a chasm between the foreground and the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd273-dd767-35780395286_399c5c4e33_k.jpgThis is my favourite picture because it makes me look like I've climbed the mountain. I've added huge square blue mirrored sunglasses - please ignore them, I don't wear them anymore. I'm standing on the top of the mountain and as there's nothing human-built behind me and I'm wearing a fairly large backpack, I look like a mountaineer.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94d0b-0f10b-35432414360_ffd2cf72ae_k.jpgA view from the top station down to the Birg station. In between is a lot of steep scree and thin grass clinging to the slopes. There's a footpath just visible to the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cab2d-bfb14-35651693052_6100eb5fc1_k.jpgDistrusting face selfie in the cable car. I'm wearing the same as earlier except now you can see my navy fleece. There are a lot of people wedged into a dangling box behind me.2025-10-04T17:06:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/10/switzerland-2014-my-day-off-in-neuchatel-and-yverdon-les-bains/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd32a-02a3d-neuchatel-yverdon.pngSwitzerland 2014: my day off in Neuchatel and Yverdon-les-Bains | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e89b-f5a79-38053015204_bc21d3d760_k.jpgMe on a pedalo on Lake Neuchatel in 2006 with the city visible behind me. I'm wearing a red vest and blue-tinted sunglasses and although it's sunny, there are dark clouds threatening a storm over the city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5991d-ddb04-38737894672_5217718ade_k.jpgA blurry picture of Peedee, me, Peedee's mum and Jemma at the lakeside bar on our last night in Neuchatel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f46ed-f1271-p1180706.jpgA postcard of Neuchatel Castle in winter at dusk. It has lots of turrets and spires and several of its windows are glowing.A postcard from my student days of Neuchatel Castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5ff2-12bc0-p1180704.jpgThe big imposing yellow sandstone Neuchatel post office with the port in the foreground, full of boats and swans. It is a photo of a postcard I bought in 2006.This is a postcard I used to have on my wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25cd9-76980-35779954126_682457c109_k.jpgThe train to Yverdon arriving in the station at Neuchatel. It's a gleaming white tilting train with a red nose.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3793-33e15-34980229084_3041781ff9_k.jpgThe funicular between Neuchatel university and the station. It's a red two-carriage funicular behind glass doors.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4d5b-1d63d-35651230932_3e3ea270e0_k.jpgA little furniture shop in Neuchatel that used to be Athena's used bookshop.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc54e-2950e-34980240684_3245397983_k.jpgInside the red church. It has red pillars and ceiling vaulting with white ceiling panels, dark brown pews and the yellow glow of lots of lamps.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6f2e-27c9c-38769344891_49913cab96_k-1.jpgThe view from my student room in 2005. In the foreground are rooftops, the background is the lake along the horizon with a small rainbow arcing down onto it and in the middle, most prominent, is a church with a grey roof and a red tower.2025-10-04T17:05:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/14/switzerland-2014-reichenbach-falls-a-boat-trip-on-brienzersee/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e349d-9e292-reichenback-brienzersee.pngReichenbach Falls and a boat trip on the Brienzersee | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17fc4-4a435-35865833980_25524c95dd_k.jpgThorolf, the Jack Russell, lying under the table back at the B&B.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02799-87a61-36217785956_14ad035403_k.jpgAn older, more traditional chalet with less decoration but just as many balconies.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecc2a-147cf-36092485892_9dd34e5cb4_k.jpgThe very traditional chalet in Bonigen. It has double steps leading up to its front door and then two balconies above, each elaborately carved and with beautiful unreadable Gothic lettering along it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4dc9b-453e3-36217837206_cc9e603af9_k.jpgApproaching Bonigen from the water. To be honest, it looks a lot like Brienz from the water - traditional village, chalets, blue lake, mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6161c-a14e5-36125496161_a35706e7d2_k.jpgA waterfall falling through the woods straight into the lake. It's probably only accessible by boat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6001b-59e7e-35455630293_ed8c01da83_k.jpgBrienz from the water, a village of traditional chalets, a blue lake and all backed with mountains that have just a hint of cragginess about them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecebe-19d48-36092578292_0f8ea4c370_k.jpgA big red Swiss flag flapping in the breeze with the lake and mountains behind it and a glimpse of the Brienz jetty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85fbd-1a3ed-36125532111_596ce3f640_k.jpgThe boat docked at Brienz. It has two floors and an open back.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1a7d-41bb0-36092640972_c7ef411f64_k.jpgBrienz lakeside, a town of traditional chalets on the bluest, most opaque lake with layers of mountains on the other side of the lake.2025-10-04T17:05:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/07/switzerland-2014-st-beatus-caves-a-boat-trip-and-a-rainstorm/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66f16-3500d-stbeatus.pngSt Beatus Caves, a boat trip and a rainstorm | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7870-530a8-36125013401_69acd8c2bd_k.jpgA thick cloud over the mountains of the Oberland. It's so thick that it fills the valley as well as covers the peaks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b15b5-69893-36125037811_f7a2f5ac83_k.jpgA selfie on the train platform. It's raining so heavily that it all looks like a thick mist. I'm wearing my blue windshirt over my orange t-shirt and I look very damp.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f42e-0d270-36125090161_cc08b25f72_k.jpgThe view of Interlaken from the train as it makes its way up the mountain. Everything is very green but the clouds are getting ominously thick.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/903a9-a0a8c-36125129761_eab007d853_k.jpgThe steam boat chugging up the Aare towards Interlaken Ost. The water is a weird colour - bright but opaque minty green.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e375-aea3d-35426628034_39a20cd1ac_k.jpgThe boat's steam engine, a mass of green-painted, steel and brass pistons and whatnot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ed48-07f60-35454943183_5896a1af63_k.jpgA view across the lake from the boat. You can see the boat's wave sweeping down the side. The sky is pretty blue behind some clouds but it's quite dark on the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64094-ad5c6-36217583886_73487c05da_k.jpgA selfie by the lake while I wait for the boat. I'm wearing my orange Our Chalet t-shirt with my red, white & blue striped international neckerchief and my hair is in its usual two plaits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0f2a-90f04-35455391743_3307044238_k.jpgLake Thun and the mountains on its south side as seen from outside St Beatus Caves on the north shore.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81182-d5469-35865765580_e2e23f4324_k.jpgA round-ceilinged grotto within the cave, filled with stals. It's reflected pretty well in the puddle in the bottom.2025-10-04T17:05:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/10/switzerland-2014-our-chalet-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/switzerland_2014_our_chalet.jpgSwitzerland 2014: Our Chalet | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/our_chalet_at_sunset.jpgThe main chalet at sunset in the snow during the New Year Break 2019-2020. The entire photo is tinted pink by the spectacular sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/steps_group_photo.jpgThe group lined up on the stone steps out the back of the Main Chalet - we're all in uniform and yet between leader uniform and Trefoil uniform, we're all wearing something totally different.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/our_chalet_grounds.jpgThe view out the back of the Spycher, with the edge of the big chalet on the right and a smaller chalet across the garden.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dining_room_fireplace.jpgA massive and obviously-used open fireplace, with wooden candles carved from actual branches and a big copper cauldron hanging from a wooden arm over where the fire would be.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/spycher_badge_board.jpgA large pin board on a pine-panelled board completely covered in badgeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pinning_ceremony_group_photo.jpgOur group gathered around the flagpole after the Pinning Ceremony. Behind us is Adelboden spread around the rolling green hills and in front of us is a small table with a log on it. In the log are flags representing all staff and visitors at Our Chalet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sign_selfie.jpgA selfie at the sign at the entrance to Our Chalet. The sign is huge and it has a sloping chalet-style roof over it. It's not the best picture of me though.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/view_from_the_wood_carver.jpgAn idyllic Swiss view from right outside the wood carver's shop - rolling green foothills vanishing into the non-idyllic very low clouds.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/neckerchief_with_wooden_things.jpegMy red international neckerchief with blue and white borders, lying on my desk with a small carved wooden Trefoil-shaped badge lying on it. The neckerchief has a wooden woggle like an overgrown bead threaded onto it. Both have my name burned into them.2025-10-04T17:03:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/15/my-second-season-as-a-kayaking-instructor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be450-b85a2-inside_the_boat_room.jpgInside the boat room. On the right are kayaks stacked in yellow racking. On the left are canoes hanging from the rafters.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32b3a-d6f5d-boathouse_keys.jpgMy boathouse keys, artfully arranged on a towel so you can't see the actual shape of any of them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9abec-08857-guides_in_kayaks.jpgA group of Guides in kayaks, silhouetted against the sky so even I can't identify them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/610a6-fada6-choppy_weather.jpgA red kayak plunging through some small but forceful waves.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9a38-a8dc7-sunset_over_the_water.jpgA low sun silhouetting the town beyond and reflecting on the patch of sea we use.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8aa90-ee76f-my_second_season_as_a_kayaking_instructor.jpgMy second season as a kayaking instructor | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T17:03:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/22/girlguiding-2023-24-a-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1dbd0-378e4-girlguiding_23_24_a_review.jpegGirlguiding 2023-24: a review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b062c-01745-pax_lodge.jpegPax Lodge, WAGGGS London World Centre, a long white three-storey building with a rainbow-painted path leading across the garden.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0728a-8206d-campfire_team-1.jpgThe campfire team at GLOW, all in navy polo shirts, with the Deputy Chief Guide at one end and the Region Chief Commissioner at the other.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/597a6-eff9d-archery.jpegA green-edged "Adventure Leader" badge balanced on an arrow shot into a target. There are two other arrows sticking out of the target.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d9f1-50dc1-trefoil_selfie.jpegMe in Trefoil mode - blue "uniform" jacket, red t-shirt and red neckerchief with gold border, sitting outside Portsmouth Guildhall during the AGM in June.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efeb4-06649-boat_club.jpgThe nose of a blue kayak on the seat. In front are various boats moored and the silhouettes of some of our boat club girls or perhaps the leaders - you can't tell but I've smudged the heads anyway just to make sure.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c45b7-5264a-creme_egg_bumblebee.jpegA Brownie (with interest badges from before her time) holding out her hand to reveal a creme egg covered in fondant icing to look like a bumblebee. You can't see anything above the shoulders or much except that she's in a brown uniform covered in badges.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de2f4-97ce6-brownie_badges.jpegA green Unit Meeting Activity card with badges piled on it - a little pile of Brownies Have Adventures theme awards, Aviation interest badges, Explore stage 2 Skills Builder badges, a Brownie Bronze Award and little net bag containing a new girl's Promise badge, Six badge and unit name tape.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01225-b9b9a-megamind_me.jpegA photo of a Ranger's phone with a photo of me on the screen. The photo is taken from just above and in front of my head and I'm hideously distorted like a cartoon villain. No direct digital contact with under-16s, hence taking the photo of the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6dcc2-3b76e-campfire_in_a_tin.jpegA small campfire, burning nothing more than punk and kindling, in a metal biscuit tin.2025-10-04T17:03:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/07/switzerland-2014-anitas-bb/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/switzerland_2014_anitas_bnb.jpgSwitzerland 2014: Anita's B&B | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/grindelwald_station_by_night.jpgGrindelwald in the evening. The town looks dark but it's not really - the sky is still quite light but the mountains surrounding the town block out a lot of the light. The photo is on the station platform with a navy and yellow train standing there on my left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/torolf_enjoying_the_view.jpgTorolf the Jack Russell leaning out of the big wooden windows and enjoying the view down the valley, where mountain after mountain comes down from both sides, getting barer and bluer into the distance while the foreground is lush and green.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/room_for_four.jpgA room for four - an Austrian double (two single mattresses and duvets on a double base) under a wooden half-upstairs with two mattresses laid over the glass floor. Great room for parents and kids; not so much for four unrelated adults.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dining_room.jpgThe dining room, a large room with a low wooden ceiling and wood-panelled walls, dominated by a long table, set with pretty plates. There's a microwave and a breakfast buffet table laid out at the other end and shelves full of interesting knick-knacks everywhere.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/anitas_bnb.jpgAnita's B&B, a large chalet with outbuildings, set on the lowest green slopes of a very rocky mountainside, broken up by clumps of dark green pines.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/torolf_playing_with_the_water.jpgA Jack Russell leaping into the air after a handful of water that looks like it's bubbling in slow-motion.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/getting_in_the_minibus.jpgA large silver Mercedes minibus parked in a car park while people in international neckerchiefs mill around.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/our_chalet_group_photo.jpgA group photo on the back steps of Our Chalet. We're all wearing variants of either adult leader or Trefoil Guild uniform, so we're all in shades of blue, white and red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/the_original_chalet.jpgA small hill rising up from the road with a few chalets dotted on it and an almost invisible light rail line running about halfway up it. Our chalet is the on towards the left, not facing the camera, directly above the corner of the concrete car parking bay.2025-10-04T17:02:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/17/what-happens-at-intops-international-opportunities-adult-selection/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/the_conservatory.jpgThe Conservatory - a floor with dark brown flagstones, solid wooden walls, beams supporting a slightly pitched ceiling and floor-to-ceiling glass walls along one side. Behind the window at the end of the room is the ground source heat pump for the nerds.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/scout_leaders_campfire.jpgThe Scout leaders' enormous campfire, featuring a literal chunk of tree and flames stretching up about eight feet into the air.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/leaders_cooking.jpgFour leaders in uniform (two with their name cards on their backs, as required!) crowding around the big oven. Three of them have their backs to the camera, the fourth has enough face showing that I've scribbled it out with a big pinkish splodge - everyone gave photo permission but that was for official channels, not someone's blog.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cryptic_challenge.jpgThe cryptic challenge, a sheet of paper with a map of the campsite. I've scribbled out the answers in bright yellow in case this is used for future events.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/felt_campfire_and_positive_affirmations.jpgA felt campfire on a table next to a piece of paper with my name in the middle and positive comments all around it in different coloured pens and different handwriting.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/intops_selfie.jpgA selfie in the hallway. I'm wearing my Guide uniform with my badge tab and my red Trefoil Guild promise badge over it, my camp neckerchief (black and white gingham fastened with a bright orange and yellow paracord woggle) and two lime green lanyards, one forwards and one backwards, although the backwards one is loose enough that it's not actually around my throat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/what_happens_at_intops_adult_selection.jpgWhat happens at INTOPS (International Opportunities) adult selection? | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T17:02:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/21/brownie-leader-reacts-to-the-new-girlguiding-interest-badges/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/new_badge_selection.pngA selection of the new badges, showing a variety both by section and by theme.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brownie_leader_reacts_to_the_new_girlguiding_interest_badges.jpgBrownie leader reacts to the new Girlguiding interest badges | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/old_badges.jpgMy camp blanket, folded to show as many Girlguiding programme badges as possible.2025-10-04T17:01:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/02/25/9414/2025-10-04T16:54:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/02/12/a-volunteers-perspective-on-a-large-scale-adventure-weekend/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c686-dd24a-sparkle18.jpgTeaching archery at a large-scale event title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87f49-6b70e-foxlease063a.jpg.gallery.jpgArchers archingPicture from dailyecho.co.ukhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aef96-a23ec-14523059_10154148976248742_8728621951114201262_n.jpgMy archery training grouphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/843c7-4a8d2-27540020_10100688497699731_5815138069362838365_n.jpgMy arrows!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f6f6-063a0-16386905_10213088956285505_559882613730275750_n.jpgSparkle 20172025-10-04T16:54:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/11/sparkle-ice-was-sparkly-and-icy/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0592-dc5e0-sparkle19.jpgSparkle & Ice was sparkly & icy | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T16:54:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/11/sparkle-ice-2021-the-at-home-version/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e85d0-07c2a-p1120144.jpgMy Sparkle & Ice 2021 programmehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e9a3-656b2-sparkle21.pngSparkle & Ice 2021: the at-home version | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39adf-523a8-50926750892_78b9cfef30_k.jpgPolar bear-scented bath with lots of bubbleshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f9fc-83828-50926623741_e31b810464_k.jpgNo, it's not an appetising-looking hot chocolatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c0d9-8a2ca-50926727862_a11eb6870b_k.jpgSleeping bag selfie at 10pmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4240-53e33-50926623786_453c0df5db_k.jpgSparklers for my closing ceremonyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1533f-59c16-p1120143.jpgFinished bead craftshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8cbb-c04ce-50925939328_a037c779bd_k.jpgA bowl of spirali pastahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87589-f18b7-50926731332_00bc1ef478_k.jpgFinished snowflake!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e76ed-9b2b2-50926624001_d013ffff30_k.jpgStarting to knot2025-10-04T16:54:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/01/sparkle-ice-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/765bc-30664-sparkle_22.pngSparkle & Ice 2022: the warmest Sparkle ever! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea5f0-74237-sparkle_badges.jpgSix badges on a blue tartan fleece blanket. Wellies & Wristbands 2020 is white with a purple border and a blue slash saying "the one where we all stayed home". Sparkle & Ice 2022 is white with an icicle border at the top and a bar with the dates at the bottom and green, purple and bright blue panels with icons on them. Below is a purple hexagon Skills Builder (Feel Good Stage 2) and three round badges with 13, 14 and 15 on them with dramatic drop shadows. 13 has an orange border, 14 a red one and 15 teal.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dab12-57dc3-sparkle_campsite.jpgA green field filled with relatively small tents. To the right, colourful bunting marks off a walkway and you can't see another lot of tents on the other side of it. The field is backed with trees. The grass is fairly long and lovely and green at this early stage.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78cf9-d2267-shared_room_in_house.jpgOur shared room: twin beds with white hotel-style bedding with bags and camp blankets dumped on them. It's lighter than this photo looks, less grey and noisy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8d0d-1a4a2-feet_in_swamp.jpgMy feet in green wellies, up above my ankles in a puddle in the grass. It's not a very big puddle but it's deep and you wouldn't want to find it under your tent.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/080bb-6ec68-volunteer_selfie.jpgA selfie in the chillout zone against a beige wall. I'm wearing a fleece hat in a cow-pattern, complete with cow ears, a dark red zip hoodie over a white hoodie and a fluorescent jacket over the lot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88dd4-28b70-craft_room.jpgThe craft room, a room with a slightly rounded ceiling and deep blue floor, with several long tables laid along its width and plastic chairs. On the tables are various crafts in bright colours. No Guides because there were no Guides and because it's not appropriate to take photos of them for your blog even if there were.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b73d-d90e8-saturday_morning_blue_sky.jpgA mackerel-cloud sky over the main house and front lawn on Saturday morning.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02a70-22bab-car_parking_night.jpgCar parking by night - a gravel car park with trees around the edges. One tree is spectacularly lit by a yellow light right behind it. There aren't many cars in it yet because this is Friday night before most people arrived.2025-10-04T16:54:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/16/winter-camping-tips-for-sparkle-ice/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0472-e9d24-winter_camping_tips.jpgWinter camping tips (for Sparkle & Ice) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efd84-79414-bedding_and_sleeping_bag.jpgA long hot water bottle in a furry grey cover, lying on a green sleeping bag, lying on a wide blue Sleeping Pod.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e958a-53c35-smores.jpgA pink melted marshmallow sandwiched between two chocolate biscuits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76514-a9fab-hat_in_tent.jpghat_in_tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36915-6ee79-sparkle_and_ice_by_night.jpgTents in a field surrounded by trees by the light of the full moon. Two dark semi-silhouetted figures can be seen, my Rangers going to their tent.2025-10-04T16:53:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/08/sparkle-ice-2023/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8deef-0ea52-sparkle_and_ice_2023.jpgSparkle & Ice 2023: the biggest one | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9f3d-e43b9-tent_selfie.jpgA selfie in the dark by torchlight inside the tent, literally just my face in the blackness.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4887c-d8584-sparkling_tent_fabric.jpgGreen tent fabric sparkling with the frost on it on Saturday evening.This is sparkling icy tent fabric.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67de7-80f01-sparkle_closing_fireworks.jpgRed fireworks spraying up from outside the main house.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59ee4-fc3bf-around_the_campfire.jpgA blurry picture of people in the dark standing around a campfire. Actually, the campfire is a firepit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a65be-d2253-drop_in_archery.jpgThe archery range and the tiny figures of various Guides & Rangers either holding bows or waiting their turn. It's seen from outside the safety line so it's a bit of a distance away.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c4dc-cf5a4-campsite_by_day.jpgA campsite under a vivid blue sky. Most of the tents are shades of blue or grey, matching either the sky or the green grass. In reality, it's freezing cold.2025-10-04T16:53:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/06/08/the-guide-camp-kitlist-part-one-the-plate-bag/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e766-0ea90-what_is_a_plate_bag.jpgThe Guide Camp Kit List: What is a plate bag? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bedf3-249c3-p1210835.jpgA knife, fork and two sizes of spoon lying in the grass. Their handles are wrapped in stripes of orange and white clay. To be honest, they're 15-odd years old and the clay is a bit battered.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/699d6-27d50-p1210836.jpgMy plates, bowls and cups laid out so you can see how many different patterns, shapes and sizes they are.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0fa7-9f873-p1210833.jpgTwo melamine plates, bowls and tumblers, an enamel mug and a cutlery set with orange and white striped polymer clay handles, all lying on the grass in the sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/541ec-faf14-p1210839.jpgMy plate bag laid out flat and empty. It's just a rectangle of fabric with a string run through a channel at the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5f39-3af7f-p1210832.jpgMy plate bag: a drawstring fabric bag lying in the grass. This one happens to be bright pink.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61c0f-d6862-platebag3.jpgplatebag3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ec41-c65ba-platebag2.jpgplatebag22025-10-04T16:52:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/06/09/the-guide-camp-kitlist-part-two-camp-blanket/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca2f3-4370b-what_is_a_camp_blanket.jpgThe Guide Camp Kit List: What is a camp blanket? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7390d-0a98a-how_i_sew_badges_on.jpgAn example of how I sew badges on, using a Think Resilient badge with a blue border as an example. I didn't have the right shade of blue thread so it's sewn on with lots of small neat very pale blue stitches around the edge, like lots of spokes of a cartwheel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd90d-30084-non_guiding_badges.jpgPart of my non-guiding badge collection on my grey blanket. At the top are three rows of small round Rebel badges. Underneath is a line of cathedrals and at the bottom are some swimming badges and some "life continued in 2020" badges.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d378c-27979-camp_blanket_button.jpgClose-up of the front of my blanket, with various Pax Lodge, Brownies and SWE badges visible. It's wrapped around my shoulders and held together at the front by a big red button through a wonky buttonhole. I've also got a length of red, white & blue friendship bracelet hanging there which I could use to wrap around the button instead of using the hole.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8fd9-5c711-my_new_camp_blanket.jpgMy new camp blanket, a grey fleece blanket with bright blue edging. This one has a lot of badges in the top-left corner and along the bottom, with a handful in the top-right. Most of the middle is pretty bare at the moment.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5e978-54fd0-my_old_camp_blanket.jpgMy first camp blanket, a red tartan blanket hardly visible under literally hundreds of patch badges sewn all over it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11098-2018d-old_camp_blanket.jpgMy first camp blanket, a red tartan blanket hardly visible under literally hundreds of patch badges sewn all over it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3aa4-6119f-blanket1.jpgblanket1https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11ae7-efa1e-blanket2.jpgblanket22025-10-04T16:52:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/07/01/the-guide-camp-kit-list-part-three-the-bedding-roll/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/616f0-410c8-bedding_roll_with_harness.jpgThe same bedding roll but now tied up using a harness of rainbow-coloured webbing, which wraps twice around its width and once around its length. It's hanging from a shoulder strap clipped to the sides.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab5ab-d4897-what_is_a_bedding_roll.jpgThe Guide Camp Kit List: What is a bedding roll? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9de82-f52bd-bedding_roll.jpgA bedding roll rolled up in a black groundsheet and red cord, lying in the damp grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb3b8-01793-carrying_my_bedding_roll.jpgMy hand and arm holding my bedding roll upside down by the knot. My foot is also visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3823-81587-top_of_bedding_roll.jpgA bedding roll made of a black groundsheet and tied with red cord. Its ends are neatly folded up and the knot is on the bottom today.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5dcf4-04ce5-bedding_roll_folded_up.jpgThe bedding roll folded into thirds so the blanket and sleeping bag are entirely contained inside the groundsheet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1c11-260cd-bedding_roll_unrolled.jpgMy bedding roll laid out in the grass, unrolled. At the bottom is the groundsheet, then the camp blanket folded in half, with the sleeping bag laid out on top, its ends folded up so it fits within the space of the groundsheet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af8f0-e03ea-camp_bedding.jpgA pile of black groundsheet, red badge-covered blanket, sleeping bag in its stuffsack and handful of red cord lying in the grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e4a3-c88ec-beddingroll3.jpgbeddingroll3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee852-15159-beddingroll2.jpgbeddingroll22025-10-04T16:52:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/04/27/meet-my-camp-blanket/2025-10-04T16:51:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/05/27/eurocamping-as-an-adult/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/eurocamping_as_an_adult.jpgEurocamping as an adult | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf677-804f6-eurocamp.jpgeurocamphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/660b9-470c6-eurocamp16.jpgeurocamp16https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3138e-8a199-eurocamp15.jpgeurocamp15https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/280ed-d8dc4-eurocamp14.jpgeurocamp14https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1b21-fc12f-eurocamp13.jpgeurocamp13https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1087f-85cc5-eurocamp12.jpgeurocamp12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1da8-9a1d3-eurocamp11.jpgeurocamp11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30334-7237c-eurocamp10.jpgeurocamp10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/feaa0-6dffc-eurocamp9.jpgeurocamp92025-10-04T16:51:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/07/22/alice-in-wonderland-camp/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed94b-d8378-alice-camp.jpgalice camphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c96ca-f2017-camp5.jpgAlice camp - five or ten minutes before the Trangia caught firehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6fa6-eb3f3-camp4.jpgAlice camp - climbinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62081-f2da3-camp3.jpgAlice camp - panorama of our campsitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98857-fa93f-camp2.jpgAlice camp - marqueehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5490f-f418d-camp1.jpgAlice camp - badges2025-10-04T16:51:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/10/17/the-best-campsites-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e55ab-d5d19-icelandcamping.jpgCamping in Iceland header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5230-8befc-campakranes.jpgCamping at Akraneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8503-94172-camphverinn.jpgCamping at Hverinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3500-1ae5b-campselfoss.jpgCamping at Selfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39927-08bfd-campegilstadir.jpgCamping at Egilsstaðirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b1fe-67832-camplaugarvatn.jpgCamping at Laugarvatnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43ceb-1011c-campfossatun.jpgCamping at Fossatunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a170e-5314b-campbjarg.jpgCamping at Bjarg, Myvatnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6ae6-6202b-camplandmannalaugar.jpgCamping at Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7fce-196f7-campskaftafell.jpgCamping at Skaftafell2025-10-04T16:50:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/06/10-things-you-should-know-before-taking-guides-to-camp/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f34b-ddc1f-camptips.png10 Things Guide Leaders Should Know Before Camp2025-10-04T16:50:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/07/the-a-z-of-iceland-camping/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a20f0-d4257-camping.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: Camping | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d48f7-9a544-36786990364_2d42b5060d_k.jpgGreenhouse camping in west Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecfe0-78cd2-33379528236_310336ada1_k.jpgHotpot at Fossatunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/240d3-9f509-33034886364_667600f802_k.jpgCamping at Skaftafellhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57479-0fb96-33749815101_a922ae55f1_k.jpgCamping on rocky ground at Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d166a-5767c-33034885364_59533e0f0e_k.jpgCamping in Iceland2025-10-04T16:50:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/01/the-guide-camp-kit-list/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f122-c3dac-what_to_pack_for_camp.jpgThe Guide Camp Kit List: What to pack for camp | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97e88-58bbc-guidecampkitlist.pngThe Guide Camp Kit List | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T16:50:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/04/camping-in-north-devon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a870b-197b1-camping.jpgWeekends Away: Camping in North Devon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b321-62df6-48075455907_c92a424fa7_k.jpgA noisy magpie in a treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e30e6-284e3-48075485232_d9c1edc42e_k.jpgThe muddy lane from the farm to the villagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d460d-851fb-48075344121_be6d89bcf5_k.jpgFairylights in the spare toilet blockhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34b71-fa38b-48075422768_742a29ca15_k.jpgThe Shippon, washing and washing-up blockhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f154c-2a00b-48075432418_92e300961c_k.jpgHand-raised orphan sheep in the shedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25889-3e31b-48075397466_7f28501b0b_k.jpgMy tent at the campsite in Devon2025-10-04T16:50:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/15/the-camping-kit-list-my-washing-up-bag/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f864-03376-washingupbag.jpgThe camping kit list: my overengineered washing-up bag2025-10-04T16:49:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/10/14/my-first-brownie-camp/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ea02-65cf2-browniecamp.jpgMy first Brownie camp (and why we're never doing it again) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5e01d-5d19b-70864673_10100853514709321_3325371728779018240_n.jpgBig roaring campfire built in teepee style, a little higher than I think is stablePretty good campfire for a bit of singinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/721b3-28663-70585054_10100853513312121_7459169784291131392_n.jpgTwo Brownies who are so high up the climbing tower that I can only identify them because I remember who's wearing the grey jumper and who's wearing the pinkThis one's ok as well. I know who they are but only because I can see grey and pink and I know who was wearing those on Saturdayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79823-9b69d-70652911_10214377224880866_6703086434447785984_n.jpgA Brownie even I can't identify, wearing her uniform hoodie backwards as a blindfold, crawls out of a tunnel during the Night Line activityThere won't be many photos on this post but I figure this one's ok because even I can't identify which child is crawling out of the tunnel during Night Line2025-10-04T16:49:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/02/20/sparkle-ice-2020-camping-in-storm-ciara/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/649cd-a33a0-sparkle20.jpgSparkle & Ice 2020: Camping in Storm Ciara | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a371-787c5-49514681878_39308cddf6_k.jpgThe Ranger leader tent after being battered by Storm Ciara all nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a732-f0ce4-49514686008_1dec36ce8f_k.jpgSparkle & Ice campfire under the full moonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/962c8-0a760-49515423447_11e12e06d4_k.jpgCamp crafts - a corrugated card owlhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40c0f-35859-49514689383_456191ba13_k.jpgUndercooked smores and a reddish hand from the firehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c705c-694c5-49515425532_d5c1d6a8de_k.jpgRiding the barrel trainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48f02-329aa-49514687573_7da907a067_k.jpgPixie working on the padlocks in the escape roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1563-c4352-49514689978_5a4ba07a85_k.jpgBushcraft - firelighting with cotton wool and steelshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de949-faf18-49515198876_f0d49c0d34_k.jpgBushcraft - our attempt at shelter buildinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77867-004c0-49515199996_99cd871643_k.jpgThe Ranger leader tent storm lashed for Storm Ciara2025-10-04T16:49:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/30/stay-at-home-storytelling-camping-at-home/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/355d2-4e0a0-gardencamp.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: Camping in the garden | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9dd4-969e2-49760169678_3a03650e71_k.jpgSelfie in my sleeping baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0230-d5cd0-49761017472_fbf2dc3d1e_k.jpgA troll in the process of being whittledhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c7ef-c79c4-49816915618_a5c3bc047d_b.jpgSitting out in the sun in the morninghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1341-7c795-49817757892_5af71384ac_b.jpgLying on my camp blankets in the porch of my tent.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98cae-85fe0-49760178858_4f3efcc556_k-1.jpgCooking pasta on my camping stovehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2088-d618f-49760724631_b0c1a6fc5f_k.jpgPlanting lettuceshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23753-abaaa-49760731821_0a09cf3efe_k.jpgMy tent pitched in the garden.2025-10-04T16:48:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/05/18/stay-at-home-storytelling-my-camp-kitchen/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e991a-e5c27-campkitchen.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: My camping kitchen | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57f9b-0c361-p1040217.jpgHiGear cookset in its storage baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9547c-9f99d-p1040214.jpgVango cookset folded up into its storage baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99975-205f7-p1040221.jpgContents of my washing-up baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47cc2-c12c2-p1040210.jpgMy camp kitchen tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b204-37119-p1040219.jpgContents of my camp plate baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c114d-1ad70-p1040218.jpgCollapsible silicone colanderhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86e43-0fa93-p1040220.jpgOpinel No.7 kniveshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4710c-08e02-p1040213.jpgVango aluminium cooksethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9effe-56b9c-p1040216.jpgHiGear one person cookset2025-10-04T16:47:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/11/16/how-to-survive-camping-in-winter/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51d87-df6fc-wintercamptips.png10 tips for surviving camping in winter | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81032-aa9de-49515422532_a82f3b5e70_k.jpgRangers going off to bed at winter camphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/757bd-24611-49515200901_bfc6808088_k.jpgTent storm set during Storm CiaraStorm sethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2dab-61188-49514689328_9e9c31925c_b.jpgSelfie in the tent before bedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab939-6af06-48313598042_582673dcd3_k.jpgSmashed plastic tent windowSmashed right open2025-10-04T16:47:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/15/how-to-plan-your-own-camp-at-home/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82115-49bb5-50926625666_1298565147_k-1.jpgCooking marshmallows over a candlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53dd5-5fbd2-49761030842_d4e2558258_k-1.jpgCooking in the garden during my camp at homehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01b91-f3176-49760703801_5d8b480562_k.jpgCamping in the garden last Easterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41d8c-df897-50925915758_effb8ccf48_k-1.jpg50925915758_effb8ccf48_k (1)2025-10-04T16:47:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/19/how-to-buy-a-tent/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f2fe-e2817-howtobuyatent.pngCamping for beginners: how to buy a tent | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a7de-8e3d6-33034886364_667600f802_k.jpgLittle yellow one man tentMy little yellow one man tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8d00-07740-p1060596.jpgDome tent with multiple compartmentsDome tent with multiple compartments (excuse the flooding; it's the best picture I can find of the tent)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36a72-7a32b-dscf0808.jpgSix man dome tent with large porchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3929-46b85-p1120706.jpgMy two man tunnel tentTunnel tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a9ab-d1e48-49761030842_d4e2558258_k-2.jpgCooking outside on a gas stovehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91fe3-9ccc1-51123572310_0b30339f73_k.jpgTents pitched in outdoors shop2025-10-04T16:47:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/22/how-to-pitch-a-tent/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/846f9-33adb-pitchatent.pngCamping for Beginners: how to pitch a tent | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c985f-e3b19-p1120716.jpgMaking myself at home in my tentMaking myself at home in my tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7ae8-90bed-p1120715.jpgPorch groundsheet hooked into placePorch groundsheet hooked into placehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f59a4-3d4cb-p1120711.jpgTent inner hung up from the back of the outerTent inner hung up from the back of the outerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e33bf-32c6f-p1120704.jpgRear corner of tent pegged downRear corner of tent pegged downhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb6f9-acf9d-p1120706-1.jpgEntire tent outer up.Entire tent outer up. Note the directions of the guy ropeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67c6b-12c21-p1120703.jpgTent body up with front guysTent body up with front guyshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2562-b52ea-p1120694.jpgHammering the peg in correctlyHammering the peg in correctlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61db9-035e7-p1120689.jpgMeasuring the right place to put in the pegMeasuring the right place to put in the peghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ebc5e-fe67a-p1120685.jpgTent pole in corresponding sleeve and hooked up2025-10-04T16:46:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/26/how-to-repair-a-tent/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f918c-f267f-p1120731.jpgTape patch cut for a small tearhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac7db-4d290-p1120729.jpgTent window/sail repair tapehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8615d-a341d-repairatent.pngCamping for Beginners: how to repair a tent | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0a20-9e726-p1120674.jpgTying off the last poleTying off the last polehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36d2b-a2dae-p1120672.jpgThreading the elastic directly through the polesThreading the elastic directly through the poleshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4066e-ed9e7-p1120669.jpgElastic taped to the threading wireI don't think taping it like this works for any diameter of pole but especially not for my little oneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16d8e-9a047-p1120678.jpgElastic hooked on the end of the pole threaderElastic hooked on the end of the pole threaderhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1175-50d7e-p1120670.jpgPole laid out with elastic being measured alongsidePole laid out with elastic being measured alongsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e8eb-089d6-p1120666.jpgCutting the new pole with an oversized hacksawCutting the new pole with an oversized hacksawhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0d78-55675-p1120665.jpgMeasuring the new pole against the old poleMeasuring the new pole against the old split one2025-10-04T16:46:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/06/camping-for-beginners-camp-cooking/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3b8d-ccb54-campcooking.pngCamping for Beginners: Camp cooking | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5b23d-7ed34-51133857148_5e05560627_k.jpgMy backpacking camping gas stovehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/900c9-479a4-p1120734.jpgMy camping plate baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7993d-7c2ec-p1120735.jpgAll my camp cooking kitchen equipmenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af040-203f5-camp-331.jpgCooking eggy breadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1939-90fa5-camp-176.jpgEvening campfirehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8776f-99b6a-camp-010.jpgCooking on double gas burnershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/107c3-8dcf0-camp-251.jpgCooking on a barbecuehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17301-7d920-camp-305.jpgCooking on a Trangiahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bcfa2-229e7-51123572300_d0453cd0b9_k.jpgTrangia - not put togetherThis one hasn't been put together properly2025-10-04T16:46:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/28/a-peaceful-weekend-on-brownsea-island/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47139-10796-brownseaweekend.pngA peaceful weekend on Brownsea Island | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29adf-a93c7-51267384661_a13ec9901e_k.jpgSitting on the beach in golden sandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67f39-f1805-51258458905_0ae817b21d_k.jpgCalming Cambridge woods walkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79602-126b1-51256631767_f4ee146a21_k.jpgSunset over Arne from Brownsea Islandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dbe05-ce488-51258158199_91ec393ec8_k.jpgBrownsea Island's pinewoodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0e7b-a87c3-51257417116_d2e965e7b5_k.jpgLooking through the trees towards Poole Quayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12e34-fca9e-51257354791_172117d3b9_k.jpgViews from the campsite across Furzey Island and Purbeckhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0edf-1e75c-51257532638_6849f3441e_k.jpgMe with my luggagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0426e-23392-51257583438_93c6af9eea_k.jpgParty boats moored off Brownseahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0dcc9-2dfc7-51257379161_b1a504c24a_k.jpgDeer on the Horse Field2025-10-04T16:46:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/08/camping-for-beginners-camping-essentials/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cda05-975ba-campingessentials.pngCamping for Beginners: Camping Essentials | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T16:45:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/19/how-to-camp-and-hike-solo/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33dad-2090b-campandhikesolo.pngHow to camp and hike solo | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6df5f-633eb-37238745370_008612d5ee_k.jpgMy campervan on the site where I met the man washing his cookwareMy campervan on the site where I met the man washing his cookwarehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66225-6a373-p1090163.jpgCamping on a small site in the ChilternsCamping on a small site in the Chilternshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70749-cf96e-28322883787_3c31a893bc_k.jpgIn the car on day two of the Laugavegur TrailIn the car on day two of the Laugavegur Trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a3a2-e97ae-49760703411_eaaccc4213_k.jpgCamping in the gardenCamping in the gardenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85dfd-dbcb4-50372589043_640eceed91_k.jpgA Dartmoor training weekendA Dartmoor training weekendhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e82de-d1c61-kent-grou.jpgMy caving club after a dark wet hike in Wales in 2003I have this picture on my windowsill in front of me to this day. It's my caving club after a dark wet hike in Wales in 2003https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c156-a9394-51146654829_2f18758d73_k.jpgMy first solo hike, a steep cliff hill west of Durdle DoorMy first solo hike (or at least the first I remember)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d99e3-f96ea-33749814671_1a6f8f62b1_k.jpgCamping at Landmannalaugar in 2013Camping at Landmannalaugar in 2013https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b2b4-366ea-51281632930_8620791c3f_k.jpgMe in my hot tub, thinking about writing this blog post on my phone in its waterproof caseMe in my hot tub, thinking about writing this blog post on my phone in its waterproof case2025-10-04T16:45:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/22/a-walk-along-the-princetown-branch-railway/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d607c-ef3c5-princetownbranch.pngA gentle Princetown branch railway walk | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a1c1-53436-51314792701_6aa2f719be_k.jpgThe view south from Ingra TorThe view south from Ingra Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c9ac-10a29-51315517079_5b1c46063c_k.jpgThe old railway bridgeThe old railway bridgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa79f-29a62-51314779606_f71eb007a5_k.jpgAn ice lolly for the last climbAn ice lolly for the last climbhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64bd0-7335f-51314993568_da7cacd0ae_k.jpgSelfie on the old railway bridgeSelfie on the old railway bridgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b9fc-75828-51314780086_831f013102_k.jpgLooking across to Leeden TorLooking across to Leeden Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/718a8-ed411-51315508904_f30db6c394_k.jpgTired feet having a restTired feet having a resthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/085c3-69e00-51315509409_a562e98946_k.jpgA school group abseiling in Foggintor QuarriesA school group abseiling in Foggintor Quarrieshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d625-ea80c-51314781406_3fcafb44fa_k.jpgYellowmeade Farm enclosures with King's Tor in the distanceYellowmeade Farm enclosures with King's Tor in the distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83010-20027-51314989498_1cf1feef30_k.jpgPonies (& foals!) beside the road on DartmoorPonies (& foals!) beside the road on Dartmoor2025-10-04T16:45:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/29/tree-camping-5-things-i-did-differently/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a32c6-0826c-5things.pngTree camping: 5 things I did differently | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/686b1-475b5-p1150616.jpgMy camp bed - an inadequate sleeping bag liner and pillowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae444-4f702-p1150544.jpgKarabiners holding my luggage up the side of my tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d20c-da1d8-p1150614.jpgBug spray in front of my sea viewshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ca1d-4df9f-51330983992_35e0b64d05_k.jpgLying in the tent with the sides pegged uphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3132e-4faec-51331708341_f51c9c091f_k.jpgMy packing cube washbag hanging from a hook by a new loop I sewed onto it2025-10-04T16:44:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/05/camp-kit-haul/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2cef-56b7a-p1160076.jpgMe prancing around in a very thin, very light but very soft and fluffy blue travel towelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b31a3-3997c-campkithaul.jpgCamp kit haul (summer 2021) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e05d4-cdfd5-p1160030.jpgMy new tent sideways onhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21591-1089d-p1150985.jpgMy neighbours' more elaborate camp kitchen setuphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d167-22d68-p1160003.jpgMy camp kettle perched on my stovehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56558-c617c-p1160006.jpgMy camp kitchen/washing up standhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00876-ddc3a-p1150992.jpgSelfie outside my new 4-man tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4c4f-657f1-p1160009.jpgCollapsing camp cupboard with my bits & pieces on tophttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e71fe-f2e61-p1150998.jpgTiny little 4l coolboxhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4cf39-f559c-p1160017.jpgWater carrier in the grass, about a third full of water2025-10-04T16:44:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/12/how-to-camp-in-hot-weather/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f61b6-b260b-howtocampinhotweather.pngHow to camp in hot weather | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/691ed-e217a-p1150997.jpgMy one-person sized coolboxhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2eac5-2e39f-49761034047_fcd4d226f4_k.jpgMy gas stove & cannisterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f824-21225-33749396431_04e51619d7_k-1.jpgTent under a blazing morning sunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fdfe1-29b8b-p1160017-1.jpgMy water carrierhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93e0f-8ff6d-p1160009-1.jpgMy cupboard full of foodhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2262-02485-51330983992_35e0b64d05_k-1.jpgLying in my tree tentIt did not stay this warm overnight.2025-10-04T16:44:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/16/why-go-camping/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2c5f-ebeb7-p1100290.jpgCamping in North Devonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20ae4-18870-whycamp.pngWhy go camping? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95c62-64b94-p1150944.jpgSelfie at Tintagel during my camping triphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bf49-1bddd-33722031252_e5861c9161_3k.jpgCamping at Skaftafellhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6be74-5fdd9-51376581572_a400d7085c_k.jpgCampfire at duskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7bce0-f2d37-51257346081_efeceb7472_k.jpgSocial distanced tree campinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92205-6e0b9-43142305222_592c5e928f_k.jpgTent hole overlooking the huts at Alftavatnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc133-09b51-51278373301_01c2e9c57f_k-1.jpgEnjoying the great outdoors and the cow fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eacb6-db77d-p1150992-1.jpgMe posing with my new 4-man tent2025-10-04T16:44:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/19/fire-safety-while-camping/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2287d-ec3b0-campingfiresafety.pngCamping fire safety | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe1a8-3fb8f-49760707151_ae2a64ac6c_k.jpgCooking on the gas stove outsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17075-e13d2-p1150878.jpgThe abandoned campfire2025-10-04T16:44:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/23/oaktree-lane-dartmoor-campsite-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8011e-db997-oaktreelane.pngOaktree Lane: camping review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7de30-e7000-51377506766_0e8657b58c_k.jpgFarm views from my tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82b45-c05af-p1160025.jpgThe glampers' kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c96f8-50acb-p1160030-1.jpgTwo tents in the camping areahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4590-1cfbd-51378350835_201bc03183_k.jpgThe fairy-lit path down from the camping field to the bathroom blockhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42acb-4b308-51378243244_e8d98134c0_k.jpgMy private bathroomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48470-59db6-51378513235_bbc2ea48ab_k.jpgOak Tree Lane's bathroom blockhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/490ef-adc6f-51378508450_21be162305_k.jpgThe sheep on the camping fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45751-da48f-p1160019.jpgOak Tree Lane's campfire circlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/895f1-7ee4c-p1160027.jpgThe cabins on the other side of the field2025-10-04T16:43:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/25/camping-at-rspb-arne-the-big-wild-sleepout/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e523-476e3-bigwildsleepout.pngThe Big Wild Sleepout | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f5ce-6b3e6-52238523228_ed810db749_k.jpgLeaving the campsite - an assortment of tents in different shapes, sizes and colours, in a dry yellow field, being dismantled.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4aaf8-705f5-52237562997_0ca4ea7ac6_k.jpgA wooden signpost in the pine forest pointing to "BWSO 2022". The sign in painted black. The big arrow and the words are in red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/944a3-38b39-52238800524_49f3efd1f0_k.jpgCurlew and an egret, a tall white heron-like bird up to its knees in the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32ea6-34b42-52238805069_1d2b6a65f3_k.jpgSeabirds in the shallow water - nothing more exciting than gulls and Canada geese, I think.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d871-f0652-52238518801_b9b4e2a056_k.jpgBlurry sika deer in the distance, grazing on the edge of a grassy meadow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecc09-32109-52238807359_d8fe23c990_k.jpgA selfie in a blue sleeping bag in the tent in the dark. I'm holding my headtorch under my face to light from beneath so I look scary like we did in junior school. It doesn't work. I look ludicrous, not scary.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8536-8af60-52238531453_aabc7369fc_k.jpgA "campfire" made of strings of fairy lights threaded around a kind of wooden tripod structure in the dark.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1659-2b8d1-52239013805_f04a4a16c1_k.jpgA very blurry wasp spider - a black and yellow striped spider, quite large, in a web suspended between tall grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b642-a8cb9-52237548152_80dac4b2db_k.jpgAn entire flock of curlew wading in shallow muddy water.2025-10-04T16:43:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/18/i-may-not-ever-go-camping-again/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d57ef-a4f9e-nevercampagain.pngI may never go camping again | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86b76-ee229-33000452740_bba2fb7a8f_k.jpgClose-up of the edge of my little yellow tent showing its orange guyline and an Icelandic tag on it showing that I've paid to camp here. You can see some more campsite and a hint of tents behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0776-48749-33749814671_1a6f8f62b1_k.jpgMy little yellow tent at Landmannalaugar, weighed down with rocks, with lots of other tents scattered around and the whole scene watched over by mountains, a lava field and a hint of steam leftover from an eruption 500 years ago.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d6d9-2d712-51377580743_8449607c3a_k.jpgMy big green 4-man tent standing alone in a grassy field with a hedge running along the back.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b355-f04ef-52123455832_ce5dadadb9_k-2.jpgMe in a colourful flowery short dress, standing under a blue tarp with my camp blanket and edge of my green tent visible.Ok, so I did once pose on a campsite in a short foofy dress.2025-10-04T16:42:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/12/i-went-to-camp-wildfire/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02d2e-f2ed0-campwildfire.pngI went to Camp Wildfire! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2a12-baebd-52352840569_4cc2712753_k.jpgA paper sign stuck to the door of the portable toilets which appeared on Sunday morning. They read "Please respect the toilet. Flush after each use!".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3e21-e244a-52343017325_d90fb7e3e6_k.jpgA green diamond-shaped Camp Wildfire badge followed by five round badges with coloured borders, icon representing the activity and the name of the activity. Underneath is my cream and purple festival wristband.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd320-e7160-52342896554_6484eb6ecf_k.jpgTim FitzHigham on stage in the geodesic auditorium tent. He is wearing a green jumper, blue shorts and brown trainers. The lighting in the tent is very green. I'm sitting on the floor near the front, stage right, although as I'm taking the photo, you can't see me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3a26-922cf-52342790803_0f47580b88_k.jpgLots of tents in various shapes, sizes and colours squashed together in a field. The sky is still blue but the field is noticeably getting dark.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60a39-d4408-52341590932_4559cd5e72_k.jpgA selfie on Friday night. I'm wearing a kind of knitted black witch's hat, a red t-shirt, a neckerchief in turquoise with bright pink and purple borders - oh, and a blue-green sequin bomber jacket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f2da-e6907-52342793263_c3b0c43118_k.jpgFriday evening parade - lots of people walking through the woods but the focus is on the Hawks Patrol Leader in the foreground with her back to the camera. She is wearing a navy blue shirt covered in badges, her old Brownie sash is sewn onto the shirt and she's wearing a collar of feathers to represent Hawk wings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3646-120b9-52342927279_7e9a3565b4_4k.jpgAerial silks, yoga and hoops hanging from a frame. There are various campers attached to the whole thing and it's all set in a pine wood.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0864c-7246c-52342980855_0940bf0d7e_k.jpgCampers in sequins and jeans gathered around the Patrol Games arena on Friday evening to watch the welcome.2025-10-04T16:42:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/26/what-were-the-campsites-in-iceland-like/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46766-30757-whatwerethecampsiteslike.pngWhat were the campsites in Iceland like? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7406e-bd955-37501120451_c28a7cb761_k.jpgThe van part of the campsite on a quiet day in wet September 2017. There are vans in various bays and the buildings are just visible behind.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c815-1f4c5-52309577591_e5d7bd34fd_k.jpgThe hot tubs in the morning. Two blue hot tubs set in a wooden deck surrounded by a low fence and trees which hide it from the campsite.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b4b7-92d9c-52326689045_f67420d69b_k.jpgA blue hot tub with the cover folded back. It's dark and a line of fairy lights hanging on the fence just about illuminate the tub.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3b0e-24351-52326564333_4befacae3f_k.jpgA panoramic photo of tents gathered around a round depression full of murky green water. There is a line of trees to the left separating the campsite from whatever's behind it. My tent is the little yellow one on the left on its own.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8cf5-ac7eb-52309309794_fb9cfb331b_k.jpgThe communal room. It's full of tables, chairs and leather sofas. The far wall is glass and behind it is a greenhouse, which is actually the other half of the building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f65c0-8d1d3-37238745370_008612d5ee_k.jpgMy campervan in 2017 parked in a field. There is a line of small trees separating the field into camping fields and a low mountain behind that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e76d8-abf55-37465717542_41a11cdf1a_k.jpgThe old, lesser-used toilet block in 2017, a small white building with a red roof and a washing up sink outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c63c5-3ff19-52309308869_0baa71a08b_k.jpgThe kitchen facilities in the communal room. My sleeping bag is laid out on a table to dry in the foreground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21275-86c47-52310092104_0b413faf42_k.jpgMy little yellow tent pitched inside a long wide polytunnel with metal ribs. It's grassy inside and there's a wooden door just visible at the far end.2025-10-04T16:42:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/29/can-camping-heal-the-soul/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42461-3a549-can_camping_heal_the_soul.jpgCan camping heal the soul? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2dd95-3f113-maiden_castle_selfie.jpgA selfie at Maiden Castle with a yellow bucket hat hiding my disgusting hair. I'm wearing an orange-brown t-shirt dress and sunglasses and holding the camera up high.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e010-f4237-goats_in_field.jpgA field of white and brown goats, half hidden in the long yellowish grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c679b-56eb4-campsite_facilities.jpgThe campsite facilities - three temporary/portable containers. The washing-up area and showers are white and the toilet block is green and raised up on wheels.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e77fb-fe6cd-campsite_from_gate.jpgThe campsite as seen from the gate - a plain green field with tents down two sides. The sky is very white.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e5e7-c082d-my_tent_and_tarp.jpgA large green tent with an open front. Attached to it is a blue tarp. It's just a little dark although what little you can see of the sky is still white.2025-10-04T16:41:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/07/organising-a-ranger-camp/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f406-42bb2-organising_a_ranger_camp.jpgOrganising a Ranger camp | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd7a8-c8090-ranger_camp_resources.jpgA pile of Ranger camp resources, including the Going Away With books, some UMA cards and some Have Adventures Skills Builder cards.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecda3-2f1e3-natural_art.jpgNatural art mostly using sticks and leaves, apparently depicting a campsite, campers and a campfire.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2209-3ea73-archery_gold.jpgAn arrow right in the centre of the gold in an archery target.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26eb0-369e1-pancakes.jpgA beautiful pancake in a pan over a gas stove outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3785c-ea01d-camp_oven.jpgA cardboard box, lined with foil, sitting on top of a disposable barbecue with smoke billowing from the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a21e-a56ef-rifle_shooting.jpgThe rifle range, a long room viewed from behind a table separated by upright wooden batons. My Rangers - blurred but with their backs to the camera anyway - are collecting their targets.I thought this one was ok since they're far away and facing away (and I've blurred them just to be sure).2025-10-04T16:41:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/21/what-i-did-at-camp-wildfire/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5424-adc88-what_i_did_at_camp_wildfire.jpgWhat I did at Camp Wildfire | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0b01-22613-sanctuary.jpgThe Sanctuary - an area of hot tubs, saunas and wine in the forest.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aadeb-a23bb-patrol_point_selfie.jpgA proud selfie holding up my patrol point on the campsite. The sky seems to get cut off, possibly by this being the first photo of the film roll.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd0eb-a7411-looking_through_the_tree.jpglooking_through_the_treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c13cb-4344c-hot_air_balloon.jpgA photo of a hot air balloon, mostly silhouetted against a pale orange sunset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86cb4-8bf48-tree_selfie.jpgA selfie taken up a tree. Again, the camera doesn't like the shadows under the tree but you can see my white helmet, my arm holding the cowstail (support rope) and my green bracelet and wristband.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/044c0-0c9d3-space_science.jpgSpace science teacher and pupil kneeling in the grass, making a rocket out of a 20l water cooler bottle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf6da-415ed-triumph_after_trapeze.jpgMe after my trapeze jump, arms up in triumph, wearing a harness-belt very high up. Much more comfortable than an actual harness.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cb3c-21620-flying_trapeze_landing.jpgMe in the middle of flying trapeze, about a metre off the net, taken from a distance. My legs are stuck out in front and my arms are up as if I haven't noticed I'm not holding the bar anymore.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dadf1-775c5-me_in_aerial_silks.jpgme_in_aerial_silks2025-10-04T16:41:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/02/iceland-campsites-review-summer-2023-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eaadd-61c07-iceland_campsites_reviews_summer_2023.jpgIceland campsites review (summer 2023 edition) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae1a7-c4a3a-my_tent_at_vik.jpgMy tent, on the edge of the campsite in Vik, with the hotel very visible behind. In the foreground is my left hand, with gorgeous blue nails, holding up a brown Rebel Advanced Camper badge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48172-362cd-vik_shopping_centre.jpgThe shopping centre across the road, a white building with a big glass door, next to a grey building that looks, in a way, a bit more temporary.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba43d-39f70-vik_facilities.jpgA long low dark brown building in front of a gravel patch. Behind it is a grassy mountain with a craggy top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4387b-34ac1-vik_campsite.jpgLooking across Vik campsite in the afternoon before it filled up with thousands of big white vans. There is a kind of earth wall around it and a hotel immediately behind.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cec3-91696-skaftafell_camping_tags.jpgTwo almost identical camping tags on my guy ropes, with the Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður logo and 3-4/8 in blue pen on both. One is from 2023, the other is from 2016 but neither have a year on them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c73ff-9a620-my_tent_at_skaftafell_2013.jpgMy little yellow tent at Skaftafell in 2013 - the grass is much greener and although the sky is paler, it's still plain blue. Much the same view as in 2023.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61345-3ec03-skaftafell_view.jpgThe view across the campsite to the service building and the vast glacier behind that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3985d-a7f6a-egilsstadir_campsite_2015.jpgMy tent and grey VW on the main field in 2015, with a basalt cliff along the back of the campsite.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36eb6-285e7-my_tent_at_egilsstadir.jpgThe edge of my tent in the small field at Egilsstaðir, with another, slightly larger, yellow tent pitched next to me and another tent beyond that.2025-10-04T16:41:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/09/the-camping-kit-i-use-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61391-9eb1c-camping_kit_i_use_in_iceland.jpgThe camping kit I use in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8786b-c997f-inflating_my_mat.jpgMe, blowing up my so-called self-inflating mat. The corners of my orange t-shirt poking out around the green mat clash quite badly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c486-75db1-mat_in_tent.jpgThe green mat laid out in the yellow tent. You can see that it occupies pretty much all the floorspace.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9870d-8cebc-tent_porch.jpgThe porch of my tent, pitched on a campsite in Iceland, with my boots, guidebook and mug under the cover of the porch fold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc248-619f8-back_of_tent.jpgThe back of the tent, showing how small the whole thing is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cac0c-db314-open_tent_with_sleeping_bag.jpgThe tent with its inner sleeping compartment open so you can see the length of the sleeping bag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3af29-dd436-sleeping_bag_in_tent.jpgMy green sleeping bag folded over in the tiny tent so you can see the bright yellow lining.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6550b-af3ad-holding_up_my_heliumn_3.8.jpgA selfie holding up a green self-inflating mat. At the top, you can make out a grid pattern within the mat which becomes more of a stripe further down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d21a0-070c7-inside_the_tent.jpgInside the tent. It has a black floor but the inner is white and it's glowing yellow through the yellow outer in the sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc36c-fafe6-blacks_octane_1.jpgA one-man yellow tent with a long pole over the top. It's glowing in the November sun.2025-10-04T16:41:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/02/a-horse-invaded-my-tent-camping-in-the-new-forest/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecd5c-6ca52-camping_in_the_new_forest.jpgA horse invaded my tent: camping in the New Forest | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bda17-66083-bull_and_calf.jpgA black bull and its dark grey half-grown calf walking across the campsite to join the cow and the other calf.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23db3-2989a-campsite_pond.jpgThe campsite pond. There are some other campers sitting on a bench on the other side of it, trees in the background etc.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5296b-58ff3-campsite_road.jpgA campsite road with a thick tall hedge on one side, a smaller hedge on the other and caravans visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e34b5-e5fe9-the_forest_at_the_campsite.jpgA dip in the landscape, slightly boggy, with lots of trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3731c-4dbd7-cow_in_the_hedge_behind_my_tent.jpgA black cow in the thick hedge immediately behind my tent.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f142-6f879-horses_grazing.jpgSeveral horses grazing on one of the more open parts of the campsite, minding their own business.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdeb1-9351e-horses_on_the_campsite.jpgThree brown horses grazing on the short grass on the campsite. You can see a caravan in the background between the trees. I was too preoccupied to take photos of the moment one of them tried to come into the tent.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2e60-8c31b-raf_beaulieu_map.jpgA copy of hand-drawn maps of the old RAF living site and of nearby Beaulieu airfield, with exquisite writing telling you the history of the two places.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1be7a-c193a-raincoat_selfie_by_the_pond.jpgSelfie standing by a pond that doesn't have a single ripple marring its perfect reflection of the sky above. I'm wearing a bright blue waterproof jacket with a protective flap underneath the half-zip, which I've left undone.2025-10-04T16:40:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/03/camping-on-brownsea-island-again/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5f6f-a761d-camping_on_brownsea_island_again.jpgCamping on Brownsea Island (again) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8dc0-b1073-brownsea_west_beach.jpgA narrow beach backed by pine trees, part golden sand, part stone and part broken pottery. The sea is calm and blue, reflecting the dimming early evening sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbfb7-016d5-tent_feet_view.jpgMy feet, sticking out of the tent door. Beyond are pine trees and beyond them, a glimpse of the sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/722e8-b5c73-woodland_selfie.jpgMe, in a bright pink t-shirt and wearing the Brownsea neckerchief, which is pale blue with dark green and purple borders on either side, sitting on a fallen tree in woodland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9eb26-481bd-beaver_explore_badge.jpgMy Beaver Explore badge leaflet held up against a tree. There are tick boxes for various trees in the top corner and the oak one is ticked.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8320-1d110-sunset_silhouette.jpgA selfie, almost silhouetted against a pink and orange sky which is reflecting pure orange off the sea behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/587b6-939c6-distant_storm.jpgA thick cloud over the land on the horizon, a thick band of rain falling from it visible even from here. In the foreground are ferns and a rough path strewn with the remains of rhododendron roots.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca43f-460af-path_through_the_trees.jpgA wide yellowy-orange gravel path through trees and undergrowth.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec0a7-12301-brownsea_tree_tent.jpgA triangular tent on a trampoline-like platform suspended between three trees, with its black waterproof cover folded back and its inner rolled up to show the empty interior.2025-10-04T16:40:28+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/01/campfire-singing-for-8-hours-at-glow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32d52-d9967-campfire_singing_at_glow.jpgCampfire singing for 8 hours at GLOW | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2764e-15f04-53812550499_a7a5ff00b5_k.jpgToasting a large white marshmallow on a stick over the embers at the end of the day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1e9e-6c89b-53812217116_c6f9687177_k.jpgMy collection of blanket badges from GLOW, laid out on my grey (very bobbly) fleece camp blanket before I sew them on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1de3c-79ef7-53812654705_5f79543eaa_h.jpgScreenshot from Region's Instagram story showing the campfire team's GLOW-themed friendship bracelets.Yellow arrow is pointing to my arm in that picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c138-a5c1f-small_neat_campfire.jpgA small neat fire in the middle of the campfire circle, a little pile of short unburnt wood with orange flames dancing above it all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d690c-f86da-campfire_team.jpgThe campfire team, all in navy blue uniforms, with the deputy chief guide in grey to the left and the region chief commissioner to the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f97f0-bea21-moved_tents.jpgA cluster of tents and gazebos in a very green field under a very blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f6db-b8562-breakfast_cat.jpgMe in my Guide uniform in a marquee wearing sunglasses at 7am. I'm sitting at a wooden picnic table and a ginger cat standing on the table is snuggling up against me.2025-10-04T16:40:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/15/my-latest-camping-disaster/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/my_latest_camping_disaster.jpgMy latest camping disaster | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/the_bowl.jpgMy view on the other side, a bowl-shaped hill. You can't see pitch 10 down in the bottom of the bowl from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/looking_down_the_campsite.jpgLooking down the campsite towards the farmyard. It's a field that runs flat and then slopes down quite swiftly. You can see a van parked at the far end of the field - it is on pitch 4.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/smaller_pond.jpgThe smaller pond, which is deep in the woods. The water has a slightly oily blue sheen but is very clear and clean-looking.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/selfie_at_the_ponds.jpgA timer selfie on the jetty sticking out into the bigger of the ponds. The sky is very deep blue and the field and wood behind the pond is very bright green.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/reading_outside_the_tent.jpgMe, in a green t-shirt and yellow bucket hat, lying on a groundsheet outside my tent, reading.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/lights_inside_the_tent.jpgMy camping lights strung up inside the tent, leading to the illuminated disc on top of my cupboard. The photo is quite green-tinted because the tent is green. The reality was a lot more yellowy-white.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tent_pitched.jpgThe tent pitched on my own little pitch. You can see behind that the ridge drops away and immediately rises up again and the hill behind is covered in trees. The tent itself looks fine from this angle, its missing pole at the back not visible from here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/inside_the_tent.jpgInside my tent. I have a folding cupboard set up with a washing up bowl and headtorch on top of it, a tiny camping table and a folding chair next to a box of food, all my other stuff is in two floppy buckets opposite and the bedroom, which is definitely the wrong shape, has my bedding laid out in it.2025-10-04T16:39:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/09/guide-camp-was-type-2-fun/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/back_to_basics_guide_camp_was_definitely_type_2_fun.jpgBack to Basics Guide camp was definitely type 2 fun | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/billy_on_fire.jpgA billy, a lightweight aluminium cooking pot with a wire handle and matching lid, sitting on a grid over a fire. The pot is full of water and later it'll cook pasta.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sunday_morning_selfie.jpgA selfie on Sunday morning, with blue sky behind me and a pink tint on my face from the low morning sun. The ground has dried out a lot behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/toasting_marshmallows.jpgThree marshmallows being toasted over the campfire, which has some extra logs added so the Guides can have flames, even though that's not the best way to cook a marshmallow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/inside_the_shelter.jpgThe inside of the shelter later in the evening, lit only by my camp lights strung around the ceiling. It's not an ideal hideaway but it was better than being outside in that rain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/campfire_take_one.jpgThe first campfire, a lovely little column of orange fire rising from a "wigwam" of sticks - I favour Jenga for woodburners but wigwams for outdoor fires.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/kebabs_over_embers.jpgFour kebabs, with various combinations of bits of hot dog, orange and yellow peppers, onions and mushrooms, lying neatly on a grid over a fire that's mostly not-very-hot white embers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/curtain_bag_repair.jpgThe big jagged torn hole in the archery bag, now patched and sewn up. It's a really ugly repair and it also makes the rip look a lot better than it actually was - when it's full the entire bottom half of the bag is basically hanging open.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/draining_board.jpgA draining board, lots of short bamboo canes lashed between two broom handles, lashed to four more broom handles which are acting as over-long table legs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/camp_in_the_morning.jpgCamp on Saturday morning, with the leaders' tent nearest the camera and the two Patrol tents opposite. Behind them is a large building housing a pack of Brownies this weekend and behind that, poking out from one of the tents, you can make out a smaller white building. This is our toilet block and washing-up room with the fridge, so enough of a distance to be inconvenient for milk runs.2025-10-04T16:39:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/16/10-things-i-learned-on-brownie-camp/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/11_things_i_learned_on_brownie_camp.jpg11 things I learned on Brownie camp | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/testing_the_boats.jpgA slightly grubby roasting pan full of water, in which a boat made out of lolly sticks is floating. The boat has a mast made from a twig, an orange sail with Moana written down it and the umbrella from the sundae is glued into the outrigger. In the background: a pair of Brownie knees watching her boat sail.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/beach_sundaes.jpgTwo blue bowls containing beach scenes made of blue jelly with sea creature sweets and a beach made of ice cream with crumbled biscuit sand, plus paper cocktail umbrellas.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/proud_qm_with_big_cooker.jpgA proud selfie in front of the industrial oven. You can't see the oven itself, which contains 48 meatballs in a big tin but on the hob are four pans. The two biggest container a kilogram and a half of pasta, the small one in the middle is heating four jars of sauce and the smallish pan with an enormous glass lid contains a serving of special dietary requirement pasta. My t-shirt says Fearless Leader on it but there is definitely some fear in the face of this kitchen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bird_bite.jpgMy hand, with a tiny cut on the inside of the wrist, done by the very sharp beak of an angry entangled crow.2025-10-04T16:39:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/08/30-days-wild/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1299e-63870-30dayswild.jpg#30DaysWild | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0c9d-57744-48226147572_4434139a54_k.jpgDevizes duckpondhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f203-040b7-48226078341_2e28c388e3_k.jpgPaddling in the seahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c624-ce988-48226077016_5de3612975_b.jpgSelfie after an archery sessionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51b87-0a040-48226134207_4908992eaa_k.jpgFirst attempt at a watercolour of the gardenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de343-12332-48226135542_45f1503d78_k.jpgThe cows in the field behind the office2025-10-04T13:48:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/28/happy-70th-birthday-to-dartmoor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c93b1-bacd1-51632038072_60342f7c35_k.jpgWistman's Woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3b8f-5e995-51633511454_7ccb76bf36_k.jpgWistman's Woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21b14-0faf7-50373289506_5fd3495761_k.jpgGrimspoundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da7ce-e96ad-51602697731_ca875ce0fb_k.jpgMerrivale settlement remainshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8dc5-84e3a-51603354189_9ed66c7762_k.jpgStone circle at Merrivalehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4fe5-eb267-51601881477_9cc913011e_k.jpgThe field boundary and more tors in the distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79771-4ffff-51602715936_392d8354bf_k.jpgThe face of someone who's just walked 2km for nothingThe face of someone who's just walked 2km for nothinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7414b-b0623-51603597865_96f58dd3c0_k.jpgPossible cairn and cist in the Merrivale stone rowshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70063-abcae-51601892512_c91a548c80_k.jpgMerrivale stone rowshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/419c7-110e7-51314991503_db5d8048e4_k.jpgMerrivale from King's Tor2025-10-04T13:48:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/05/15/edfringe-2015-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff0f8-8a56c-edfringe6-2.jpgedfringe6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9e34-80b0e-edfringe5-1.jpgedfringe5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0abf3-3e863-edfringe4-1.jpgedfringe4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e16a-d8b5c-edfringe2-1.jpgedfringe22025-10-04T13:47:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/08/01/fringe-101/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dabd1-1359a-julyfinalstats-1.pngJanuary - July 2017 views/visitors graphhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d78f-c8101-fringe.pngfringe2025-10-04T13:46:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/08/19/one-bear-becomes-two-bears/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91468-df85c-otherpeople.pngTravelling with other people title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04e90-e75c2-20840642_10155667695781602_7454425234706938796_n.jpgMe & Tom in a bar in Edinburgh2025-10-04T13:46:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/08/22/edfringe-2017-part-1/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83094-82cb4-edfringe17p2.jpgEdFringe 2017 part 2 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/952ee-9a6b2-edfringe17p1.jpgEdFringe 2017 part 1 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81d99-76f9b-fringep16.jpgEdinburghhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4037-ac07d-fringep14.jpgA centaur on the Royal Milehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94f41-5e761-fringep13.jpgEurohostel Edinburghhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5e6a9-2dfe0-fringep12.jpgThe Gilded Balloon by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc86d-3a2a4-fringep11.jpgCider & buskers in Edinburgh on Thursday evening2025-10-04T13:46:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/08/26/packing-for-edinburgh/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ad44-c07cf-packinged.jpgPacking for Edinburgh title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e31ec-fd03d-packinged6.jpgInside the travel wallet I used in Edinburgh2025-10-04T13:45:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/08/29/edfringe-2017-part-two/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a93c9-d0bfd-edfringe27.jpgMe, Byron & Tom in the pubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72ec8-276af-edfringe26.jpgAt the summit of Arthur's Seat in the windhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10561-6cc79-edfringe25.jpgArthur's Seat from the bottomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/882d8-8e25e-edfringe24.jpgEdinburgh Castle from Candlemaker Rowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b7bd-e34a5-dgokelww0aaqlxl.jpgProphetic Visions of Bethany Lewis posterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c852-376a5-edfringe23.jpgChocolate brownie at City Restauranthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8a41-4a926-edfringe22.jpgBirds of prey in Greyfriars Kirkyardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92c8f-2aef0-edfringe21.jpgMeeting a European Eagle Owl in Greyfriars Kirkyard2025-10-04T13:45:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/09/what-i-saw-at-the-edinburgh-fringe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbc77-4e417-edfringe18reviews.jpgWhat I saw at the Edinburgh Fringe 20182025-10-04T13:45:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/13/a-weekend-in-edinburgh/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a77b-5cd9c-edinburgh.jpgA weekend in Edinburghhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07a95-47601-edfringe182.jpgHolyrood Coffee Shophttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f74f-b2863-edfringe181.jpgPleasance Dome by night2025-10-04T13:44:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/16/my-room-in-edinburgh/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20a8e-ea49d-ed18roomreview.jpgEdFringe Euro Hostel reviewhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/480ce-1de56-p1050459.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4a81-448e9-p1050460.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court common roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2abd7-b1e89-p1050458.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court bathroomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2f0d-945fc-p1050456.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/988e5-be98b-p1050455.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7c7f-69b5c-p1050457.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court Block B Apartment 1 corridorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd456-a638d-p1050461.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court staircasehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01ee9-d7239-p1050463.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh / Kincaid's Court courtyardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0368-59655-p1050464.jpgEuro Hostel Edinburgh/Kincaid's Court from the street2025-10-04T13:44:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/08/15/edfringe-2019-review-lucy-porter-be-prepared/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f115c-f6282-lucyporter.jpgEdFringe 2019 review: Lucy Porter - Be Prepared | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac2a3-b768d-11021237_10100212896433481_6948093700912279984_n.jpgGirlguiding conservation dayThis is me destroying trees in the name of conservation on a local service day while wearing Senior Section uniform so as to not get bits of tree in my adult uniform.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5299c-f3138-img_5183.jpgArchery teaching session with my RangersArchery teacher and also Best Shooter in the Unit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23fb5-11fa6-10408908_254949024709777_8966809271654649939_n.jpgMe in adult Girlguiding uniformCan you even see my woggle? Yeah, I'm wearing one in this photo.2025-10-04T13:43:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/08/19/edfringe-2019-attempt-1-the-catastrophe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47116-6ed81-fringecatastrophe.jpgEdFringe 2019: the one that was a catastrophe | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca418-154d2-premierinn.jpgThe view from my Premier Inn windowThe view from my Premier Inn window2025-10-04T13:43:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/02/edfringe-102-packing-essentials/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1940-25630-fringessentials.jpgEdFringe 2019: 7 packing essentials | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b3d6-976e9-p1100971.jpgFringe essentials: waterproofhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b002e-d9541-p1100974.jpgFringe essentials: the official apphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51701-8dabe-p1100970.jpgFringe essentials: comfortable walking shoeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aaa74-f9100-p1100969.jpgFringe essentials: the Kindle2025-10-04T13:43:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/28/turn-back-time-a-pax-lodge-challenge-through-london/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3cba-246eb-turnbacktime.jpgTurn Back Time: A Pax Lodge Challenge Around London | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43e91-9a879-img_5448.jpgPax Lodge Challenges Around London badgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ed14-2f837-img_5340.jpgThe Gate Clock pub menu, Greenwich2025-10-04T13:41:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/11/09/keeping-busy-the-fastnet-challenge-badge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8945-ff448-50554634428_5316f4fadd_k.jpgSelfie with my Fastnet Challenge badge in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0d5f-703d8-fastnetchallenge.pngKeeping busy: Fastnet Challenge badge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d210-e9f99-p1090159.jpgSelfie in the woods with my Fastnet Challenge badgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41429-9da88-p1090152.jpgFelt shamrock clusterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b66a5-d9d16-50452373336_f1c5fe203e_b-1.jpgPost-swim selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bddf-be15f-50549748278_d259d6ad37_h.jpgPaddling in the sea at Swanage in Octoberhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1df02-c5ebe-50441190881_6a701d0994_k.jpgThe view west from Hambledon Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c235e-a8fff-50452260247_52e4f8d09b_k-1.jpgWith the light at the top of Portland Bill lighthousehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f47e-b4c9c-50451563656_eed6817d9c_k.jpgShipstall Beach on Arnehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16b5b-7f0ea-gopr0106-1.jpgMe out canoeing on the river2025-10-04T13:41:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/25/jurassic-plod-challenge-badge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/217cd-732e8-jurassicplod.pngJurassic Plod challenge badge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7785-e8d60-p1160380.jpgP1160380https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f84c-35b3a-p1160341.jpgA Purbeck Way milestone, a literal piece of limestone marked 2.5 miles to Corfe and half a mile to Knitson. It's on a green hillside. The sky is white with mist.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee22e-1104e-p1160348.jpgCorfe Castle from the western hill. From this angle, the ruined castle seems to be nestled in the middle of the hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b6dc-16f8c-p1160063.jpgA white ammonite fossil outline in a large boulder on the seashore.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8639f-2fea9-p1190529.jpgFive Dorset buttons in a circle. The first is in dark red and very gappy. The others are full. One is dark red, one is light blue with green spokes, one is orange with blue spokes and an orange centre and the last is all light blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa91c-045ce-p1190531.jpgA silk clay pirate in a lumpy hat and stripy top in a sitting position, with my Dorset buttons around his feet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/702ca-96ffc-p1190528.jpgA pastel sketch of a lane in the woods. The sketch is divided into quarters, showing a different season in each quarter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f89cf-a2702-p1190532.jpgTwo smallish dinosaurs made of green felt with buttons for eyes. They're pretty much 2D but standing up thanks to hidden cocktail sticks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/663fd-1a510-51975518883_26bdf2b745_k.jpgA white plate with blue and yellow flowers on it. On the plate are four dark brown chocolate biscuits in the shape of various dinosaurs and a lot of crumbs.2025-10-04T13:41:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/08/15/the-larmer-tree-festival/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27736-ddb87-larmer7.jpglarmer7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/deeab-d3097-larmer6.jpglarmer6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9c8d-d95ae-larmer5.jpglarmer5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77609-f3e86-larmer4.jpglarmer4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63f32-75cf1-larmer3.jpglarmer3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/251b6-b6ccf-larmer2.jpglarmer2Very sorry, I had a bite out of it before I thought of taking a photo of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d35ed-1ecc4-larmer1.jpglarmer12025-10-04T13:40:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/08/29/getting-rained-on-at-the-larmer-tree/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/283c3-25b75-larmertree.jpgGetting rained on at the Larmer Tree Festival | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18d49-f9adb-48328192046_57f1422a81_k.jpgFood bushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac9ca-73c7c-48328242972_da5a45425b_k.jpgRum cocktail van in the Wildshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0fc6-634f8-48328108406_9144a3df7e_k.jpgThe Cat Empire at the Larmer Tree Festivalhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85309-b45ab-48328119061_f8e30d85fb_k.jpgDay of the Dead UV-glowing sheep skullshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8bdfb-163ea-48328138861_eb4dfc7cef_k.jpgFire pit at the Larmer Tree Festivalhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0069-71214-48328267457_810991d8b2_k.jpgLampshades in a tree at the Larmer Tree Festivalhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78ed7-6448a-48328370147_94a7e23748_k.jpgLarmer Tree Festival - Lostwoods2025-10-04T13:40:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/15/what-its-like-working-at-a-festival/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1e04a-e021e-workingatafestival.pngWhat it's like working at a festival | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ca97-4638a-52342587846_defea99771_k.jpgMe and Tom. Tom is much taller than me, wearing a green Scout-style shirt and a yellow Squirrel patrol neckerchief. I'm wearing my yellow crew t-shirt, a turquoise Rebel Badge Club neckerchief with pink and purple borders and we're both giving the thumbs-up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9cf8e-e2721-52342585251_9dc7de4389_k.jpgOne of the group photos, this one featuring me on the left, in yellow t-shirt, holding my megaphone aloft.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb06c-ae52c-52342789963_93c1cce876_k.jpgThe Capture the Flag arena: a patch of pine woodland marked with a yellow pennant with a 64 on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7f95-2cfa4-52341633272_c6ce3ceded_k.jpgMy borrowed tent - a white dome tent with dark teal trimming and a slightly asymmetrical zip. It's going to get a lot more crowded later on in the day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb21c-bb570-52341637947_757c1e97c0_k.jpgMy purple crew wristband. My arm is a bit pink - I've been carrying my stuff back and forth to my tent from my car.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21d44-c08d3-52352840569_4cc2712753_k-1.jpgMe looking very damp in my car, with wet hair and a red t-shirt and sunglasses, my swimming stuff draped over the back seat to dry and my camping stuff just visible below it.2025-10-04T13:40:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/06/19/walking-on-dartmoor-in-the-sun-and-in-the-rain/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b202-58576-27019863013_699a88b09a_z-1.jpg27019863013_699a88b09a_zhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d994-3a446-27019863013_699a88b09a_z-2.jpg27019863013_699a88b09a_zhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5e6f-15955-sunday-1.jpgsundayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9943-97fc6-sunday-2.jpgsundayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8667f-990eb-saturday-1.jpgsaturdayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1068e-2a898-saturday-2.jpgsaturdayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2586-70d2f-dartmoor3.jpgdartmoor3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/059f2-0bc59-dartmoor2-1.jpgdartmoor2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45543-68e14-dartmoor1-1.jpgdartmoor1https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aff5e-7ed3b-ggswe-walking-1.jpgggswe walking2025-10-04T13:39:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/24/i-climbed-the-highest-mountain-on-dartmoor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2df17-f9276-highestdartmoor.jpgHighest point on Dartmoor title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10613-6d522-dartmoor8.jpgCar parked in the distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba984-5bc55-dartmoor7.jpgFording Red-a-ven Brookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a77cd-c0a02-dartmoor6.jpgMe on top of High Willhayshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52859-87438-dartmoor5.jpgMe on top of Yes Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e5be-6be01-dartmoor4.jpgView from halfway up Yes Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/887ee-ab054-dartmoor3.jpgYes Tor from Black Downhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9f65-50d1c-dartmoor2.jpgYes Tor and Okehampton rangehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/441de-6a61f-dartmoor1.jpgCamping on Dartmoor2025-10-04T13:39:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/11/11/bits-fall-off-me-on-dartmoor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f029-7fbd1-dartmoor.jpgDartmoor walking weekend: Bits fall off me on Hameldown | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a027-d08a4-48981584487_7298155e4d_k.jpgWe met a lovely horned strawberry-blonde Highland cow and her equally fluffy calf while crossing a roadWe met a lovely horned strawberry-blonde Highland cow and her equally fluffy calf while crossing a roadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adc7d-ec69c-48981573802_db545ed971_k.jpgA lovely vista of bog and stripy Belted Galloway cattle in the mist with Haytor Rocks rising up behind it allA lovely vista of bog and stripy Belted Galloway cattle in the mist with Haytor Rocks rising up behind it allhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba4e9-ed3a1-48980848268_b5ed199ad1_k.jpgHameldown ridge heading north, with Hameldown Tor just visible on the horizonHameldown ridge heading north, with Hameldown Tor just visible on the horizonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c781-d3fe0-48981575312_15ab980fb9_k.jpgSelfie taken while sheltering from rain and howling wind between two crags on top of Haytor Rocks.Selfie taken while sheltering from rain and howling wind between two crags on top of Haytor Rocks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/450a1-de65a-48981393831_bf954a18dc_k.jpgPublic water bottle refill point on the side of Challacombe Farmhouse, DartmoorPublic water bottle refill point on the side of Challacombe Farmhouse, Dartmoorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7bddf-53b15-48981405896_776b2f21c0_k.jpgGrimspound Bronze Age settlement: the remains of stone houses within a vast stone circleGrimspound Bronze Age settlement: the remains of stone houses within a vast stone circlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/955bc-2e7fc-48981595532_4f31a6e1cd_k.jpgHaytor Rocks from the car park at the bottom. It looks much bigger and more imposing in real lifeHaytor Rocks from the car park at the bottom. It looks much bigger and more imposing in real life2025-10-04T13:38:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/11/20/riding-an-icelandic-horse-2/2025-10-04T13:38:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/09/horse-riding-in-the-rain-iceland-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/151b7-56983-horseridingintherain.pngHorse riding in the rain | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4cba8-074c9-52024624304_39886b36c5_k.jpgSelfie in the stables. I'm wearing a rubbery orange jacket with a huge hood, a GoPro chest mount and a riding helmet with a small peak. I have no idea how these clothes are about to be tested.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89d17-cb0b2-52023336392_5ee791fe3b_k.jpgMe, in an orange rubbery suit, sitting on a dark brown horse in the rain. The corners are black because the lens cover hasn't fully opened.2025-10-04T13:37:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/27/how-to-carve-a-spoon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06e9e-a6905-p1160433.jpgMe, sitting on the grass in the back garden, carving a spoon out of a chunk of wood with my axehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ef5c-8694f-p1160406.jpgWood Tools / Robin Wood carving axehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6854b-3b77e-p1160422.jpgMora 164 crook knifehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1111-a2610-p1160415.jpgMora 511 bushcraft knifehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85e95-feb5f-51519614100_5e65a7826f_k.jpgThe spoon nearly finished - carved but not sanded yetThe spoon nearly finished - carved but not sanded yethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5a8b-8842c-spoon.pngHow to make a spoon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f803-b6bb9-51518920713_815290c732_k.jpgThe spoon rounded off and during the sanding processThe spoon rounded off and during the sanding processhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adaea-b609e-51518935438_037bf70d66_k.jpgThe spoon with its bowl scraped outThe spoon with its bowl scraped outhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56cc7-ab95d-51517898722_4355c28e9d_k.jpgMy spoon now smoothed out a bit with the knifeMy spoon now smoothed out a bit with the knifehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0649-4bb8c-51519417169_f7442fe962_k.jpgMy workbench and toolsMy workbench and tools2025-10-04T13:37:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/10/i-tried-blacksmithing-i-can-do-it/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/887ca-a2cb4-i_tried_blacksmithing.jpgI tried blacksmithing! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00bc6-ff714-finished_bottle_opener.jpgThe complete bottle opener, a chunky piece of steel with a narrowed handle and a nice round head.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57b9f-be1f0-finished_bottle_opener_handle.jpgThe finished bottle opener handle. It's narrowed towards the tip but the edges are thickened and dented with hammer marks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dab1e-340fa-finished_bottle_opener_head.jpgThe finished bottle opener head. It has a nice round wide head, pointed "ears" and a dent where it should catch the bottle top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/defce-5f49a-bottle_opener_before.jpgThe bottle opener before. A rectangle of steel with a rectangular hole punched through the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54212-8e37f-twisted_spiral_keyring.jpgA keyring twisted into a spiral with a spiral rolling the other way to make the loop for the ring. The steel itself is twisted to make a pretty pattern before it's curled up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c659-f42fc-poker_crook.jpgA beautifully curled crook in my steel poker, slightly reddened now, on a background of sage green fleece.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a36ac-681c9-poker_with_fire.jpgMy poker, hammered into a point, held out above the forge which is now a roaring little fire.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/989ea-e1bd7-heating_my_bottle_opener.jpgAn iron bottle opener held in a long pair of tongs and held in the fire in the forge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba6bd-0b20e-lit_coke_forge.jpgA lit coke forge. It's a large tray filled with black rocks and a fire in the middle. There's a back to it and a hood to suck away the fumes. At the front is a tray full of water for dipping your hot tools.2025-10-04T13:37:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/05/11/stay-at-home-storytelling-a-segway-forest-adventure/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30aff-31b19-segway.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: A Segway forest adventure | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T13:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/21/castaway-a-virtual-sleepover/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a094-b7fcb-castawaysleepover.pngCastaway: a virtual sleepover | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/679cc-01229-p119051254.jpgA very detailed sew-on badge featuring palm trees on a desert island with CASTAWAY ADVENTURES as a banner in the sea lapping around the island. To the right is my Brownie mini me. They're on a background of brown, green, blue and yellow foam which I still haven't used to make my own island.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf6c8-f225e-51939513336_d04d402798_h.jpgMy Brownie, with stars over her face again, holding up a newspaper flagpole much taller than her. There's a flag on the top with HELP! in pink letters.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a3f3-493e6-51938526207_be26791ddc_h.jpgMy Brownie got overexcited: eggy bread and also beans and sausages for her virtual sleepover breakfast.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/55902-b9056-51947522248_e7480204ad_k.jpgA Guide mini me on a hand-crafted desert island with unusually thick palm tree. It appears to be balanced right on the edge of a kitchen sink.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5180-cf299-51947450821_e836aba114_h.jpgAn anonymous leader with a face full of stars and long hair cooking a marshmallow over a tealight. The marshmallow is slightly burnt at the end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79940-0fb36-51939830069_8a1486dfba_h.jpgOvercooked pizza burned around the edges, being cut up by an unseen Guide. You can just see a glimpse of blue and red uniform.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f116-3d237-51939834724_3b8767958e_k.jpgA Brownie in her den, with a huge supernova covering her face for anonymity. The den is a pink blanket roof over lots of pink blankets and a girl in Brownie uniform holding her thumb up to the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/003c1-225ba-275615446_10230063728564203_275495356160895201_n-1.jpgA leader mini me, in navy uniform with light brown hair.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aabae-b8504-275615397_10230063730324247_8355276452223742850_n-1.jpgA Guide mini me, in blue and red uniform, with huge eyes and brown hair.2025-10-04T13:35:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/07/03/senior-section-spectacular-at-alton-towers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17654-ff54b-at12-1.jpgat12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86547-fb109-at11-1.jpgat11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9734e-f742b-at10-1.jpgat10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2605f-ba84e-at9-1.jpgat9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d32d6-53ee7-at8-1.jpgat8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/148df-fa908-at7-1.jpgat7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1528c-5e996-at6-1.jpgat6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ffee6-bf20a-at5-1.jpgat5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f0f9-aebc6-at4-1.jpgat4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ad06-a1709-at3-1.jpgat32025-10-04T13:35:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/30/im-writing-a-book-about-baths/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/im_writing_a_book_about_baths.jpgI'm writing a book about baths | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/roman_baths_bath.jpgThe Roman Baths at Bath, a pool of green water surrounded by stone pillars and a walkway around the top above it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/szechenyi_jet_selfie.jpgA selfie under a spraying jet of water at Szechenyi Baths in Budapest. The water is very bright blue and the buildings in the background are very yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/me_at_holuhraun.jpgMe in 2016, wearing a black raincoat over a blue fleece, standing on an expanse of lava that was pretty new at the time, being from the Holuhraun eruption of August 2014 to February 2015. It was a tour with a professional, I didn't just walk out onto fresh lava on my own, I'm not stupid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/crossed_out_chapter.jpgTwo pages from an early draft of A Polar Night's Tale entirely crossed out. Actually, this whole chapter is crossed out.I can't bring myself to actually look at it but this entire chapter has been crossed out like this.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/the_bath_book_provisional_cover.jpgA mockup of The Bath Book's provisional cover, showing a close-up of the front of Tbilisi's Chreli Abano sulphur bath and the title in big white capital letters across it.2025-10-04T13:33:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/12/03/my-day-at-a-fused-glass-christmas-workshop/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1bc7-248ec-fusedglass.pngMy day at a fused glass Christmas workshop | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45381-587e6-50569261946_1fe31d531f_k.jpgFused glass Christmas decorations in the sunYes, I hung them on the washing linehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29011-3098f-50568508498_f0d07b723e_k.jpgCopper snowflakes decorationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a55f3-a75a8-50569398772_a649de087c_k.jpgCopper snowflakes decoration in the sunlighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6b92-787b1-50568510308_5539e16007_k.jpgChristmas hat decorationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e95c-13cba-50568516173_4f869c80c6_k.jpgChristmas hat decoration in the sunlighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06f17-6f6d8-50569259706_85fa7b8390_k.jpgStripy glass fused Christmas treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0fa72-cecce-50568515863_1b33d40821_k.jpgStripy glass fused Christmas tree in the sunlighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad2a8-e65c0-50569254346_783803406d_k.jpgFinished fused glass polar bear coasterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6713-e87c9-50569262686_44947e6409_k-1.jpgFinished fused glass polar bear coaster in the sunlight2025-10-04T13:32:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/22/an-enamel-workshop-and_the_ancient_capital_of_georgia/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bd59-4af9a-an_enamel_workshop_and_the_ancient_capital_of_georgia.jpgAn enamel workshop and the ancient capital of Georgia | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/776c0-f52da-completed_enamel_pendant.jpgMy completed enamel pendant hanging around my neck. It's smooth and shiny, it's flowers filled in with blue and green and red and pink, with all the gaps and centres in yellow and it looks amazing!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8a13-d5a18-svetitskhoveli_frescoes.jpgThe remains of bright-coloured frescoes on the wall, now darkened with age. Once, these would have been on every surface but they were painted over or washed off for a visit from the Russian Tsar in the 19th century - which never even happened in the end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ef53-dc004-inside_svetitskhoveli_cathedral.jpgInside the cathedral, which is quite well lit with a very shiny tiled floor. The walls are stone and perhaps starting to show their age. We're looking down the aisle on the right-hand side, towards a smaller chapel under a high arch in the back corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9727-1bcc1-svetitskhoveli_cathedral.jpgSvetitskhoveli Cathedral, a 10th century church built from yellowish stone, apparently in several steps leading up to an octagonal tower.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9280c-4af60-river_selfie_at_mtskheta.jpgA selfie taken straight into the sun, leaning out over a river which has layers of mountains rising out of it on the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38ace-652b5-altered_house.jpgA house with a porch, a chicken coop and a satellite dish. This house is painted an apricot shade of yellow instead of the battered pink and white of many of the others and has a fence along the front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14816-42054-jewellery_cooled.jpgThe same pieces five minutes later. They've cooled and now you can see shades of bright blue, yellow, pink, orange etc. It all looks a lot less scorched now it's cooled a little, although it's still far too hot to touch.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c074f-de36f-jewellery_fresh_from_the_kiln.jpgOur jewellery pieces fresh from the kiln. Everything looks a bit scorched and all the colours have turned to either dark orange or dark blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be7f8-dd1f1-ikorta_jewelleryk.jpgMy finished pendant, a geometric floral pattern in a circle, and a ring with pomegranates on a navy background, lying on a white bag printed with the Ikorta logo.2025-10-04T13:32:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/05/how-to-make-a-mask/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37c49-258ae-p1070918.jpgMe wearing the new mask I've just madehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cd0c-37f2f-p1070915.jpgMy fun fabric mask collection side 2: plain but bright blue, gold stars, black cats, gears & dinosaursThe reverse side of the same maskshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70434-da312-p1070914.jpgMy fun fabric mask collection: dinosaurs, snowflakes, pumpkins, robots & Hungry Caterpillars.My mask collection, side 1https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/646ba-6a051-howtomakeamask.pngHow to make a mask | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6caff-f694e-p1070913.jpgSides of the mask sewn up with elastic inThe finished sideshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0b04-be187-p1070911.jpgElastic inserted into the open end of the mask ready to be sewn down.Elastic in the end of the mask, ready to be sewn.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/696c4-a7732-p1070909.jpgThe edges of the mask sides folded in and ready for elastic and sewingThe edges of the mask sides folded in and ready for elastic and sewinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1fca-678e6-p1070910.jpgThe chunky hair elastic I'm using as my ear loopsThe chunky hair elastic I'm using as my ear loopshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0606-0b2f2-p1070906.jpgTwo mask pieces sewn together along both long seamBoth long seams sewn.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2be1-ec89f-p1070885.jpgTwo mask pieces sewn together along the long bottom seamMask opened up and the two pieces sewn together along the bottom seam.2025-10-04T13:31:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/20/i-tried-glassblowing-i-cant-do-it/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3798b-1d386-i_tried_glassblowing.jpgI tried glassblowing (I can't do it) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1dfed-dd203-experimenting_with_the_glass.jpgMe in light denim dungarees and a bright pink t-shirt, sitting at a glasswork bench, holding a metal rod with a molten orange blob of glass on the end and pulling at it with a pair of tweezers in my other hand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa479-e2957-creating_a_spiral.jpgMe holding and rolling the pole in one hand and pulling it with a pair of tweezers with the other, turning it into a spiral.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b439-8c6c3-shaping_the_paperweight.jpgShaping the paperweight with a wooden block, rolling a lump of molten orange glass in a kind of wooden cup on a stick.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7010-07793-settling_paperweight_on_stem.jpgMe holding a lump of glass on the end of my pole. I'm holding it up and turning it so it settles onto its stem.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e006-df986-blowtorching_the_paperweight.jpgBlowtorching the paperweight with a gas-powered torch.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d6d8-7c300-creating_swirls.jpgMe holding a lump of glass in the furnace on the end of a steel pole, watching intently as I turn it to make swirls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39907-4456a-finished_bauble.jpgThe finished bauble. An inflated bauble nearly four inches in diameter with translucent blue swirls in it. It's hanging from a loop of deep purple ribbon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be352-61451-finished_paperweight.jpgThe finished paperweight, a chunk of glass nearly two inches in diameter with a tight swirl of bright yellow glass inside. You can also make out a bit of pale pink swirl.2025-10-04T13:31:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/04/13/kayaking-and-capsizing-all-the-time/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f26f-a1f1a-kayak5-1.jpgkayak5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50bcd-13bc8-kayak4-1.jpgkayak4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5371-980d7-kayak3-1.jpgkayak3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13d25-764af-kayak2-1.jpgkayak2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec02d-d308f-kayak2-2.jpgkayak2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/681f4-a071b-kayak1-1.jpgkayak1https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88165-e467c-kayak1-2.jpgkayak12025-10-04T13:30:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/01/problem-sea-kayaking-sea/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca111-20ea8-seakayaking.jpgseakayakinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d183b-d8ec3-kayak4.jpgkayak4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6ad8-a0fd6-kayak3.jpgkayak3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f432-a35d6-kayak2.jpgkayak2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/676a3-c7752-kayak1.jpgkayak12025-10-04T13:30:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/18/i-went-sea-kayaking-and-i-didnt-capsize/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a3e2-cb12b-kayaking.jpgI went kayaking and I didn't capsize | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85e92-28bf5-48160785377_4d9e88b58e_k.jpgKayaking from the POV of a bodycamhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59a55-b8843-48161026476_15b92144b3_k.jpgMe on the beach at Old Harry Rockshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e781-ff0ce-48161135982_3989dd266b_k.jpgKayaks landing at Old Harry RocksKayaks landing at Old Harry Rockshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2890e-c7d67-48160963372_d74fdc266b_k.jpgMe and Martin in our kayakhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35b60-913d1-48161145207_d688c6bd83_k.jpgJacketed & buoyancy-aided and now actually ready for kayakinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c1f6-dd6e2-48161150177_d8126c4980_k.jpgIn wetsuit and ready for kayaking2025-10-04T13:30:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/04/i-didnt-sink-my-inflatable-kayak-a-summer-on-the-water/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6db90-22815-inflatable-kayak.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: how to set out to sea in an inflatable kayak | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/baa91-036dc-infkayak.jpgOn the water: I didn't sink my inflatable kayak | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fdd84-55458-48225162477_0ff17f1d77_k.jpgOut at sea in my inflatable kayakhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71ec4-5f10b-48225150402_fd2004a8c1_k.jpgOut at sea in my inflatable kayakhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b582-65bcd-48225102916_c83fdfeada_k.jpgPaddling my inflatable kayakhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3440-583e6-48225160482_c1bdc54b25_k.jpgInflatable kayak not remaining fully inflatedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91f11-69478-48225110666_687ee06c66_k.jpgLaunching my inflatable kayakhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/575c6-e7cce-48225086301_50de44a67b_k.jpgInflatable kayak on the beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5932-2a2db-48225172052_4123687c7a_k.jpgMe putting on my wetsuit & buoyancy aid in the car park2025-10-04T13:29:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/12/i-went-kayaking-and-got-my-discover-award/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8c0d-1fa6a-discoveraward.pngI went kayaking and got my Discover Award! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc6b4-f9e9e-51301411537_f064ae8e57_k.jpgChristchurch Harbour from the SpitChristchurch Harbour at lowish tide in the morninghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3db5a-8c784-51302873924_656d51ecab_k.jpgBeachy waves or bedragged?Now, is this beachy waves or this the bedraggled look of someone whose hair is horrendously soaked in chlorine and saltwater?2025-10-04T13:29:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/15/and-then-i-got-my-explore-award/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f43b-40026-exploreaward.png...and then I got my Explore Award! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a246e-ecf2e-51302874909_37ed6c3822_k.jpgAntz and Diana practicing rescueAntz and Diana practicing rescuehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/737b6-da028-51302875839_377111fabb_k.jpgLunch stop at the priory ruinsLunch stop at the priory ruinshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba4fb-26c72-51302157246_e11c914b32_k-1.jpgSelfie at the dockSelfie at the dockhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71ac1-61739-51302875484_03b0fbbab6_k.jpgOur kayaks moored at the outdoor centreOur high mooringhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13e45-194ba-51301410292_d45c595e30_k.jpgChristchurch HarbourChristchurch Harbour on Sunday morninghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/807f9-5513c-51302347868_7a93dd2866_k.jpgSelfie in kayaking kit in the car parkAll dressed and ready to go out on the water2025-10-04T13:29:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/06/learning-to-paddle-a-sea-kayak/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1ba8-6f517-seakayak.pngLearning to paddle a sea kayakhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/565c0-e8dd0-51427334635_8014a7262d_k.jpgSelfie from sea level at Old Harry Rockshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6568-2a206-48161050556_43109ecca3_k.jpgKayakers coming through the gap in Old Harry RocksThis was taken two years agohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dea4b-b30bb-50770560766_e338a8d1e4_k-1.jpgThe slipwayThis was taken last Decemberhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3d7d-561cf-51425577992_ecc2e1cc58_k.jpgPerception Essence 17 sea kayakshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32528-53ea5-51425577312_f222a9aac5_k.jpgSelfie with the sea kayaks2025-10-04T13:29:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/04/night-navigation-by-sea-kayak/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7684-973ed-nightnav.pngSerenity, sunset & shooting stars: night navigation by sea kayak | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62c1b-3546c-51541846448_4322c797cc_k.jpgThe glow of Poole Quay behind the hill in the distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1d76-72c56-51541846578_c3654198ff_k-1.jpgThe three of us bobbing around waiting for Kyle to come backhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6df61-fdf7b-51542529710_93c40ff100_k.jpgLooking back at the remnants of the sunsethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94606-28aaf-51542327024_dd76bca726_k-1.jpgKyle teaching us how to use a maphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/221a8-c3da2-51541848128_ea44acb5fd_k-1.jpgThe group having a night nav lesson in the corner of South Beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e41d7-f2b5d-51542528740_78e31f70fa_k.jpgMy kayak heading across Studland Bayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aafbb-0d9dc-51541602976_c451c71f10_k-1.jpgSunset across Studland Bay2025-10-04T13:28:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/18/i-faced-my-kayaking-demons/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0a57-f73f2-kayakingdemons.pngI faced my kayaking demons! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db45c-9e546-52224124823_97ffa44bca_k.jpgLast kayak selfie: me with the chalk cliffs and headland behind me, on the still flat Studland Bay side. You can't see Old Harry because it's off the left of the picture but you can see the gap we paddled through, now well filled with water as the tide comes in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d634d-10ef5-52224381019_c13c1b5b45_k.jpgYet another kayak selfie, this one taken with the sun behind me so everything's a bit silhouetted. Most importantly, a large squarish chalk sea stack is behind me - this is Old Harry himself.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8da1-47994-52224381474_086826978c_k.jpgOld Harry's Wife, a short and spiky chalk stack which has clearly mostly collapsed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1112-a05ae-52224126703_e79b5f4516_k.jpgBobbing around in a secret cove within Old Harry. Chris is visible behind me and behind us both are chalk cliffs with arches and cracks in them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94f4a-ce776-52223108612_a6811ad5be_k.jpgMe, in the long green kayak wearing a white helmet and a red buoyancy aid with blue straps. Behind me are the cliffs and a particularly spiky pinnacle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96637-22822-52222594780_df4e2be639_k.jpgThe nose of my long pointed green kayak on the water on the right. On the left is a line of white cliffs punctuated by towers and pinnacles. Old Harry is visible in the distance, all arches and stacks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40b37-f31d4-48161056051_7940f4dea9_k.jpgThe gap between the headland and Old Harry, at low tide in 2019. There are paddlers landed on the exposed rocks around the foot of Old Harry. The gap we paddled through yesterday is a bit too shallow to paddle through in this picture, you'd have to carry the boat and jump in on the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5292d-ee64f-52224608115_c4f0f195b1_k.jpgOld Harry Rocks from the clifftop, a chalk headland covered with scrappy grass. There's actually a 20-ish foot gap between the end of the cliff and the formation but from this angle, it's very hard to tell that it doesn't just continue with no break.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36a65-51d3e-52224102886_0d90c85b0d_k.jpgOne very swollen and bruised ankle raised up and resting against my other propped-up knee.The injured ankle on Saturday.2025-10-04T13:28:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/01/i-now-hold-the-sea-kayak-award/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36f24-c9c8a-sea_kayak_award.jpgI now hold the Sea Kayak Award! (well, nearly...) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c410e-64cfc-expedition_jacket_selfie.jpgA selfie blurred by a water droplet on the lens. I'm standing on the beach, delighted to be first back, wearing an enormous orange expedition jacket which covers even my buoyancy aid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d850a-6cce5-kayaks_on_the_beach.jpgTwo long green kayaks on the beach. Well, there's a strip of orange pebbly beach and then a length of greyish sand which is actually scrubby dune. The sky and sea are both pretty grey.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf506-b4b2e-pre_paddle_selfie_day_2.jpgA pre-paddle selfie on day two. I'm wearing the same outfit but now the sea and sky behind me are grey, the beach is orange pebbles and I'm standing next to an enormous gorse bush. I look happy, though, with one arm raised triumphantly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e924-8ac35-kayaks_ready_to_go.jpgA green and a white kayak lying in the shallows under a brilliant sun, blue sky and with a blue sea before them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2eb1d-555b9-pre_paddle_selfie.jpgA selfie on the beach before we get started. It's sunny and I'm wearing a pink & navy cagoule under an orange & grey buoyancy aid. You can just make out a corner of the lime-green kayak on the sand.2025-10-04T13:28:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/27/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-kayaking-leader/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3914a-bfcff-what_is_it_like_to_be_a_kayaking_leader.jpgWhat is it like to be a kayaking leader? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c574-44ef3-islander_jives.jpgFour Islander Jive kayaks in bright blue in racks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b87d2-bbfff-group_kayaking.jpgA group of kayaks silhouetted against a very low sun on the horizon. This is actually my group.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8998-2c9d2-kayak_collection.jpgKayaks in triple racks. On the right is a purple Dagger Transition, a red and a blue Perception Dancer. To the left is a blue Islander Jive and a very elderly dark green Prijon. Lying on top of them in the middle is a lime-green/yellowish Palm Falchion 385.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be1d6-47ac7-selfie_on_a_breezy_day.jpgSelfie on a breezy but sunny day. I'm fairly well silhouetted against a very bright sun but you can make out that I'm wearing my jacket under my buoyancy aid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c72da-91f00-kayak_storage.jpgInside the kayak storage room. On the left are kayaks in triple racks, a big canoe to the right and three elderly canoes in the ceiling above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41e54-62763-boat_club_in_the_summer.jpgBoat club in the summer. Me in a t-shirt and sleeveless wetsuit & buoyancy aid, sitting in a green-yellow kayak with bright sunshine just out of shot.Obviously I don't take many photos while I'm at the boathouse. This is a rare selfie from a very hot evening.2025-10-04T13:27:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/21/kayaking-on-the-glacial-lagoon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2171d-fb04b-kayaking_on_the_glacier_lagoon.jpgKayaking on the glacier lagoon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a955-a4780-glacier_selfie.jpgA selfie in a red kayak and a red outfit with the glacier and lots of stripy icebergs behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd8c4-f6679-kayak_outfit_selfie.jpgA selfie outside the Ice Guides trailer. I'm wearing a navy woolly hat, a red zip-up buoyancy aid, a red Peak cagoule and you can't quite see my dark grey trousers and cut-off wellies.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/747c0-7111d-shore_selfie_with_kayaks.jpgA selfie on the shore with the glacier lagoon behind me and a line of red single sit-on-top Islander kayaks on the grey gravelly beach.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b6aa-2bf6c-group_on_the_lagoon.jpgOur whole group out on the lagoon. Now you can see the yellow fronts to the double kayaks. Not as pretty as all the red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46420-230e8-selfie_with_ice.jpgA selfie on the water. I'm holding up a large piece of crystal-clear ice about the size of my head but shaped like a shark fin.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/defb1-d8fce-kayak_among_ice_fragments.jpgThe prow of my red kayak again, now picking its way through a fairly dense field of ice fragments.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc642-0c319-kayak_portrait.jpgA picture not taken by me! I'm paddling a few metres away from the camera and now you can see the full size of my red kayak and how my red outfit contrasts with the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9dfb-c7592-kayaking_selfie_.jpgA selfie in the kayak. My buoyancy aid has slipped upwards a bit and is partly covering my face. What you can see of me looks very happy. Again, the background is all turquoise and white with icebergs and the glacier in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84053-13ca7-line_of_kayaks_.jpgMy feet in my kayak again. Ahead of me is a line of paddlers in red buoyancy aids & jackets which contrast really well with the turquoise and white of the lake water and ice.2025-10-04T13:27:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/05/i-finally-did-my-paddlesport-safety-rescue-course/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49511-5d20f-i_finally_did_my_psr_course.jpegI finally did my Paddlesport Safety & Rescue course | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7bc1a-ad6b7-kayak_rescue.jpegMe in a tiny green kayak leaning over to try to right un upturned yellow kayak in a river.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b38a-36c5d-dressed_for_kayaking.jpgDressed for kayaking in a long john wetsuit over a rash vest.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53c46-da1b3-kayaking_on_the_sea.jpgMe in a sea kayak out on the open sea, with chalk stacks, stumps and features worthy of a geography textbook behind me.2025-10-04T13:27:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/30/travel-library-iceland-by-kayak-by-nigel-foster/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0a12-90abf-the_long_wade.jpgIceland by Kayak open at Chapter 13, The Long Wade, set along the south coast of Iceland, according to the little map in the top corner. On the previous page is a photo of the author camping on the sands.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/715e8-54b46-iceland_by_kayak.jpgIceland by Kayak, a large paperback book lying on top of a paper map of Iceland, mostly over on the eastern side, which is where the story starts and finishes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b606-d8772-iceland_by_kayak.pngTravel Library: Iceland by Kayak by Nigel Foster | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T13:27:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/06/three-islands-in-one-day-sea-kayaking-tour/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee2f1-6fe7f-three_islands_in_one_day_sea_kayaking_tour.jpgThree islands in one day sea kayaking tour | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a861-d2b00-lopud_selfie.jpglopud_selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c67a2-9cabb-nearly_back_to_sipan.jpgnearly_back_to_sipanhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e8f4-99ef9-inside_ruda_cave.jpginside_ruda_cavehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eec94-153eb-leaving_sipan_selfie.jpgleaving_sipan_selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7221-d2cb4-paddling_to_ruda.jpgpaddling_to_rudahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f432b-062d6-swimming_in_the_med.jpgswimming_in_the_medhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7550d-fe51c-sipan_sea_cave.jpgsipan_sea_cavehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c910-c8483-sipan_sea_arch.jpgsipan_sea_archhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/619ba-cd634-kayak_selfie.jpgkayak_selfie2025-10-04T13:26:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/03/i-kayaked-across-central-london/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/i_kayaked_across_central_london.jpgI kayaked across central London | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/clipper_passing_by.jpgOne of the high speed Clipper catamarans passing by quite close. The photo is taken from eye level by a kayaker and the big boat is quite intimidating at this level.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/riding_a_wave.jpgBobbing over a large wave - the way the kayak is climbing up the wave makes it look like it's half-sinking at the back end. I promise it's not me, it's just the wave lifting us.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/at_the_shard.jpgPaddling past the riverboat pontoon with the Shard sticking up behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/passing_the_isle_of_dogs.jpgOur kayak plus the other one half in the photo with the glass forest that is the Isle of Dogs behind us.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/approaching_tower_bridge.jpgOur kayak angled slightly so Harry can get a picture of us with Tower Bridge in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/leaving_greenwich.jpgTwo people, me at the back, wearing red cagoules in a yellow double kayak. The river is a yellowish-brown under a very blue sky and behind us is a small shingly beach and a small glass apartment building.2025-10-04T13:26:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/23/my-paddlesport-leader-training-course/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/my_paddlesport_leader_training_course.jpgMy Paddlesport Leader training course | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fleet_lagoon_selfie.jpgAnother selfie, this time turned a little more sideways on to the camera, with the Fleet Lagoon behind me and Chesil Beach creeping into the edge of the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fleet_lagoon.jpgThe Fleet Lagoon, a stretch of water trapped between the mainland and the great bank of Chesil Beach.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/portland_harbour_and_mulberries.jpgPortland Harbour, a brilliant shade of blue reflecting the blue sky above it. To the left, it's fairly open. To the right, two concrete blocks (the Mulberries) form part of a semi-enclosed and much more industrial bay with a restaurant forming the wall closer to shore.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/portland_harbour_selfie.jpgA selfie in Portland Harbour. I'm in a green kayak, wearing my buoyancy aid and a helmet, with the concrete of the Osprey Leisure Centre behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/our_kayaks.jpgFive long thin sea kayaks on a concrete slipway into the blue water. Three of the kayaks are shades of green, then we've got an orange one and a red one. They look almost like a rainbow with the sea making up the blue and indigo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/portland_bill.jpgPortland Bill, looking very tranquil in the sunshine. It's a seascape of blocking layers of dark limestone trailing down to the sea with a striped red and white lighthouse at the end. The sea is very still today and the tidal race, if it was active and visible, would be hidden just behind the lighthouse.2025-10-04T13:26:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/29/canoeing-is-good-for-the-soul/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/691b5-56169-canoeing.pngCanoeing (on a grey Sunday) is good for the soul | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c1c9-30453-gopr0146.jpgHigh tide under the bridgeWell, would you canoe under there?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db290-d1e04-gopr0098.jpgBlurry boundaries between river and bankhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43df2-0eac2-gopr0086.jpgHigh angle canoeing selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42c69-9aeb7-gopr0106.jpgFace of horror as I realise the canoe is skidding sidewaysAccidental sideways canoeing!2025-10-04T13:25:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/07/how-to-do-a-handbrake-turn-in-a-canoe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/084ab-63101-handbrakecanoe.pngHow to do an (accidental) handbrake turn in a canoe | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad8e9-a6b8f-51185635450_3a099d47dc_k.jpgWareham boat hireWhere I was trying to landhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1afd4-ebb70-51185639710_2d0e6ff592_k.jpgWareham Quay, the other side of the bridgeThe other side of the bridgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78ae9-d4396-51185639745_c5e886e836_k.jpgIn the reedshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc6b3-c7522-51184783023_b5cac57285_k.jpgTrying to take selfies in a canoe while losing controlJust take it as read that if I'm taking selfies, I've lost control of the canoehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b7a1-aaa7c-51185639625_e614735e88_k.jpgCanoeing and looking happyI'm actually being swept away in this photohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f3b5-e9736-51183877817_52f54a4415_k.jpgWalking by the river in WarehamOk, you can't actually see from this that I'm wearing a t-shirt. The mask is against bugs flying into my mouth.2025-10-04T13:25:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/18/personal-development-and-learning-new-skills/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd0e3-abbde-skills.pngPersonal development and learning new skills | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ef2c-5859b-51426354226_6e409cfca3_k.jpgOn Old Harry Rockshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea3e3-45c62-51302157246_e11c914b32_k.jpgAt my Explore kayaking coursehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/948a2-d070e-51164275409_6719cd156b_k.jpgCanoeing on the riverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/351bb-bd09f-51380546854_6458cd3fb6_k.jpgSolo kayak practice off Studland2025-10-04T13:25:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/24/my-first-paddle-of-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f65c0-55e55-firstpaddle2022.pngMy first paddle of 2022 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1f2f-d6fb3-51950194923_1f14eeccdd_k-1.jpgA cardboard tub of chocolate ice cream. In the background is the riverbank, a river with a bit of churning water in the middle where it's probably windy. On the other side are some quaint buildings on the quay and some boats tied up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/490b6-f8c69-51950117131_03e3d966f4_k-1.jpgMy grinning in my kayak under a hot sun. The camera is on a jetty and I've just pushed off enough that this isn't as close-up as the others.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f9e5-e2168-51949149207_82c14b2368_k-1.jpgMe, in my canoe, under a very low, flat, concrete road bridge. If I sit up a bit straighter, my head will touch the concrete. I haven't yet realised just how little control I have of the boat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b282-2ac43-51950722295_d12ad40be7_k.jpgMe, in the same outfit. But now my canoe is up against the reeds and I'm making a very unimpressed face.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f138-0aec5-51950191668_b395d96a2b_k-1.jpgMe, wearing a blue bucket hat and a red buoyancy aid, out on the river. You can't see the canoe I'm sitting in. The sky is blue and the river is not as smooth as it looks in this photo.2025-10-04T13:24:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/21/at-roadford-lake/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27239-4bb8a-onroadfordlake.pngOn Roadford Lake | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37984-86640-51603292839_05307838ba_k.jpgThe view from the lakehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd088-68954-51602006987_289fc8a363_k.jpgSitting on my paddleboardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72ed5-e399c-51602007567_161ce8bf1b_k.jpgNot paddleboarding in a straight linehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfb84-4f324-51601990237_fcd5bd83b4_k.jpgRoadford draw-off towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82d35-fad06-51603702280_1934eb6b85_k.jpgRoadford Lake visible through the treeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0ad5-753ef-51601999887_b628e63a2e_k.jpgRoadford Jubilee Sundialhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7206-e335c-51603711540_443ebf873e_k.jpgWoodland pathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d273-67bfe-51603032813_1f4f653514_k.jpgRoadford damhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7d87-20ed4-51603045558_776376c57f_k.jpgRoadford Lake from the main car park2025-10-04T13:24:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/09/wet-wild-at-wimbleball-a-watersports-weekend/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c147-5d1c7-watersportsweekend.pngWet & Wild at Wimbleball: a watersports weekend | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e00f7-85fc4-52124486268_9ff35af660_k.jpgSelfie sitting outside my tent, wearing a yellow jumper, with an enamel mug and a lit firepit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c961b-6a149-52129190795_91e9dfhdfha63f54_k.jpgThe group gathered around a corner of the lake. The instructor is standing on his head on his board.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/728f7-a721c-52129190260_25c9d31f5f_k.jpgMe lying on my paddleboard while someone paddles painstakingly behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f5f5-1cf72-52128695286_d5051dee53_k.jpgMe on my paddleboard, wearing a purple buoyancy aid and looking a little bedraggled, in the middle of the lake.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e41aa-a9edc-52127673287_4ae55c3f7d_k.jpgThe prow of my kayak about as far out as I'm allowed to go. The kayak is red and yellow. You can see my feet in sandals and my legs in wetsuit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a7cd-ccfb3-52128726398_ab21493b78_k.jpgMe, wearing a red buoyancy aid and a blue bucket hat (because I didn't brush my hair in the morning and all the fluff was getting in my face) sitting in a kayak out in the lake. Behind me, green hills curve down to the lake, bent by the GoPro's lens.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3bf26-7fa31-52124741644_0967bd3a78_k.jpgThe lakeshore and lake, with a floating plastic jetty sticking out and a few small motorboats moored to it.No photos because I had my hands full but this is where the lesson took place.2025-10-04T13:23:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/21/caroma-stand-up-paddleboard-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/769a0-400ba-caroma.pngCaroma stand up paddleboard review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a94e-6ea15-52231003071_aafc3d3afb_k.jpgClose-up of the nose of the board. It's a white base with an asymmetrical split red cone at the end. Red circles mark the attachment points for elastic webbing and the deckpad is black.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f7a4-129fb-52231454605_dc17c4bfe1_k.jpgMe kneeling on the board until you can't see that I have legs. Under the elastic is a yellow dry bag and a pair of pink fake Crocs, the paddle is laid across the board and I'm wearing sunglasses and looking very happy as I drift down the river.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60bb8-eaf59-52231454400_c3e412e7c9_k.jpgThe nose of the board drifting down the river. There are trees and bushes on both sides, almost silhouetted by the low sun ahead. In the full-size version of this picture, you can just make out a heron under the trees directly in front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/994e7-fe612-52231007598_dc5760462d_k.jpgMe standing on the fully-inflated paddleboard in the garden. It's red and white with a black deckpad. I'm wearing a knee-length t-shirt dress in white with light blue tie-dying on it that looks like a hospital gown. I'm holding the paddle and pretending to paddle in mid-air.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96962-6163a-52230003982_08f14a7b5b_k.jpgThe paddleboard leaning against my car, which is a 2008 Fiat Panda in metallic orange. Tee board looks every inch as long as the car, although it's actually about a foot shorter, allegedly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30ea9-bd1c5-52231242524_fbb0f6582b_k.jpgA picture taken from above, 00s-style, of me on my paddleboard on the river. I'm sitting cross-legged wearing red shorts and grey t-shirt and an orange and grey buoyancy aid.2025-10-04T13:23:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/20/my-outdoors-a-silver-maverick-weekend-adventure/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbf47-01a17-my_outdoors_on_the_water.jpgMy Outdoors: A night on the water | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d0de-15f6d-paddleboarders_at_sunrise.jpgThe sun centered just above the horizon, with the sky turning peach and purple. The group on their paddleboards are silhouetted on the calm sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b5dc-9bc88-sunrise_on_a_sup.jpgSunrise over the sea, with the sky turning peach over the red sun and the rest still light purple. The end of my SUP is visible in the corner of the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9c94-ce919-campfire.jpgA small campfire made out of twigs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f556e-66f2f-sunset_from_old_harry.jpgSunset from Old Harry Rocks, with white cliffs to the left and bright green algae-covered rocks in the foreground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f3ce-1d241-evening_kayak_selfie.jpgA selfie in the kayak, all dressed up in my waterproof kit, with the low sun behind me and my fellow paddlers silhouetted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa792-19043-kayaks_on_the_beach.jpgLong thin green sea kayaks lying on a wet beach. The sea is a good distance away as it's low tide. The sky is still burning blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6f21-1e390-my_big_green_tent.jpgMy big green four-man tent pitched in a smooth green field. Behind is a hill covered in trees and the sky is blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b211b-602cb-sea_swim_at_studland.jpgA selfie sea swimming at Studland. The sky is blue, the sea is green and behind me, you can see a row of chalk cliffs.2025-10-04T13:23:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/10/26/rya-level-1-sailing/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1e890-4d495-sailing2.jpgsailing2See the barge behind me? That's the one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27601-7abe8-sailing2-1.jpgsailing2See the barge behind me? That's the one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9e83-f6226-sailling3.jpgsailling3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c818-65f6e-sailling3-1.jpgsailling3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/739d5-b20d6-sailing1.jpgsailing1https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ea19-ebdb6-sailing1-1.jpgsailing12025-10-04T13:22:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/04/20/level-2-sailing-weekend/2025-10-04T13:22:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/09/12/sailing-in-a-storm/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46f40-0b483-sailingsept17.jpgSailing in a storm header pic2025-10-04T13:21:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/08/12/messing-about-on-the-river-juliet-vs-the-reeds/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d0be-e34e5-rowing.jpgMessing about on the river: Juliet vs the reeds | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e7bc-df247-48395939071_2d36894cfa_k.jpgBoat hire and river in WarehamMy boat is the yellowish one that Dave is cleaning out after I filled it with bits of tree and lots of water splashing around.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc54c-9a5fb-48395960656_ffe7520871_k.jpgSelfie in my rowing boathttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1e56-2e9f9-48396096912_b95b33f022_k.jpgMy rowing boathttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c8f3-39b04-48396052607_4f024d14d4_k.jpgOpen stretch of the River Fromehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57910-6535d-48395919196_658084320e_k.jpgSwans and cygnets on the River Fromehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea4fc-5e585-48396060492_c71523dba4_k.jpgBoats moored along the left side of the River Fromehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75d00-38daa-48396080212_38463a879f_k.jpgMy face after rowing my boat into the reeds for the 30th time in 40 minutes2025-10-04T13:20:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/14/in-defence-of-the-boat-race/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/in_defence_of_the_boat_race.jpgIn defence of the Boat Race | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/me_rowing.jpgMe rowing an old-fashioned heavy wooden boat, with one trouser leg inexplicably pushed up to just below my knee. I don't look overly distressed in this particular picture but on the other hand, my oars are not exactly matching in position.This is how I row. Not exactly Boat Race, is it?2025-10-04T13:19:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/23/i-visited-the-new-sundhollin-extension/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58edd-44335-sundhollin.jpgSundhollin extension title pic2025-10-04T13:18:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/02/24/swimming-adventure-and-fitness/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0bf4e-8656c-swimming.jpgI love swimming: swimming as fun and exercise | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T13:17:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/26/when-a-50m-pool-isnt-a-50m-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf979-991d4-yearsley.jpgYork 2019: When it 50 metres not 50 metres? | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T13:17:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/20/dorset-staycation-shaftesbury-oasis-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c60b-d4ad7-shaftesburyoasis.pngDorset Staycation: Review, Shaftesbury Oasis | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1956-551b9-50244217832_31b8765153_b.jpgPost-swimming selfiePost-swimming selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa347-672b8-50239957886_0292872288_k.jpgShaftesbury Oasis pool at twilightShaftesbury Oasis at twilight.2025-10-04T13:17:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/10/swimming-for-exercise-and-my-2021-swimming-goals/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c729-bc54e-swimming2021goals.pngSwimming for exercise & my 2021 swimming goals | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c994-0547c-swimminggoals.pngSwimming goals trackerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/772a5-a6e73-51157398103_9295bc98ee_k.jpgMy swimming stuff 20212025-10-04T13:17:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/31/iceland-and-swimming/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e1f1-26810-icelandandswimming.pngIceland and swimming | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9dcb1-cc798-img_2187.jpgMe in my red swimsuit with my post-lockdown bodyAwkward swimsuit bathroom photoshoothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ff2c-736c6-26991281239_f455f225b0_k.jpgSundhöllin pool in ReykjavikSundhöllin pool in Reykjavikhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32bc3-c8e2e-32536499174_14f79fa10e_k-1.jpgTimer selfie, floating serenely in Myvatn Nature BathsAny excuse for pulling out this photo againhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4480c-cee06-33694727271_5a4a566016_k.jpgThe swimming pool at BorgarnesThe swimming pool at Borgarnes2025-10-04T13:16:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/02/moonlight-swim-at-shepton-mallet-lido/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b85df-39eee-51415750650_be5c11f762_k.jpgShepton Mallet lido by daylighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce675-b4019-51413721459_37176e1276_k.jpgUnflattering poolside selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c39c-85d78-51412977911_2a6199182b_k.jpgPoolside firepit with fresh new flameshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a220d-dd613-51413961935_a261f1daea_k.jpgHot chocolate at the moonlight swimhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eabea-f69f0-51412219702_2dbe9ce70f_k.jpgShepton Mallet lido moonlight swimhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d21e-c36c6-51413733519_9da74304ee_k.jpgShepton Mallet lido lit by floodlights at nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bac57-a4a5f-sheptonmallet.pngMoonlight Swim at Shepton Mallet Lido | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T13:16:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/09/2021-swimming-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f27f4-e29c8-swimreview.png2021 swimming review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48b01-2ac34-51420115540_d8c934b137_k.jpgDeep end of the poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d513-6038c-51419897044_37f6687ab2_k.jpgShallow end of the poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca2da-2930b-51420117345_02ff16e5c5_k.jpgOpen air pool by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35887-20e54-51418388562_323e866d11_k.jpgPost-swim poolside selfie2025-10-04T13:16:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/14/an-iceland-itinerary-for-waterbabies/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8df3-283c8-icelanditineraryforwaterbabies.pngAn Iceland itinerary for waterbabies | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de843-4ca43-26991281239_f455f225b0_k-1.jpgSundhollin, a square white Art Deco building with balconies around the front. There are hot tubs hiding behind the frosted glass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e7c0-4dd7e-51861876824_5ba8abd891_k.jpgMe, in the Blue Lagoon, only my head and shoulders visible in the opaque bright blue water. The photographer has positioned me so that the silica-streaked black lava rocks that form the side are framing the left side of the picture.My official portrait, taken by staff who are pretending to be friendly and chat while secretly harvesting your contact details (taken 2017; presumably pre-GDPR)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/115c6-32c09-34175347855_2626c962fd_k.jpgIn the Blue Lagoon, low in the water, looking towards the facility's own glass buildings, housing the changing rooms, restaurant, cafe and so on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ebcf5-d211f-34044467881_e64e8e69a2_k.jpgSvartsengi, the geothermal power station, as seen from the Blue Lagoon. They sky is blue, the water is even bluer and in a cloud of steam, a grey building, stubby cooling towers and something silver can be seen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba98d-1bb9a-33380167105_e284c36d82_k.jpgPeople swimming in Viti, as seen from the crater rim. There are people on the little bit of "beach" to the bottom of the picture and then little dots of people in the opaque blue-white water. It's actually quite a big pool, easily a couple of hundred metres in diameter. Its edges are crumbly muddy basalt cliffs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b29f-9a2d6-32997414730_447ed56308_k.jpgIn the background, the deep blue Askja lake and the ring of mountains containing it. In the froreground is a smaller crater with muddy brown sides, flooded with opaque blue-white water that looks a bit like milk under the bright sunshine.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/593e7-82235-32565951253_db43af1ef0_k.jpgThe inner Askja caldera, a ring of low snow-splattered mountains surrounding a deep blue lake. Deep in every sense of the word.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74af9-11174-33339641886_83bc2e75c4_k.jpgA favourite selfie, now wearing a bright blue fleece, standing on the Holuhraun lava flow. It's black rock that looks a bit like it's just come out of a food processor. Really faintly on the horizon, you can make out mountains and a colossal glacier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6574-af8f5-33380058335_0a50d4910b_k.jpgMe, all in black warm clothes, standing in front of a huge white boxy jeep. Behind us is the lake and a mountain. The sky is overcast but bright. It's at least 10pm.2025-10-04T13:16:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/10/my-2022-kayaking-and-wild-swimming-plans/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6034a-287b5-2022kayakplans.pngMy 2022 kayaking & wild swimming plans | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/401ee-2c294-48161140657_3ed747f8ef_k.jpgMe in another kayak out at sea, this time a two-person with my partner sitting behind me. We're both wearing red jackets and buoyancy aids and white helmets. The camera is splattered with water droplets.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/700e3-4e432-51380545354_ab4e1adfa2_k.jpgMe in a blue sit-on-top kayak out at sea, wearing a wetsuit that you can hardly see under my pink and black jacket and my orange buoyancy aid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a333-1b6ae-51920498887_dcff7ecdc5_k.jpgSome of the kayaks lying on the ground outside the pool, waiting to be put in the van. It's dark with a floodlight coming from the right. There are four kayaks, two of them the short kind that seem to be used for whitewater. Mine is the yellow one upside down in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/312c5-e3b13-51302157246_e11c914b32_k.jpgSelfie during my Explore training. I'm wearing an orange buoyancing aid over a sailing jacket with hot pink shoulders. The sky is blue but patched with cloud and behind me, two blue kayaks are floating in the harbour. The picture is blurry because it's taken through a waterproof case.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e314-9c072-51542531085_dff327f1e3_k.jpgA green sea kayak stretches out in front of the camera. It's evening and it's getting dark. The water is absolutely still and low tree-covered cliffs are visible to the right.2025-10-04T13:15:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/16/public-nudity-post-pandemic/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c30b-8130e-publicnuduity.pngPublic nudity post-pandemic | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T13:15:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/28/ten-people-youll-meet-in-the-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36bd9-5a504-tenpeople.pngTen people you'll meet in the pool | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-04T13:15:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/20/36771/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/350ed-4fb08-a_day_in_wiesbaden.jpgWhat To Do In Frankfurt: A Day in Wiesbaden | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86ccd-58e69-wiesbaden_christmas_bar.jpgA yellow-lit bar in the middle of the street. The top of the bar is set up to look like a Hanseatic street scene with pink lights. Behind it is a ferris wheel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9dcc-d8b34-frozen_hair.jpgA close-up of one of my plaits on the train. It's bent into two right-angles because it's wet from the thermalbad and has frozen during the long walk back.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a44a4-6163d-kochbrunnen_spring.jpgA large pebble-like building in the middle of a snowy square. Steam is billowing from the back of it and there are bare patches around steaming manholes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/428c2-13fa0-frozen_park.jpgA park with well-frosted grass, scattered with frosted bare trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/775ed-2fd7a-pool_temperatures.jpgA digital board showing the time and temperature. The air temperature is -3C, the thermal baths are 31.6C, the indoor pool is 32.4C and the sauna bath is 32.3C.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b315e-ccd98-selfie_in_the_frozen_woods.jpgA selfie in the woods with a frozen stream behind me. I'm wearing a green woolly brioche hat and a circular scarf in four sections of different colours which is pulled up over my nose.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/680f3-bc205-wintery_lane.jpgA reddish gravelly lane winding through trees. Everthing apart from the path is well frozen and you can't see the frozen stream off to the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe8f8-f4820-frozen_park_lake.jpgA frozen boating lake surrounded by trees. You can just make our the Baroque building at the head of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/579ef-48957-unfamiliar_geese_in_the_park.jpgGolden-brown geese with black eye circles and interesting wings and tails, pecking at fallen leaves in well-frosted grass.2025-10-04T13:15:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/23/what-to-do-in-frankfurt-titus-thermen/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f847d-439a3-titus_thermen.jpgWhat To Do In Frankfurt: Titus Thermen | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a631-90e9b-plan_of_pools.jpgA sketch map of the pools' layout, showing various not-to-scale pools in blues and purples.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65391-7c003-pools_from_outside.jpgA bad photo of the pools from the outside, mostly featuring my reflection in the window.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/856e1-25687-titus_thermen_from_across_the_road.jpgTitus Thermen from the other side of four lanes of traffic. There are large windows overlooking the road but just too high to see anything go past and angled to see upwards rather than down anyway.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c57e2-b3785-selfie_on_the_tram.jpgAn accidental selfie on the tram, taken from low down. I'm wearing my usual hat and scarf as well as a red paper medical mask - a requirement on Frankfurt public transport as detailed in the poster above my head.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43518-de148-titus_thermen_front.jpgThe front of Titus Thermen. It's a white building with a hotel growing out of its roof. To be honest, it looks a bit past its best. The sign, giving its name underneath a picture of a pink lady in the water looks particularly dismal.2025-10-04T13:14:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/19/film-review-swimming-pool-stories/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/494f5-6c969-swimming_pool_stories.pngFilm review: Swimming Pool Stories | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc484-8fadc-early_morning_winter_swim.pngA pool seem from outside its fence so early in the morning that it's still very dark. The pool is lit by tall streetlights which also light up the steam wafting off the water. Outside, the ground is covered in snow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1abdb-ee528-exercise_class.jpgAn exercise class from poolside level, lit slightly orange by a setting or rising sun - or more likely by the sodium poolside lights. The participants are waving their hands in the air.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4ffd-09169-seafront_pool.jpgA woman at the end of a swimming pool, looking out across a seaweedy beach at the open ocean right by the pool. On the edge are a coffee pot and a mug.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26f13-f206d-vesturbaejarlaug_from_above.pngVesturbæjarlaug, one of the Reykjavik pools, from above. It's snowy and although the pool's lights are bright, it's not really dark. The pool is a bright teal. The hotpots next to it are a light blue and mostly unlit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c0cc-6fd05-meditation_session.jpgA frame of gongs set up right in front of the camera, being played by a lady in a long blue skirt. Behind her is a pool and there are swimmers holding colourful foam noodles just about visible around the sides.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fb36-b890c-morning_in_the_snow.pngAn elderly man helping an elderly lady walk across the snow and ice to the pool steps. This is geothermal, the water is warm whatever the weather is doing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6dca8-74171-hotpot_by_the_mountains.pngA man in short black shorts getting into a hotpot. In the background is a lovely gentle-sided conical volcano.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d6d5-f7066-exercise_class_from_above.pngAn exercise class seen from directly above. The pool is divided into lanes and all the participants are waving brightly coloured foam "noodles".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32030-1e2d7-swimming_pool_stories_title.pngThe title card of the film, showing an illuminated pool in the dark from directly above, with the words Swimming Pool Stories in white across the blue water.2025-10-04T13:14:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/06/which-is-the-best-public-swimming-pool-in-reykjavik/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/which_is_the_best_public_swimming_pool_in_reykjavik.jpgwhich_is_the_best_public_swimming_pool_in_reykjavikhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vesturbaejarlaug.jpgvesturbaejarlaughttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sundhollin_front.jpgsundhollin_fronthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/laugardalslaug_map.jpglaugardalslaug_maphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/laugardalslaug_outside.jpglaugardalslaug_outsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sundhollin_in_winter.jpgsundhollin_in_winter2025-10-04T13:14:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/09/how-to-use-a-swimming-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/how_to_use_a_swimming_pool_in_iceland.jpghow_to_use_a_swimming_pool_in_icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/selfie_after_hvammsvikk.jpgselfie_after_hvammsvikkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gudlaug_selfie.jpggudlaug_selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vok_wristbands.jpgvok_wristbandshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sky_lagoon_changing_room.jpgsky_lagoon_changing_roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/hvammsik_showers.jpghvammsik_showers2025-10-04T13:13:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/13/visiting-lindin-husafell/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/visiting_lindin_husafell.jpgVisiting Lindin Husafell | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/disapproving_face-1.jpgMe sitting in the dish pool, lit in yellow by a light under the water, making a disapproving face. I was still 45 minutes from realising how late the other group was going to be, so the face isn't actually for that but it fits nicely here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/disapproving_face.jpgdisapproving_facehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/swimming_in_the_pool.jpgSwimming in the big pool, with the shed to my left and some snow-covered mountains behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sunset_over_lindir.jpgThe sun setting behind the mountains behind the pool, casting a bit of a cloud explosion in red and mid-blue across another fairly pale yellow-blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/middle_pool_selfie.jpgA selfie in the bigger, deeper middle pool with the glass and light wood sauna to the right of me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dish_pool_selfie.jpgA selfie in the dish-shaped pool, with the snowy mountains behind me and a sky just preparing for sunset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lindin_pools.jpgLooking down at the pools from the top dish-shaped pool. They're all a shade of blue approaching mint-green and surrounded by snow-covered rocks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lindin_husafell_building.jpgThe Lindin Husafell pool building as the sun sets behind it, bathing it in blue light. The windows are all lit up in quite bright yellow in the half-darkness.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/husafell_selfie.jpgA selfie outside the pool at Husafell, wearing a woolly hat and scarf. Behind me there's snow on the hill and the mountain but the path is suspiciously clear, most likely due to underfloor (underground?) heating pipes keeping it clear.2025-10-04T13:13:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/19/my-swimming-routine/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/my_swimming_routine.jpgMy swimming routine | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/pool_by_night.jpgThe pool again, this time late in the evening with the poolside lights reflecting on the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/selfie_with_float.jpgA selfie outside the pool holding up my yellow and blue float/kickboard.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/my_swimming_stuff.jpgMy swimming stuff - a stripey towel-robe with a small drybag, a travel towel, a black swimsuit, a pair of neoprene training gloves and a pair of prescription goggles.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/the_pool.jpgThe swimming pool, bright blue under a grey sky, with the end wall painted in pretty stripes.2025-10-04T13:13:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/30/my-first-wild-swim-adventure/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4155d-25d9a-firstwildswim.pngMy first wild swim adventure | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fae3c-ea459-52098592638_b9f4117e54_k.jpgI'm not sure whether I'm swimming or crawling but my arms are in the water and this time the sun is facing me, so the sky looks properly blue and I'm not in silhouette.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a051e-5e5b8-52098590368_4f7b67e8fa_k.jpgSwimming in the sea, almost silhouetted by the bright sun behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70581-b0a7b-52097534862_0e1774eaa0_k.jpgMe in the sea again in my wetsuit, up my knees, this time with a blazing sun and vivid blue sky behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73722-2fe44-52097539172_6a0b7b5a58_k.jpgTurns out I only have two photos of me actually swimming and I look a bit more like I'm about to drown in this one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed164-d72ac-52098566941_87b25efe5e_k.jpgMe in my long-john wetsuit up to my waist in the sea, with the beach and trees in the background some 50m away. Even at high tide, it's shallow at Studland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/687d1-58ef5-52103947942_9b7d532701_k.jpgStudland at high tide, the sea beautiful and blue and smooth with the white chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/744b3-8f8cb-52098802589_87252e174c_k.jpgMe, in a wetsuit and swimming t-shirt in the sea. I look like I'm struggling but it's mostly because I'm trying to swim while holding a camera up.2025-10-04T13:12:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/20/24-hours-in-london/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3278a-8880d-24hoursinlondon.png24 hours in London | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1931-47711-52156032834_663dc02bc9_k.jpgMe swimming in the water, arms outstretched and everything. You can just make out the bar I'd been clinging to on the edge of the pontoon where the lifeguard is holding my camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f72f-cbf07-52156031134_ef93766b18_k.jpgMe swimming in the pond. I'm looking off to the side because I'm trying not to deliberately pose for the camera. The water looks quite brown from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/642c1-39d75-52155794476_0d018d3e6a_k.jpgHampstead Mixed Bathing Pond: a murky brownish-green pond, about 100m end to end, surrounded by trees and shrubbery. There are people on the pontoon in the distance and lots of people in the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d73b7-168e7-52155630681_b8c97786b1_k.jpgThe hotel room from outside the door on the walkway. Imagine an airport toilet turned into a bedroom: there's a double bed to the right with a bunk bed over the top perpendicular to it. The bunkbed is supported at one end by an arrangement of cubbyholes and drawers. There really is just room to step through the door and hold your arms by your sides without touching anything.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3dd8a-d9ae5-52155481171_ee03f8bb46_k.jpgBrian May and Adam Lambert. May is wearing the military jacket and playing the guitar. Lambert is wearing a black sequinned suit and a top hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80492-1cb18-52156159175_1c2470d5ba_k.jpgRoger Taylor and Brian May performing together. Roger Taylor is wearing a black tracksuit and Brian May is still in his black jeans and a military jacket with a red collar. Taylor is singing and May is playing an electric guitar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b8be-35169-52155657743_1ff1adb2f9_k.jpgBrian May - a tall man in his mid-70s with huge white curly hair - is holding a red guitar and wearing a black outfit decorated with holographic silver accents. An entire body piece plus plates on arms and legs, matching silver shoes and a silver mask covering his entire face.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13289-3b923-52155801758_35dac335b3_k.jpgThe view from my window, a round porthole in the hotel door. Directly opposite is a weird geometric structure with ABBA across it in huge letters.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73016-916f9-52155491806_0ae0ed9787_k.jpgThe view from the back of the Clipper. The Thames is brown and well-churned by our engines and behind us is a cruise ship moored so that it obscures HMS Belfast from the point of view of a boat whooshing past them.2025-10-04T13:12:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/01/swimming-in-bude-sea-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/509cc-08c6d-budeseapool.pngSwimming in Bude Sea Pool | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84acf-2e06e-52254951332_a24e470db1_k.jpgSelfie in the water again. This time I'm wearing my wetsuit & t-shirt. The water is calmer but the sky is heavy and grey and the picture is blurry because it's taken with my phone through a plastic waterproof case.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa85e-3f141-p1230801.jpgBude Sea Pool from the beach at low tide - a big concrete wall with the terraces over to the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6341a-bb9bd-p1230791.jpgBude Summerleaze beach at low tide. It's from much the same angle as the earlier high tide photo but now it's just an expanse of sand with some patches of wet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31fc7-c1fa8-p1230792.jpgBude Sea Pool at low tide. Now there's half a mile of beach behind it and the sea is barely a blue and white wave in the distance. The pool is a little less full and a lot less rough.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ee34-e4986-p1230807.jpgA turquoise-green round Bude Sea Pool badge with a white border, being held up against a wet beach. The pool itself is just about visible behind but the camera is making it look further than it really is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57784-eb0ab-p1230737.jpgBude Summerleaze beach at high tide. A square bay absolutely filled with navy water and lots of swimmers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/892b4-fff71-p1230734.jpgNavy blue open sea with a low sun reflecting on it - but if you look closely, among the rocks sticking out of the water, you can see a concrete wall enclosing a pool area.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38eae-c0c9b-gopr1575.jpgA selfie in Bude Sea Pool with the terraces and beach huts glowing in the evening sun behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a98f4-3a187-gopr1581.jpgMe hanging backwards onto a concrete wall just at water level while a wave sloshes violently over the top and tries to wash me away. A family including small kids are prancing around on top of the wall and helpfully blocking out the low sun that would otherwise have silhouetted me.2025-10-04T13:12:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/22/the-tides-get-very-high-at-weston-marine-lake/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1fa12-ce65c-westonmarinelake.pngThe tides get very high at Weston Marine Lake | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6211-39130-52287232485_3a70dea5e7_k.jpgA bad fish-eye GoPro photo from the top of the landward wall showing steps going down to the walkway around the lake. The walkway is under water but it's shallow enough at the moment for plenty of people to still be standing there.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09aea-06738-123452286781778_811fa4c18a_k.jpgWeston Marine Lake in the early evening with water completely submerging the walkway and going partway up the wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1977-83559-52286750023_50cec7a8e8_k.jpg52286750023_50cec7a8e8_khttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a502c-ef889-52285746837_d94babe92d_k.jpgA selfie in a grey t-shirt on the side of the lake, with the remains of sunset behind me. It's dark enough that I'm a little silhouetted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c2b7-f68f4-52286748348_988af0a1a0_k.jpgA selfie in the water at sunset. I'm wearing my rash vest and sunglasses. To the left you can just make out the causeway. To the right is the seafront.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f23b3-66ed5-52286726986_8620b8596a_k.jpgA sunset scene. The sky is dark-ish blue and there's an orange glow on the horizon. To the left is a low ridge of hills that might be South Wales. The rest is filled with seawater. You can make out a line of fence posts, which is the causeway separating the lake from the sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a507-50621-52286723241_3abb54ee4e_k.jpgWeston Marine Lake just after sunset. A large body of water bounded by a walkway and high wall on the landward side, with a spit of land with hotels or flats on it. Out of shot to the right is the causeway that separates it from the sea.2025-10-04T13:12:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/29/peak-uk-centre-long-john-wetsuit-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9639-a0a93-peak_long_john_wetsuit_review.jpgPeak UK Centre Long John wetsuit review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/934ad-16f1c-first_sea_swim.jpgMy first sea swim. I'm standing in grey-green water up to my waist. The logo on the front of the wetsuit is visible now. Rashvest as usual, plus sunglasses and I have my hair piled up on my head to keep it dry.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30a54-69b4c-sea_swim_in_wetsuit.jpgsea_swim_in_wetsuithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60936-e3625-pre_kayak_selfie.jpgPre-kayak selfie, in which you can see the top of the wetsuit & its velcro shoulder straps. I'm wearing it over the blue rash vest again. Judging from my plaits, I haven't redone my hair after getting it damp the day before.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24d09-345b3-dressed_for_kayaking.jpgStanding with my arm raised in front of a patch of grey sea, wetsuit hidden by a navy & pink sailing cagoule and an orange & grey buoyancy aid.And with layers piled on top to suit the weather.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad468-141f7-full_length_wetsuit.jpgMe in my full-length wetsuit in a sandy car park. I'm wearing a blue rash vest underneath the wetsuit & blue neoprene socks.2025-10-04T13:10:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/10/my-first-paraglide/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d91fc-03e77-myfirstparaglide.pngMy first paraglide title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb6d7-8297a-p1050520.jpgParagliding - as seen from the groundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40a34-d477f-p1050519.jpgParagliding - as seen from the groundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23e4e-68c70-p1050527.jpgParagliding - taking the parachute homehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10f21-c2dda-p1050524.jpgParagliding - packing up the parachutehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03342-6c58e-p1050521.jpgParagliding - landinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33e2d-910fb-p1050518.jpgParagliding - in mid-airhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9e05-17185-p1050516.jpgParagliding - in mid-airhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fdc0f-1f374-p1050515.jpgParagliding - in mid-airhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43d5d-38874-p1050514.jpgParagliding - in mid-air2025-10-04T13:09:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/24/my-first-high-altitude-paraglide/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa64f-658e5-1sthighalt.jpgMy first high-altitude paraglide title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeee4-374dd-36093416805_40e914deb6_k.jpgPost-paragliding selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d32cb-3ab96-35284281533_452da59895_k.jpgParagliding - preparing to descendhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2de96-4b091-36053461776_0ccb5594e0_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08e79-4ecb1-36093422085_c7c4b35c83_k.jpgParagliding - sidewayshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efe85-161d7-36053466216_b46c794ef6_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e992-68a1a-35253914614_c7eec0d14e_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84229-0abc8-36053462476_7ed37d7896_k.jpgParagliding - frozen but starting to enjoy ithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0bedb-b48c7-35284306103_0e7c876318_k.jpgParagliding - frozen but starting to enjoy ithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f241-fe40c-35924407502_85c4e25d53_k.jpgParagliding2025-10-04T13:09:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/22/my-highest-ever-paraglide/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79cdb-84c1a-highestparaglide.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: My highest ever paraglide | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fb44-c3e36-para3.jpgMy highest ever paraglide title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00b14-9101d-35960993531_9113a75042_k.jpgGoing up the Penken in the gondola after paraglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/283c2-1e2d2-36093538635_a52e87b787_k.jpgParagliding landing on the snow runwayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfba0-a73e9-35284464163_f24dc6af97_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c365-afe48-35254237664_97a9a1bbe0_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b36ed-221b3-35284477203_6c8081c43f_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92af2-f7eee-35960810561_4bbfa7461d_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d19f5-6026e-36093595195_cea78ed258_k.jpgParaglidinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fde27-dc425-35703653260_8361481fce_k.jpgParagliding2025-10-04T13:09:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/10/24/abc-adult-beginners-climbing/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c40e-756b0-abseil.jpgabseilhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26998-e0e01-abseil-1.jpgabseil2025-10-04T13:07:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/12/03/its-an-emergency-we-need-some-salads-carrying/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b3fe-0eb33-outdoorinterview.pngOutdoors instructor interview day title pic2025-10-04T13:07:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/18/my-bouldering-induction-adventure-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8aea-03355-bouldering.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: Learning to boulder | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ceb5b-ae57e-bouldering.pngBouldering induction title pic2025-10-04T13:07:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/24/my-outdoors-on-dry-land/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ef4e-c8b8b-my_outdoors_on_dry_land.jpgMy Outdoors: on dry land | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56e3c-15049-waves_crashing_on_dancing_ledge.jpgA large wave crashing up and onto the Ledge, which is a limestone shelf a couple of feet above the water level.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3236-80e45-rangers_kayaking.jpgA group of paddlers in the distance, out in blue double sit-on-top kayaks.I shouldn't share photos of the girls on my social media but I think this is ok given that they're far too far away to identify.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b450d-51857-cheese_toastie_at_swanage.jpgA cheese toastie with crisps and salad in the sun at Swanage.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06825-775e5-new_flavour_of_ice_cream.jpgMy hand holding a small tub of yellowish ice cream. Behind it, the sea and beach are visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/829d5-508ff-hill_to_dancing_ledge.jpgA steep hill, seen from the top. At the bottom, the land drops abruptly into the sea and even from here, you can see the waves crashing against the cliff although the open sea looks placid enough.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0cf8a-2fc6a-climbing_at_dancing_ledge.jpgMe, wearing a grey t-shirt, climbing a low grey limestone cliff.2025-10-04T13:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/12/14/my-first-mountain-the-talkaser/2025-10-04T13:06:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/08/05/the-volcano-adventures-arthurs-seat/2025-10-04T13:06:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/01/25/the-day-i-climbed-icelands-deadliest-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9b4e-2d04a-laki.jpgClimbing Laki header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30c32-f62ac-laki10.jpgThe path down Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ddf5-2d76a-laki9.jpgThe view from Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf7c8-1bcd0-laki8.jpgThe view from Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4a11-21be8-laki7.jpgStanding on top of Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4679-f1994-laki6.jpgClimbing Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b42ce-0105b-laki5.jpgClimbing Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7913-b5267-laki4.jpgClimbing Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8682-50b26-laki3.jpgThe bus parked at the bottom of Lakihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c2a6-28538-laki2.jpgClimbing Laki in sandals2025-10-04T13:05:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/30/the-volcano-adventures-climbing-saxholl/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af2fd-3ae3f-saxholl.jpgThe Volcano Adventure: Climbing Saxhóllhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3ac6-2dbce-saxholl1.jpgSunset over Snæfellsjökull2025-10-04T13:05:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/25/how-to-climb-esja/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ba5c-31619-howtoclimbesja.pngHow to climb Esja | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/264fa-0e0b2-33667890592_d27fc75559_k.jpgThe view back up the mountain as I went downhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8655-8f7da-32980778764_171d2ead25_k.jpgClose up of the summit of Þverfellshornhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d30b-3ebde-33783210906_54c686c20d_k.jpgÞverfellshornhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67788-757da-32980767364_6fe4b74958_k.jpgTired selfie on Steinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56479-304d5-32980760274_37222dc914_k.jpgEsja's Steinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0eb99-30f2a-33783208436_201bd3f239_k.jpgThe other path is across here somewherehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20775-b553a-32980803004_304f12190a_k.jpgThe steepness of the steep left-hand pathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51d31-0416d-33694845001_3755efbd7e_k.jpgView over Reykjavikhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54445-7fec1-33694694561_8846da50e3_k.jpgEsja lower path2025-10-04T13:05:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/01/eldfell-the-people-who-fought-a-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba6b9-0b202-eldfell.pngEldfell: the people who fought a volcano | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80be6-d9e60-32999270520_7132aec13d_k.jpgEldfell's crater with the narrowed harbour entrance in the backgroundFrom this angle, you can see just how much the new lava flow is sheltering the harbour.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7d38-b26a0-32539296504_3e4af7e441_k-1.jpgTimer-selfie on top of EldfellTimer-selfie on top of Eldfellhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/941da-d6d7c-32999264210_1400714139_k.jpgClose up of the volcanic rock & gravel. It's still steaming right underneathI appreciate that you can't actually see the steam but if you scuff this up a bit, steam drifts uphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b54cc-03d04-32567902523_5d6f7bdb60_k.jpgNatural vent on Eldfell's summitPutting my hand in front of this vent was like putting my hand in front of a fan oven.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fde6a-ffcad-33780754061_c3641b6734_k.jpgHeimaey's natural ampitheatreHeimaey's natural ampitheatrehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e501-a2609-33066888444_36d09d1700_k.jpgPompeii of the North archaeological dig in HeimaeyThe Pompeii of the North archaeological dighttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ba8a-3f90b-33097467723_8b755c4d4a_k.jpgEldfell with a gap still in its craterYou can still see the gap where the piece fell out and now get an idea of the scale of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40524-b76c2-33097460183_ec8aa73c2d_k.jpgLooking north from Eldfell's slopes towards the harbourLooking north towards the harbour across the new lava field from Eldfell's slopeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f091c-ed132-33097400173_71a4502a7a_k.jpgThe Westman Islands from the ferry to LandeyjahofnThe Westman Islands in the distance on the short ferry trip back to Landejyahofn2025-10-04T13:04:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/05/04/swcp-1-south-haven-point-to-swanage/2025-10-04T13:03:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/01/21/landmannalaugar-circular-walk/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc668-4fb70-landmannalaugarwalk.jpglandmannalaugarwalkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1497-bbbef-land36.jpgland36https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8014-b92f4-land35.jpgland35https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73fec-3c05a-land34.jpgland34https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72595-af4ac-land33.jpgland33https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18c8a-eb54e-land32.jpgland32https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62845-10c19-land31.jpgland31https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b2cd-7d785-land30.jpgland30https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b134-12b06-land29.jpgland29https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f1a0-a51a3-land28.jpgland282025-10-04T13:02:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/05/11/dofe-as-an-adult/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2e51-b4d67-header_logotype.pngheader_logotypehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc6d5-699c0-18121907_10100567159327801_6020649681865634449_o.jpg18121907_10100567159327801_6020649681865634449_ohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/345f7-e1a1c-dofe.jpgdofe2025-10-04T13:02:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/11/25/bog-squelching-in-wales/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8293-03237-walesbog.jpgBog-squelching in Wales header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5bbf1-912ce-wales4.jpgReedy-grass across the Black MountainsThis is what a lot of the landscape looked like on Sunday - reedy-grass that's really hard to walk inhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01d68-6a166-wales3.jpgThe view across Black MountainThe view from above Penwyllt, across the A4067 and over towards Black Mountain itselfhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df965-29f47-wales2.jpgQuarries to the west of Afon TwrchThis is shortly before the horizontal rain began, at which point the camera went firmly away.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78f24-c2f7c-wales1.jpgMist over the Black Mountains in WalesThis is early on, when it was merely misty and damp.2025-10-04T13:02:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/01/29/new-year-new-unicorn/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2d78-c6c11-unicorn.jpgLulworth title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9cbf7-2c47c-unicorn13.jpgWalking back down to Lulworthhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5feeb-7f931-unicorn12.jpgSignpost from Durdle Door to Lulworthhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29182-91b02-unicorn11.jpgThe ridge between West Bottom and Lulworthhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24b29-90a95-unicorn10.jpgThe climb up to the obeliskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fdefc-7c2d3-unicorn9.jpgLooking down from Bat's HeadYes, it really is that steep.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed4dc-1d1ab-unicorn8.jpgThe climb up Bat's HeadThis is accurate to the horizon. It really is that steep.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdd7b-81b65-unicorn7.jpgThe beach between Durdle Door & Bat's Headhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b7ff-4fe24-unicorn6.jpgBat's Headhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74628-078c5-unicorn5.jpgAt the top of Swyre Head2025-10-04T13:01:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/08/walking-the-graenagil-laugavegur-loop/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aea6e-1ef53-graenagil.jpgGraenagil/Landmannalaugar loop walk title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bdbd8-40c09-100_9614_33722383232_o.jpgBack at Landmannalaugar campsitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33adb-d45ae-100_9609_33838050666_o.jpgVehicles crossing the last ford before Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99882-8250f-100_9602_33838052526_o.jpgLandmannalaugar campsite from Laugahraunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88c68-3d26a-100_9600_33838052806_o.jpgThe viewpoint on Laugahraun above Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba0ba-5ae75-100_9583_33035270144_o.jpgMeadows and mountains near Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98ff1-28706-100_9565_33722401232_o.jpgGeothermal area near Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c4db-9df11-100_9551_33838072456_o.jpgGeothermal area near Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd8a5-371e9-100_9516_33749769231_o.jpgCrossing the Laugahraunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e97f-3ed45-100_9500_33749778621_o.jpgLaugahraun & the tip of Brennisteinsalda2025-10-04T13:01:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/18/the-volcano-adventures-leirhnjukur/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7db4b-a889a-leirhnjukur.jpgVisiting the lava field at Leirhnjukur | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21efb-59b47-32565181283_e4f67fec43_k.jpgTimer selfie at Leirhnjukur a year laterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b190-c762c-32573841994_c7c8c3a406_k.jpgTimer selfie at Leirhnjukurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b247-1f8d1-32573851204_70365b91e3_k.jpgLeirhnjukurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1159-a7f90-33416522125_718d94a543_k.jpgLeirhnjukurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ca62-7d221-32602519653_b5fac0facc_k.jpgLeirhnjukurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58d05-a5a6a-32573873574_dfc8afb4e9_k.jpgBig geothermal puddle at Leirhnjukurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc6b3-6b73b-33260937322_800c0c07b0_k.jpgBig geothermal puddle at Leirhnjukurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d68a4-3d79b-32573894104_9520012df7_k.jpgBoardwalk up to Leirhnjukurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48a30-cdd45-33288327371_ed3bd396de_k.jpgLava field between car park and Leirhnjukur2025-10-04T13:01:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/22/virtual-running-and-swimming/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5de0-f5a15-medals.pngVirtual running & swimming: Millennial participation trophies | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9f34-6da52-p1100774.jpgVirtual swimming medal, June 2019, 5kmSee the 5000m engraved on it & the 2500m engraved on the others?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6dca-d7178-p1100773.jpgVirtual swimming medals, January to June 2019https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4d63-ce353-p1100775.jpgVirtual walking/running medals, January to June 2019https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d8e2-76329-p1100778.jpgVirtual swimming & running medalshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a547f-1ad70-p1100763.jpgVirtual swimming & running medalsTwelve medals worn at once weighs a ton!2025-10-04T13:00:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/05/04/stay-at-home-storytelling-my-dofe-practice-expedition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34a24-507d8-practiceexped.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: My DofE practice expedition | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/371a8-cc2e9-p1030933.jpgCatherine and Chris with the horsehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e331-8b808-p1030932.jpgMr Lowe and Catherine examining the maphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f1aa-84a9b-p1030931.jpgCatherine pretending to stab Chris with a hairbrushhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59a6a-7f326-p1030930.jpgChris and Vicky pulling Catherine out of the tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b03c2-a1bd1-p1030929.jpgVicky, Catherine and Chris sitting around the Trangiahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfe30-33b17-p1030927.jpgStewart and Chris finishing putting up the boys' tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30262-d0de2-p1030926.jpgCatherine sitting on the grass wearing a daisy chain headband and making a peace sign.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad115-83af8-p1030925-rotated-1.jpgVicky sitting on the grass making a daisy chainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64a5d-85a67-p1030924.jpgCatherine running around the field2025-10-04T12:59:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/15/stay-at-home-storytelling-my-dofe-bronze-expedition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93902-ce68c-dofebronze.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: My DofE Bronze expedition | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7caa0-0054b-18121907_10100567159327801_6020649681865634449_o.jpgBronze DofE certificate and badgeNote the date on the certificate. This popped through the letterbox in April 2017.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff625-d66d1-p1040589.jpgOur DofE Bronze expedition group at the pub at the end of our expeditionThe thumb is thanks to this being a film photo from 2003. It's not my thumb.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00be0-6572e-p1040588.jpgOur DofE Bronze expedition group at the pub at the end of our expeditionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/616f2-4f101-p1040587.jpgOur DofE Bronze expedition group at the pub at the end of our expeditionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6cfe8-51e77-p1040586.jpgSwanage Railway steam train as seen out of focus through a hedgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5b93-ddb46-p1040585.jpgTaking a break in a fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4634-95494-p1040584.jpgTaking a break in a fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d28f-6a000-p1040583.jpgCalves in a fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/426ed-52431-p1040582.jpgWalking away from Langton Matravers again2025-10-04T12:59:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/28/dartmoor-a-warm-windy-walking-weekend/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6fba-a785e-dartmoorp1.pngDartmoor: a wet windy walking weekend (part 1) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d177-6694f-50367115712_9ba7f88739_k.jpgSelfie on Saddle Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e54a-8aed3-50367114677_84426f33f1_k.jpgThe view from Saddle Tor, featuring Haytorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25f00-a0a1f-50366263588_9ba813dd93_k.jpgSetting off up Saddle Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2a7a-5b70e-50367118592_9c7c0d1812_k-1.jpgThe Saddle Tor car park where I should have parked.I should have parked here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/845c4-20620-50366267153_7cf730d20d_k.jpgTimer selfie across from Haytor and Saddle Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45405-39db2-50366270253_c3ca5621f6_k.jpgLivestock grazing on Dartmoor with (possibly) Saddle Tor in the backgroundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bf8a-ca0bf-50367128602_7e34c0dbc4_k.jpgHound Tor cairn & cisthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f21a-70dfb-50366972396_ca5bea19d5_k.jpgPanorama south from Hound Tor, showing very clearly Haytor and Greatorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c0de-64694-50366972831_7ed89e4ad5_k.jpgHound Tor rocky outcrop from most of the way up the hill2025-10-04T12:59:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/01/dartmoor-a-warm-windy-walking-weekend-part-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/986b5-eb863-dartmoorp2.pngDartmoor: a wet windy walking weekend (part 2) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9839-5b003-50366244618_479dedf054_k.jpgLooking uphill towards my car from Bonehill Rockshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0839-9a16d-50367096132_94a7323c7d_k.jpgGrazing sheep with Widecombe-in-the-Moor behind themhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7273e-81d4d-50366243883_0e4624d000_k.jpgA moment of direct sunlight on Bonehill Rocks with Chinkwell Tor in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72cd7-6bec1-50366941431_7af2d392fa_k.jpgDartmoor ponies on top of Chinkwell Tor, with moorland views back to my car behind themhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92abb-1c4fa-50367105397_ec5debc8fe_k.jpgTImer selfie on the cairn on top of Chinkwell Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7924b-ede50-50367109247_975eda0bf2_k.jpgWindswept on top of Bell Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8e77-2b021-50366256288_b6c7a7422c_k-1.jpgBonehill Rocks looking south with my car just visible on the ridge below Top Tor in the distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a22b4-e674e-50366257903_4b5b133094_k.jpgLooking north towards Chinkwell Tor from my carhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a39ff-d5a88-50366311083_88a831a4e5_k.jpgMaking hot chocolate from real chocolate flakes on a camping stove2025-10-04T12:59:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/12/my-exercise-routine-500km-in-2020-challenge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/430b3-5d4eb-500km.pngI walked, ran & swam 500km in 2020 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0956d-fe394-spreadsheet111020.jpgMy exercise tracking spreadsheet as of 11/10/20, showing my monthly targets, distances and various calculationsExercise spreadsheet as of 11/10/20https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2d36-843a1-p108059dfh9.jpgClose-up of the 500km medal in all its gold and copper gloryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb3d6-bbd0e-p1080599.jpgSelfie with my 500km medal. It's huge, a big copper-coloured disc with a copper-coloured 500 across the middle and a gold spinning centre with footprints on itWearing my medalhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e472d-8c8be-50452390276_c6e77d3a69_b.jpgRunning selfie - sunglasses, orange earphones and bright yellow running topRunning selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dae43-87797-50452373336_f1c5fe203e_b.jpgPost-swimming selfie, in a paint-splattered t-shirt over a beach dress, wet hair just out of shotPost-swimming selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86f35-039dd-500km-done.pngScreenshot of my spreadsheet, showing my 500+km.Screenshot of my spreadsheet, showing my 500+km.2025-10-04T12:58:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/11/23/a-single-map-episode-1-a-muddy-hill/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6735a-a96ca-muddyhill.pngA Single Map: A walk up a very muddy hill | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/486bd-5599c-p1090824.jpgA watercolour painting of the woodsThis isn't a great painting but I liked the idea of seeing nature and making art of ithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d568a-4b7e1-walkroute.pngStrava map of my walking routehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35c64-a3257-50596459433_24167b7c3b_k.jpgA squirrel in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06102-e171d-50597203101_9316305d7e_k.jpgThe mud-free Hardy Wayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62ba5-64b77-50596467323_3449845a72_k.jpgA half-fallen tree on the Owl trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfb8a-f9a9f-50597211741_4096e82cc1_k.jpgThe gate leading from the woods onto the public bridleway in the fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66d33-0b450-50596479108_14d9342229_k.jpgDad picking his way down a slightly less muddy hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62d30-7594e-50597357137_5d42b60a04_k.jpgView across the woods from the top of the hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4527b-612b0-50597237101_fb2f497bf6_k.jpgSocial distancing from the trig point2025-10-04T12:58:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/12/10/a-single-map-episode-2-a-walk-in-the-woods/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc4a7-14298-walkinwoods.pngA Single Map: A walk in the woods | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12001-b76e9-50655302803_13a02b23d9_k.jpgThe last leg of the walkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36ba0-80fe6-50655302018_2f3d86b6f6_k.jpgBad slightly blurry selfie where I'm not even looking at the camerahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/069a1-1a842-50656037926_c123a3d250_k.jpgA fallen tree makes a natural limbo challengehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d72ea-e86df-50656038696_3f83f93f86_k.jpgEerie pale woodlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa8db-b2fd3-50656139862_9dbb694c60_k.jpgSpindle flowershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f180-99bf5-50655307088_5e5db58fad_k.jpgA hunting chair on the edge of the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1dea-31791-50655307723_934b4177f4_k.jpgThe most uninviting path yethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67237-82c10-50656042016_a0a5f10f45_k.jpgA round robin in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8cf40-7e473-50656136982_c9f1747e21_k.jpgThe hidden marker arrows2025-10-04T12:58:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/04/how-to-get-into-walking/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c770-d240f-outdoorsbeginners.pngHow to get outdoors for beginners | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69a37-36ba2-p1110171.jpgTwo small Dorset walking guidebookshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fafe4-052f8-p1060454.jpgDaily walk selfie in a Primark raincoathttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c6ff-70f29-50554660543_89c48c3906_k.jpgMy local woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22ab7-fb164-50523273798_878942980a_k-1.jpg£32 worth of decent waterproof jackethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4d33-b7571-p1110169.jpgMy Karrimor hiking boots (on the kitchen floor in the sun)2025-10-04T12:57:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/14/exploring-tarrant-rushton-airfield/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8882e-e9076-tarrantrushton.pngExploring Tarrant Rushton airfield | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a05f-b601c-p1110242.jpgOS map of Tarrant Rushton, with extra runways drawn in by meExtra runways and hangars drawn in by me using Google Maps and the plaque by the gatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea039-4c5c2-50791504246_b379612df8_k.jpgMain hangar at Tarrant Rushtonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ead31-fff22-50791615682_5f371995ef_k.jpgThe main runway from the northhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27015-24be3-50632700643_bf8b98d109_k.jpgHistoric aerial photo of the airfieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32ff0-eb05a-50790732043_2476840267_k.jpgHangar 3 sawmillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc242-a99ce-50633557302_442a41d71f_k.jpgThe surviving south end of the main runwayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c42d-2e687-50632708678_4fccc7bc18_k.jpgBadbury Rings in the distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b6ea-8a2c8-50790746758_5954ca5e45_k.jpgSomewhere down the west side of Tarrant Rushton airfieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12f18-0912a-50790754088_052e164b71_k.jpgSneak peek inside hangar 12025-10-04T12:57:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/18/a-single-map-episode-4-just-a-wood/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14f27-53d9b-singlemap4justawood.jpgA Single Map 4: Just a wood | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4787-2fb48-50820738793_c459275e7b_k.jpgAn over-excited dog woofing over the fencehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3062e-132e4-50821485826_88103c0af7_k.jpgA nice solid forked treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6ed0-ebf40-50820743413_8369e4d3cc_k.jpgThe small windy path into the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/800b2-32cac-50821496141_fc4eb09b62_k.jpgA round robin lurking in a tree along the pathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a305c-2f6f7-50821498766_6fa38cc300_k.jpgThe little bridge over the riverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4c1d-69b7e-50821597822_ed860bdd6c_k.jpgWould you drive your car through this ford?Would you drive your car through this ford?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa625-dbe0e-50821490396_f3b26d8852_k.jpgSelfie on the pathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/710c1-48e18-50820766488_d5af3d0d76_k.jpgA track that I'm not entirely sure whether we're allowed to walk onhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9fa4-2780b-50820769733_3abb6c1c48_k.jpgThis wood really is just a wood2025-10-04T12:57:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/21/a-single-map-episode-5-walking-the-trailway/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e9eb-4ed24-northdorsettrailway.pngnorthdorsettrailwayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a3da-a7449-50845543592_3997d4744e_k.jpgApples fallen from a tree beside the trailwayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9ee7-6a604-50845526817_4460ffb2b9_k.jpgSturminster Newton covid testing sitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7dc56-0bb1a-50845538837_578abb058f_k.jpgA tractor cutting a hedge on the outskirts of Sturminster Newtonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0289f-f82dc-50844721243_220be9c2c2_k.jpgThe remains of the old railway bridge sticking out of the riverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa828-63cfd-50844726068_667efd72aa_k.jpgSelfie on the footbridgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d9f7-4d775-50845445376_01d0d2b0d9_k.jpgFiddleford from the footbridge over the Stourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/391c4-40e17-50845542847_7b6f15fd92_k.jpgNorth Dorset Trailway just south of the Hammoon roadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d64e6-a10a0-50845536822_a4133cb79f_k.jpgA dinghy hiding in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/224db-0f206-50845446366_f5fe4b6b0a_k.jpgDilapidated shed that's probably not home to barn owls2025-10-04T12:57:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/25/why-and-how-to-use-a-route-card/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20e6d-b2ade-routecard.pngWhy and how to use a route card | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38514-df3df-p1120451.jpgSpeed calculator cardThis has lived in my map case since 2014 but my spreadsheet is so much easier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f95a-feed4-p1120450.jpgThe waffle of this route from my guidebookThe waffle of this route from my guidebookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e48ce-4ea4f-fullroutecard.pngFull route cardThis is my full route card from my Dartmoor trip last September.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93410-63f7a-line1.pngFilling in the first line of the route cardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6797b-33fe0-speed.jpgSpeed and time boxes at the top of my route card2025-10-04T12:56:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/29/fiddleford-piddles-wood/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a680-0dd31-fiddleford.pngA Single Map | Fiddleford to Piddles Woodhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89f2e-80c36-50862774273_06c9d7bda7_k.jpgIron Age hillfort hiding in someone's gardenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a878-78888-50863593367_5fba95cfd3_k.jpgSturminster Newton town bridgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56f7f-d211e-50863488216_1fb3ab0754_k.jpgThe "transportation to Australia" sign on Sturminster Newton bridgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa708-1c7db-50863598697_60c03964f9_k.jpgThe pub at Sturminster Newtonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2364-4d943-50863518266_9145933513_k.jpgThe path down the back of Fiddlefordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b4b6-68330-50862813403_e0f775812e_k.jpgThe field in January - the river is off the left of the photohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7682-92b95-50862814498_5a4fab3b5e_k.jpgThe stepped weir/fish ladder in Januaryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeab0-86759-50863635617_1803444a07_k.jpgHydropower at Fiddleford Millhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7626-a147e-51005893953_6c882d0c66_k.jpgBig house on the side of Piddles Wood2025-10-04T12:56:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/08/what-to-carry-on-a-day-hike/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f731-23c4d-whattocarry.pngOutdoors 101: what to carry on a day hike | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f30d9-b9d38-p1120517.jpgMap in waterproof map case with compassMap in waterproof map case with compass and pacing beadshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e5ec-e37f6-p1120516.jpgDrybagDrybag full of drybagshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c97de-08c95-p1120515.jpgHeadtorchesHeadtorches: my "big" Tikka and my tiny emergency e+Litehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3f0a-f8342-p1120518.jpgSurvival kit: emergency shelter, emergency bag, silver blanket & whistleSurvival kit: emergency shelter, emergency bag, silver blanket & whistlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9203-0f326-p1120512.jpgSurvival bagSurvival baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75439-6877d-p1120513.jpgFirst aid kitMy first aid kithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd051-12573-p1120514.jpgMerino gloves and mountain mittensMerino gloves and mountain mittenshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ef5e-a820e-clothes.jpgSpare jumper & waterproof jacketSpare jumper & waterproof jacket2025-10-04T12:56:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/15/whats-in-my-first-aid-kit/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1115-862b6-firstaidkit.pngWhat's in my first aid kit? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72a9e-357a0-p1120546.jpgInside my small pre-made first aid kithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a004e-068ff-p1120545.jpgPre-made first aid kitshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/abf3a-02c3a-p1120502.jpgAfterBitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf5e0-22e8a-p1120501.jpgSilver emergency thermal blankethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72764-ef47c-p11205fdgtt09.jpgTube bandagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48756-433e5-p1120509.jpgElectrical tapehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42ba7-6dc63-p1120505.jpgWaterproof plastershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b063c-b5fd0-p1120503.jpgTick removershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c943f-653a7-p1120506.jpgMini bottle of antibacterial wash2025-10-04T12:56:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/29/a-single-map-walking-with-cows/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84a7b-be497-walkingwithcows-1.pngA Single Map: walking with cows | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc142-c49aa-p1120637.jpgRiver Stour between trailway and Fiddlefordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c528-4357a-p1120636.jpgDog running wild in a fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f394f-ae071-p1120627.jpgField mustard along the bridlewayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72856-a4919-p1120621.jpgHammoon churchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a4e3-545a7-p1120617.jpgSelfie at Hammoonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2025-bdedd-p1120603.jpgParagliders over Hambledon Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44d71-f53f9-p1120596.jpgYoung cows gazing over a fencehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc108-2a69d-p1120591.jpgCows in the river fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68459-5b6e6-p1120590.jpgDad crawling under an electric fence2025-10-04T12:55:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/14/a-walk-and-a-nature-lesson/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/132ee-a4394-51006728397_57a950e6cd_k.jpgFish ladder in the river by the millhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0cf0a-e1666-51006599171_84944bd99d_k.jpgPiddles Wood in Marchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5dfe3-06ad4-50862774273_06c9d7bda7_k.jpgA hillfort in a gardenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e6ef-cafb9-50863530641_d883ff5c08_k.jpgGreat tit at Fiddleford Millhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da7ef-4c033-50862813758_0e8b230872_k.jpgWarning: there is a bullhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19585-400a8-51231070638_432fc698a6_k.jpgIn the woods near Glue Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c792-80915-51230153087_f089892245_k.jpgCatherine examining a hawthornhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/541a5-1ea7b-51232776432_4da06025b1_c.jpgPictureThis identifying Swedish whitebeamhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0576d-4c3bb-51230155027_b289c5434a_k.jpgSturminster Newton millhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1631f-fdf5a-51231933240_4d9b7984b0_k.jpgWhite-legged damselfly2025-10-04T12:55:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/11/how-to-plan-a-hike/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae9f9-2468b-howtoplanahike.pngHow to plan a hike | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b1f1-4d44f-p1160459.jpgThe southern bit of moor I'm looking athttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aef24-33b74-p1160463.jpgAn expanse of Dartmoor moorlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4698a-02fb3-p1160460.jpgBelstone Commonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8558-c8d3d-p1160457.jpgA car park on Dartmoorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a898c-f7178-p1160456.jpgMy OS map spread out on my deskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0872d-42ccd-p1160454.jpgWalk 9 in the bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c944-5dd6c-p1160453.jpgDartmoor walks summary listhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f119d-1f980-p1160451.jpgDartmoor walking guide maphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77ef4-e4c3f-p1160449.jpgMy Dartmoor map and guidebook2025-10-04T12:55:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/15/i-walked-1000km-in-2021/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3533b-740d9-img_7462.jpgSelfie with my Sussex East walking badgeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e3e7-ef9d9-img_7459.jpgMe with my 1000km medalhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/899fe-570b5-51681436403_87804975d4_k.jpgSwimming pool selfieHow annoying that this doesn't count towards my 1000km!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5c70-9e83f-1000km.pngI walked 1000km in 2021! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5953-933b3-p1150287.jpgTrig point selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b100-fd8de-51680293350_997a41c2f4_k.jpgSelfie in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82ff4-63603-51679399046_56d059429d_k.jpgSelfie on my 1000km walkThis was the evening walk on 4th Nov when I passed my 1000kmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4da80-52233-50821490396_f3b26d8852_k-1.jpgSelfie with Dad on a January walkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb0b7-54795-mileage.pngMy walking spreadsheetThis is only half of the front page of my epic spreadsheethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f0d9-2506a-p1170376.jpg1000 km in 2021 medal!2025-10-04T12:54:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/16/walking-in-winter/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ca06-9fcf8-261944609_4439957716118013_6834901255411504433_n.jpgArchery in quite high windsBlurred out Inspire members posing, I repeat posing, with bows and arrowshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d875d-eb2c4-51737417608_ccbbf7359c_k.jpgStreetlights through leaveshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/143ac-2a791-51737458698_4247ec2ae9_k.jpgThe custom OS map for my cottage walkshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aed74-c1725-51659207283_f4ed7bf7a4_k.jpgColourful hedgerows and trees on a recent winter walkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6aea4-bf444-51737859894_195459f113_k.jpgChristmas lights going up along the main roadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb1b6-cc520-51737448948_0b98766154_k.jpgThis is RoofCat. Can you see where he got his name?This is RoofCat. Can you see where he got his name?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5993-29a5f-51736360042_5d953de0ef_k.jpgMy feet, off-red cord trousers and suede poncho walking through the leaves under a streetlighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2362e-bc874-51710145312_c0d7ebe005_k.jpgA streetlight behind a tree on a foggy eveninghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40d9a-5e029-51710145677_971ad2a22d_k.jpgBlurry Jupiter & VenusThis is Jupiter & Venus. They're blurry because I'm using my iauto setting and no tripod.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/616f2-047fd-51710146547_d98e85f778_k.jpgThe main road in mist in the dark2025-10-04T12:54:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/23/a-custom-walk-up-a-hill/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a2d8-4ed06-p1180460.jpgMy boots five days later, after scraping, hosing and washing in the sinkMy boots five days later, after scraping, hosing and washing in the sinkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1c21-de582-mapfieldhillfort.pngA custom map, a muddy field and an unexpected hillfort | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ceac4-fd4fb-51751349634_5adce9edae_k.jpgThe top of Stantonbury Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69ce7-074e5-51751351444_38bed9ca66_k.jpgSelfie on the side of Stantonbury Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/564e9-4c507-bathandnortheastsomerset.pngOS Map screenshot showing Maes Knoll near the top left and Stantonbury Hill around the middle towards the right. You can just make out the West Wansdyke in placesMaes Knoll is near the top left and Stantonbury Hill isaround the middle towards the right. You can just make out the West Wansdyke in places.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0791-974ff-stantonburyhill.pngMarksbury and Stantonbury Hill on an OS Map screenshothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e12d8-62674-50441383947_ce38364d7b_k.jpgThe stepped sides of Hambledon Hill in north DorsetThe stepped sides of Hambledon Hill in north Dorsethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76822-7b773-p1180456.jpgRoman road going in a straight line to Badbury Rings in DorsetYes, the Romans were better at straight lines than I am. You can make out the dotted line under my wobbly highlightinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37d9f-d09fd-51749874092_8364d5c376_k.jpgThe view from just below the treeline on Stantonbury Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be96b-218ac-51751581250_8efadf49cb_k.jpgStantonbury Hill (right) and Winsbury Hill (left)2025-10-04T12:54:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/03/a-tor-bagging-walk-around-haytor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf6c8-2e17d-haytorwalk.pngA tor-bagging walk around Haytor | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5417-afab4-52392772640_0eb001ed3d_k.jpgThe view across to Hound Tor and Greator Rocks from Smallacombe Rocks otherwise. Between them is a deep tree-lined valley.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51d13-d5e7c-52392345241_0cde13f3df_k.jpgWalking along a fern-lined path towards a mass of rocks called Greator Rocks. It's great.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3c77-ec0a4-52392776430_9315a99fc9_k.jpgWalking through the nature reserve. It's green and grassy and lined with ferns and trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/058aa-9d7d9-52392351871_4db66c116b_k.jpgThe view from Rippon Tor across to Saddle Tor and Haytor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a7ef-609ef-52391428372_8c10a1cda9_k.jpgA black and white cow on a tor in Dartmoor with a nice sunny view behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01cdd-f9cd3-52392350221_6e0a02f24c_k.jpgSelfie on Dartmoor. It's sunny but I'm wearing a cow-print fleece hat to stop my ears getting burned. There's a big round lens flare that looks like a barcode on my cheek.2025-10-04T12:53:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/06/a-shorter-walk-up-tors-and-across-downs/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f357b-fc825-downstorwalk.pngA shorter walk up tors and across downs | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/546fe-19a9f-52392349081_e492b8a120_k.jpgI can't remember if this is Top Tor or Pil Tor. Anyway, it's a big pile of rocks on top of a hill with a moorland landscape behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/069f9-18084-52392578683_9a8f9dd5a5_k.jpgA wooden gate. There's a sign on it to show open access, with a big red slash through it and just to make sure we understand, someone's written PRIVATE across the bar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9274-27843-52392766655_17756f1c58_k.jpgA very stony path with ancient stone walls on each side and trees growing up through the walls. The sun is coming through the trees in a very pretty way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18c2b-2e081-52391411697_ebbd4eba39_k.jpgA stone wall in a short-grass field. There's a stile over the wall and there's also a square hole for dogs to run through rather than go over the stile.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ded10-d97ae-52392650049_5cf10f9c2a_k.jpgThe long grass and gorse landscape of the south side of Rippon Tor. This is not where we should be walking.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fe81-1081e-52392584683_9e72675717_k.jpgThe view across Saddle Tor and Haytor from halfway up the north side of Rippon Tor. It's all very grassy and the grass on Rippon Tor is quite yellow.2025-10-04T12:53:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/24/i-climbed-a-mountain-in-wales/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82c43-d7a26-iclimbedamountaininwales.pngI climbed a mountain in Wales | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65fbd-e28f6-nearly_down.jpgA view down the mountain, all rolls and folds. It's very autumnal; it's grassy but the grass is as much grey and brown as is it green.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf8f0-918de-view_across_the_valley.jpgThe view across the valley the next day. Fan Brycheiniog is a long ridge rising out of a the mountain opposite. We walked along the foot of the ridge, basically along the top of the mountain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9b5d-0cbb1-fan_brycheiniog_slopes.jpgA view down Fan Brycheiniog's fairly steep east side, sweeping down to a lake at the bottom. I swear it felt a lot steeper than this.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99ebf-93e0e-group_photo_at_trig_point.jpgA group selfie at the trig point, which is painted red and says "Yes Cymru", apparently in support of the World Cup. The sky is grey now and we're all wearing a lot more clothes than in the earlier group photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dbb8a-3c51c-fan_gyhirych.jpgFan Gyhirych, a mountain that's steep on one side and gentle on the other, as seen across rolling hills and mountains from the opposite side of the valley.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/376f8-584e6-group_photo.jpgGroup photo before we split up: eight women with backpacks and fleeces on a hillside. Behind us, you can see the ridge of the mountain we're going to climb.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4868c-61b34-os_map_of_lower_climb.jpgA photo of my 1:25 000 OS map. Coming off the red road running down the right side is a green diamond track leading along the contours of a very steep mountain. Our route goes directly across those contours on a route not marked on this old map.2025-10-04T12:52:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/14/tom-scott-goes-to-meradalir/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9c9e-27e8a-screenshot_20221212_183824_youtube7407893472034614526.jpgscreenshot_20221212_183824_youtube7407893472034614526https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6fbc2-72751-screenshot_20221212_183438_youtube6401188298401994572.jpgscreenshot_20221212_183438_youtube6401188298401994572https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fcb5-2b44d-screenshot_20221212_183811_youtube4271903352333779217.jpgscreenshot_20221212_183811_youtube4271903352333779217https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17712-951f7-screenshot_20221212_183630_youtube6920583639680733808.jpgscreenshot_20221212_183630_youtube6920583639680733808https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c324-c972d-screenshot_20221212_184105_youtube3494784914449909931.jpgscreenshot_20221212_184105_youtube3494784914449909931https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4cd3a-9204d-screenshot_20221212_183406_youtube73866579145419248.jpgscreenshot_20221212_183406_youtube73866579145419248https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17da1-172a9-screenshot_20221212_184536_youtube6780214411895644486.jpgscreenshot_20221212_184536_youtube6780214411895644486https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c1a6-c4ae5-screenshot_20221212_184453_youtube2864543030643517506.jpgscreenshot_20221212_184453_youtube2864543030643517506https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8e8d-14256-screenshot_20221212_184008_youtube4917718904222204641.jpgscreenshot_20221212_184008_youtube4917718904222204641https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47456-7af21-screenshot_20221212_184115_youtube602556103940292824.jpgscreenshot_20221212_184115_youtube6025561039402928242025-10-04T12:52:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/12/im-working-towards-my-open-country-walking-qualification/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/433fa-13a3f-open_country_walking_qualification.jpgI'm working towards my Open country walking qualification | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3da1b-ff60c-selfie_at_becka_brook.jpgA selfie, taken at a high angle to show me and also a bubbling stream behind me. This is Becka Brook and it's bridged by several large pieces of rock forming a flat bridge that looks exactly like a drawbridge if the planks were wider.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93c16-f7d64-volcano_selfie.jpgA selfie in the rainbow stripy hat, with a small but active volcano in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf77f-84d64-level_1_pig_walk.jpgMe on a gentler level 1 countryside walk, taking a selfie with a herd of pigs in a field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5b63-8439c-at_hound_tor.jpgMe sitting directly below Hound Tor, wearing a green fleece and a red technical t-shirt and looking a touch wind-burned.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed052-b414b-on_high_willhays.jpgMe with my arms held out wide, very pleased to be standing on top of High Willhays, the highest tor on Dartmoor. Behind me is a large pile of rocks forming a large and untidy cairn and behind that, the moors stretch out into the mist in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76040-bce3e-me_walking_in_wales.jpgA selfie, wearing a blue softshell and a bright stripy bobble hat. I'm on the moors in Wales, with Fan Breichiniog behind me, on a wet and wild-looking day with swirling dark grey clouds.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4360-4e87c-girlguiding_walking_scheme_badge.pngA rectangular enamel badge with rounded corners. It has a thin border in mid-blue. Most of the badge is lime green but in the top half there's a walker, a tree and a shrub in bright green and an orange sun against a pale blue sky. In the green at the bottom are the words "Walking Scheme" in mid blue and a Trefoil logo.I don't think the green is quite this garish in real life.2025-10-04T12:52:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/20/what-i-learned-about-myself-long-distance-hiking-and-kit-on-the-south-downs-way/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97211-bab7e-what_i_learned_on_the_south_downs_way.jpgWhat I learned about myself, long-distance hiking and kit on the South Downs Way | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f37e2-9f9fc-vango_trail_45.jpgMy backpack, a blocky black bag with grey trimming, a large lid and two large side pockets, sitting on the floor resting against a radiator.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c7df-ff620-fleece_and_softshell.jpgMy blue fleece on a hanger hanging from a door. Over the top of it, partially zipped, is my softshell in an (accidental) almost identical shade of blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96378-3a76c-eating_a_babybel.jpgA stop on Saturday, wearing my hat because it's cold when you stop, eating a Babybel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c7cf-cec48-me_in_rain_on_sunday.jpgMe in full waterproofs walking along the trail past a bare hedge on a drizzly day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3069f-1760d-my_mountain_boots.jpgMy feet, clad in grey boots with pink laces, in a patch of very muddy grass. There is plenty of mud smeared along the toes of the boots too.2025-10-04T12:51:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/16/a-solo-logbook-walk-on-dartmoor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/218ea-8fd7d-solo_logbook_walk_on_dartmoor.jpgA solo logbook walk on Dartmoor | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46ba5-7d512-exeter_cathedral_nave.jpgExeter Cathedral's splended Gothic nave and vaulted ceiling. There's also a giant neon 3D star hanging from the crossing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9898-1b1b9-badges_on_the_map.jpgAn oval Haytor badge with a red circle around the inside and a picture of the tor with sunlight radiating behind it, and a green hexagonal badge with a white horse and Dartmoor National Park on it. They're both lying on my OS map showing the area I walked today.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6adb3-f8e47-path_and_ford.jpgThe path back up to the car park. It crosses a stream which has flooded to make a large but fairly shallow puddle. To the right there is mud and bog where everyone has left the path to get to the stepping stones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6f10-f6e5f-top_tor.jpgTop Tor, now under a sky that looks like it's got a Drama filter on it. The tor has big lump of rock made of striped layers and there's a hole that looks like there's a hidden room inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76e2d-ede44-gorse_and_heather.jpgThick gorse and heather on the moorland. The clouds are getting heavier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76617-3b974-haytor_horse.jpgA black Dartmoor pony sniffing the granite top of Haytor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f27bc-f680a-haytor_selfie.jpgA selfie with Haytor. I'm wearing a blue top, green fleece and yellow bucket hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82e4a-36574-view_down_haytor.jpgThe view down to the car park at the foot of Haytor. That's not the one I was talking about, which is further to the left, off the edge of the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5558e-0f1c4-saddle_tor.jpgThe view from Saddle Tor, complete with granite rocks, across to the great mass of Haytor.2025-10-04T12:51:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/09/ive-walked-2km-a-day-every-day-for-4-years/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f94b-33ed1-2km_a_day_for_4_years.jpgI've walked 2km a day every day for 4 years | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/228da-4bbdc-telegraph_pole.jpgA telegraph pole, covered in dead-looking vegetation, sprouting out of a hedge, next to a tree also sprouting out of the hedge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5579-dcc26-garden_veg_patch.jpgIn the foreground, a vegetable patch is covered in manure. Behind it is a long garden and a grey house in the distance, behind some small trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9bb4f-f96fc-dog_field.jpgA small area of woodland, shrubs and reasonably neat grass, kept mostly for dog walking.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/419e8-78d46-blossom_tree.jpgA very pink blossom tree in the foreground, with a bushy shrub behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8708-40250-stop_sign_and_tree.jpgA stop sign at a t-junction. On the other side of the road are a couple of large trees on each side of an entrance road, big enough to meet in the middle above it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aef39-4af4b-salt_bin.jpgA yellow salt bin in a patch of fairly long grass by the side of the pavement.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/784c0-2eeca-main_road.jpgA badly-patched and slightly worn road with no markings. There is a large tree over the road and all the houses have small brick walls and large hedges in front of them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8240c-8308f-allotments.jpgallotmentshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49741-a0cee-copper_beech.jpgA copper beech tree in its spring reddish-orange leaves.2025-10-04T12:51:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/04/25/bushcraft-training-day/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5971-179e7-bushcraft.jpgInspiring kids: Bushcraft training day | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e3c7-0c4eb-img_6040.jpgCooking over the firehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d47f-ad57c-img_6036.jpgFire by 9 volt batteryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/812dc-d31b0-img_6042.jpgBuilding a snarehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c7d0-5a037-img_6030.jpgBushcraft garlic bread over the firehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34d35-f269d-img_6034.jpgTripod lashinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ee9c-b188c-img_6041.jpgBushcraft water filterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19c40-d1c03-img_6022.jpgForaging walk - picking wild garlichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b83f-bed8a-img_6016.jpgFirelighting by friction using a bow drillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbf3e-1ad39-img_6004.jpgBuilding a natural shelter & protecting the tree bark2025-10-03T17:43:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/14/forest-brownies-campcraft-firelighting-in-the-woods/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0e43-d1dc9-forestbrownies.pngForest Brownies: campcraft & firelighting in the woods | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae365-0a9a0-51581344335_80aa12b21f_k.jpgThe tiny firehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3818b-fe2c7-51581108699_928c3feda0_k.jpgBushcraft Brownie kithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07732-8cfc8-49515199996_99cd871643_k.jpgTwo-man tent at Sparkle 2020The tent in question, at Sparkle & Ice 20202025-10-03T17:42:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/05/01/how-to-repair-a-caving-suit/2025-10-03T17:42:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/13/cavers-do-it-in-rubber-socks-a-half-day-in-goatchurch/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ccdb-6def5-caving.jpgCavers do it in rubber socks: a half-day in Goatchurch | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-03T17:41:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/23/stay-at-home-storytelling-meet-my-srt-kit/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67974-be0d6-srt.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: Meet my SRT kit | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed2fb-cbb8c-p1030914.jpgMe practicing SRTMe practicing my SRT in a tree, somewhere around late 2003 or early 2004.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b46e-cf6b6-p1030897.jpgSRT bag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a25c5-043b6-p1030911.jpgRope threaded through Petzl Stophttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e549-b4b3b-p1030905.jpgTwo aluminium locking karabinershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c92a5-017a8-p1030906.jpgCaving cowstails - untightened and untrimmed. They're not quite supposed to look like this.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eef73-dd842-p1030904.jpgPetzl Stop with braking karabinershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ed56-8554f-p1030903.jpgPetzl Ascension with cords spread out.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86043-9073b-p1030902.jpgPetzl Ascension hand jammer with cords.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3ecb-dc1cb-p1030907.jpgPetzl Croll on a rope2025-10-03T17:41:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/11/a-caving-expedition-with-very-little-caving/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78504-9d3fb-1933732_508593430371_265_n.jpgGetting ready for cavingThe faceless person here really didn't want her parents to know she was caving, hence the facelessness even 16 years onhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcce3-870a3-irelandcaving.pngA student caving expedition in Ireland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7816a-c9b9c-1933732_508593545141_5981_n_508593545141.jpgTai chi in the cottage gardenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec722-74010-1933732_508593485261_2999_n_508593485261.jpgStudent evening antics in the living roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f82c8-969d6-1933732_508593510211_4233_n_508593510211.jpgA game of squeezeboxhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b07d4-e955f-1933732_508593515201_4497_n_508593515201.jpgA game of squeezeboxA game of squeezeboxhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a014-e23b0-1933732_508593495241_3490_n_508593495241.jpgMe sitting in the dining room wearing my caving undersuitI'm 18, I'm at uni and I'm finally growing out the fringe my mum loved so muchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7d03-cc2e7-1933732_508593435361_515_n_508593435361.jpgThe view of the Burren from our cottagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39883-9e1d2-1933732_508593565101_7016_n_508593565101.jpgThe Cliffs of Moherhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0bd79-689d0-1933732_508593525181_4996_n_508593525181.jpgThe ferry over to Ireland2025-10-03T17:41:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/25/you-might-enjoy-caving-if/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5d91-1ea85-mightenjoycaving.pngYou might enjoy caving if... | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7755d-9798d-p1110697sgsgh.jpgMy caving club official photo 2003-04My caving club official photo 2003-04 (plus window reflection that looks like a campfire)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3efd-ed708-p1110697.jpgMy caving club official photo 2003-04My caving club official photo 2003-042025-10-03T17:41:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/01/28/lava-caving-under-an-eruption/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80c73-7edf8-lavacaving.pngLava caving: crawling under an eruption | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aad74-c2887-35431349364_ad2b89c50f_k.jpgGroup cave selfiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef1e6-80ec3-43948851362_4fb0d7ba05_k.jpgIn the snow after my second lava caving trip(This is my second trip, hence the different outfit)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8030e-ef6f9-43278648884_2ecef2684d_k.jpgDo not write your name on cave wallsDo not write your name on cave wallshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/836f3-61456-43278697334_f89dc8792a_k.jpgThe skeleton of the Leiðarendi sheephttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69442-3ca0d-36130051221_bd1abe2f6f_k.jpgRed iron splodge on the cave ceilinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/097ee-a9a2c-30128813138_a0873751dd_k.jpgLittle lava stalactiteshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4af3-fad66-29059900547_ed6b751078_k.jpgSmooth-ish rounded lava tube cavehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/afc86-e3ddb-35870571100_5b06777592_k.jpgLong shiny icicles hanging from the cave roofhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00be1-0da66-30128820338_f1286f94e2_k.jpgGleaming metallic rock inside the cave2025-10-03T17:40:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/10/inside-the-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8aee-9c715-insidethevolcano.pngInside the Volcano| iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25060-1c508-34174569915_dc3ee7965e_k.jpgInside DjupihellirInside Djupihellir, probablyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/310f6-d1d1b-34043797841_99f4a736dc_k.jpgA little lava caving on the way backA little lava caving on the way backhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e64f1-2e2ef-34043799781_27f69f7dd8_k.jpgA collapsed open lava tubeA collapsed open lava tubehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3733f-81144-34017390792_edadbb2027_k.jpgTimer selfie with ÞríhnúkagígurMy favourite of all my timer selfies with Þríhnúkagígurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acd33-e420b-34043825931_8e456b42da_k.jpgVolcanic formationsVolcanic formationshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69947-62581-34017388392_9b9b172d85_k.jpgLandscape around ÞríhnúkagígurThe landscape around Þríhnúkagígurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b6cb-d04f5-33332355204_cb4bd3d458_k.jpgÞríhnúkagígur dead aheadÞríhnúkagígur dead aheadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3cd9c-98dd3-33790035580_f1c6252fe0_k.jpgThe pier to the basket descenderThe pier to the basket descenderhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31170-56789-34017428682_299a546a1d_k.jpgBack on the surfaceBack on the surface2025-10-03T17:40:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/11/why-did-it-take-so-long-to-get-the-injured-caver-out-of-the-cave/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c0df-0257c-ofdrescue.pngWhy did it take so long to get the injured caver out of the cave? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3449-43a31-cwmdwrentrance-1.pngcwmdwrentrancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2b14-d7216-maypoleinlet.pngMaypole Inlethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0586-b6857-ofdsurvey.jpgSWCC common room and OFD surveyThe survey up on the wallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73154-dba20-cwmdwrentrance.pngCwm Dwr entrance gateCwm Dwr entrance gatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e69e0-741ba-swcc2005.pngSouth Wales Caving Clubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a539b-be01d-cwm-dwr.pngCwm Dwr quarry in TorchwoodTorchwood pretending this quarry isn't literally next door to the SWCChttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0c46-9845a-swcc.pngSWCC in TorchwoodThe South Wales Caving Club making its TV debut as the creepy village in Torchwoodhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7edc2-56f5c-ofdmap.pngFull OFD maphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dde66-92603-51666359478_b81448f533_k.jpgDetails of the upper parts of OFD22025-10-03T17:40:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/18/a-long-caving-weekend-in-the-mendips/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e945-06890-mendipsweekend.pngA long caving weekend in the Mendips | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac97a-4b932-club-photo-03-04.jpgOur official 2003-05 club photoOur official 2003-05 club photo. Three of these people never caved again after their first trip. One is another housemate of the other two who never did a trip with us the whole time I was there.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9cf95-e4b8d-cnv00026.jpgTrying to force the over-full car to closeTrying to force the over-full car to closehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e526-94acf-cnv00022.jpgSamples from the Experimental Vodka WorkshopSamples from the Experimental Vodka Workshophttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e081e-f1c9d-bsj5684.jpgLooking straight down Swildon's 20Looking straight down Swildon's 20https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cbf31-414fe-bsj1654.jpgMe looking at a formation in Swildon'sMe looking at a formation in Swildon'shttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a34d1-a6b15-bsj5445.jpgMe at the top of the 20 foot pot in Swildon'sMe at the top of the 20 foot pot in Swildon'shttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ab54-90b9b-bsj3658.jpgMe and Sarah in Swildon'sMe and Sarah in Swildon'shttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d954f-1e1d6-cnv00010.jpgSofa rugby at the BelfrySofa rugby at the Belfryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab570-0da93-cnv00006.jpgPat doing handstands on the hill in the snowPat doing handstands on the hill in the snow2025-10-03T17:39:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/17/caving-kit-to-buy-as-you-get-into-it/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/397fc-7e274-cavingkit.pngCaving kit to buy as you get into it | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fead-23627-p1180790.jpgClose-up of my feet in neoprene socks. The uppers are bright blue, the soles and ankles are black.These are in incredibly good condition for nearly 18 years old. Until last summer they were my footwear of choice for watersports, so they've been through a lot of mud, pebbles and rock and the only mark on them is that they're a bit faded.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab1e1-016e2-p1180800.jpgClose-up of my caving wellies, a pair of battered green wellies with stained yellowish soles. I'm standing on my left foot and holding my right foot up so you get a glimpse of the sole, which is quite worn after this many years.These haven't held up badly considering how long I've had them and what hard use they've had.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/340ac-3eb19-p1180781.jpgMe in a red caving t-shirt wearing my neoprene cuffs, my belt and my knee pads. I sort of look like a superhero but I also sort of look like an idiot.All the extras I could fit into one photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5638c-73c5c-p1180787.jpgMe, wearing a red caving t-shirt, struggling to get into a red and blue cordura caving oversuit that's quite a bit too small these days.No full-body photo of this because it's sixteen plus years old and no longer fits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de5d7-554fe-p1180761.jpgMe, in my red undersuit wearing my helmet. It's a very heavy yellow fibreglass one with a purple Dragon logo on the side. My lamp is also attached to it, the lamp piece sticking out about four inches from the front and a short wire connecting it to the battery tied to the back.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b600a-23f34-p1180759.jpgMe, in red undersuit and yellow helmet, holding my caving lamp and battery up to the camera. The lamp is a battered dusty piece with a red sealing ring and the battery is a rectangular black box with an orange plug joining the lamp to the battery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e46d-db16c-p1180739.jpgMe, sitting in a tiny chair, wearing a red all-in-one fleece caving undersuit. It's a thick tough onesie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/347f5-690d0-51677631500_b7aeea523c_b.jpgMe in Swildon's Hole in 2004, wearing a red and blue caving oversuit that's visibly very wet in most places.2025-10-03T17:39:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/11/the-rescue-54-hours-under-the-ground/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8f52-91d5b-the_rescue_54_hours.pngthe_rescue_54_hourshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e9d0-260b8-gary_evans_controller.pngGary Evans from cave rescue. He's a grey-haired man with a vaguely military bearing, wearing a navy t-shirt with the cave rescue logo on it. He's in the same store as George earlier, surrounded by red bags and blue and red caving suits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6612a-db414-cwm_dwr_entrance_gate.jpgThe entrance to Cwm Dwr, a tiny metal door, maybe 2 feet each side, set into the rock.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09b5c-f7632-cwm_dwr_entrance.pngThe entrance to Cwm Dwr, a tiny metal door, maybe 2 feet each side, set into the rock.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2bfdc-113c9-passing_the_stretcher.pngA lot of cavers crammed into a tight space, passing a stretcher from one end of the line to the other.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0de8-c8bf5-cavers_walking_down_the_hill.pngCavers walking down the hill in the dark, seen from above, lit only by their headtorches.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64228-288e3-rescuers_under_ground.pngRecreating the rescue: a lot of cavers crammed into a very tight space in the cave, all helmets and spotlights.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9bae0-cd5af-cavers_crossing_the_mountain.pngCavers walking across a mountain. It looks like early evening but it's probably broad daylight with a filter over it. The mountainside is covered in long pale grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8f60-03839-caving_in_cwm_dwy.jpgCaving in Cwm Dwr. A caver in a yellow PVC suit and red halmet slithers between shiny rocks, his back to the camera. I think there's a stream under him too.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d13a9-0665d-cars_at_swcc.jph_.jpgAn aerial shot showing a row of grey terraced cottages on the left and a car park with far more cars than usual in it.2025-10-03T17:39:35+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/16/visiting-the-cave-icelands-biggest-lava-cave/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/visiting_the_cave_icelands_biggest_lava_cave.jpgVisiting The Cave, Iceland's biggest lava cave | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/film_selfie_outside.jpgAnother selfie, this time outside and it's of me taking a selfie with my yellow plastic 35mm film camera. A selfie of taking a selfie. To make it even more insufferable, it's a black & white film.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/the_cave_selfie.jpgSelfie in The Cave. Under my blue helmet I'm wearing a green brioche hat, I've got my colourful Misfits scarf on over a yellow jumper and the stark white LED torch shining on my face is giving me a slightly eerie skeletal look in the darkness with the cave stretching away into the distance behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/deeper_into_the_cave.jpgThe Cave stretching away in front of us, strangely square rather than round here, lit partly by torchlight and partly by concealed electric lights in the distance. The picture is a bit blurry because cave photography is hard!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ice-agmites.jpgWobbly bulbous mini stalagmites of ice looming out of the darkness, reflecting white where the torch is shone on them. We agree, these are slightly creepy, right?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/red_room.jpgThe ceiling of the Red Room, a ceiling rich in iron deposits, with a slightly wrinkled texture like someone's poked the skin of the custard, except the custard is lava and the poking finger is just existence.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lava_features.jpgVarious lava features, including a small stalagmite (actually brought here from deeper into the cave), a chocolatey wall and you can make out the top of the tide line in the top right hand corner of the picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/hraunskitur-1.jpgFeet standing around a lava feature illuminated by a slightly purple torch. You can see how easy it is to guess what the name of this is going to be in pragmatic Iceland just from looking at it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/hraunskitur.jpghraunskiturhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/the_cave_entrance.jpgA huge pit in the snowy landscape with wooden steps winding down one side of it. The roof of the cave is at least a foot thick, two feet in places.2025-10-03T17:39:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/02/01/juliet-tries-extreme-gardening-with-the-national-trust/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3d68-85087-extremegardening.pngExtreme gardening title pic2025-10-03T17:38:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/01/how-to-grow-vegetables-for-beginners/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e013-541a1-50989583462_30f09b9c5d_k.jpgMy new greenhouse, with the peppers & chillis visitingMy new greenhouse, with the peppers & chillis visitinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b388-58924-p1120221.jpgThis year's peppers & chillis in their junior potsThis year's peppers & chillis in their junior potshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04e29-df009-50988848667_0bd2d4b35e_k.jpgThis year's peppers ready for repottingThis year's peppers ready for repottinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9968c-3f71e-howtogrowveg.pngHow to grow vegetables for beginners | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca51f-d2a9f-50005885657_e9254c911f_k.jpgBaby beans starting to climbBaby beans starting to climbhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0900-cddaa-50005885987_37a851729c_k.jpgLast year's lettucesLast year's lettuceshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93faa-7ac0e-49945001056_4a3dda10bf_k-1.jpgLast year's peppers transplanted into grow bagsLast year's peppers transplanted into grow bagshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84e65-40ec7-49849968282_ca458936a2_k.jpgLast year's peppers in their makeshift greenhousesLast year's peppers in their makeshift greenhouseshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43ded-8c21d-49849968412_7137139a36_k.jpgBaby peppers in their grown-up potsBaby peppers in their grown-up potshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5c1d-60d04-49800988961_f203ad2f07_k.jpgLast year's peppers, ready to move up to their grown-up potsLast year's peppers, ready to move up to their grown-up pots2025-10-03T17:38:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/24/whats-going-on-in-the-garden-this-spring/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39c10-908dc-whatsgoingoninthegarden.pngWhat's going on in the garden this spring? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00e09-392ed-51197452083_4d5666baed_k.jpgA wood pigeon splashing in the bird bath as seen from behind vertical blindshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7761-8a657-51198289865_b691216e16_k.jpgLeeks in a raised planterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecadd-96a61-51194972997_8e86a6d1cd_k.jpgSpring onions in a patio planterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92c26-7413b-51196076803_caae13b358_k.jpgVery young and small red onions in a patio planterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f82b-bb5d5-51195767786_ed74203b4b_k.jpgOvercrowded carrots in a patio planterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3bcf0-d8384-51196911030_0e2bf687a5_k.jpgYoung raspberry canes not doing muchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49adc-ac47a-51196482854_f21536f29e_k.jpgSnail teeth marks in my radisheshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e96dd-7cacd-51195957533_29a59829d8_k.jpgYoung tomatoes nearly ready for repottinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03223-856fc-51196034563_319a7f64e1_k.jpgYoung peppers & chillis inside2025-10-03T17:37:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/28/i-decided-not-to-climb-a-mountain-in-wales/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c2c0-8280e-not_to_climb_a_mountain_in_wales.jpgI decided not to climb a mountain in Wales! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65595-3cbec-fforest_fawr_on_an_os_map.jpgThe region around the OFD nature reserve and Fforest Fawr on a 1:25 000 OS map.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16e3f-9c647-santa_in_ystradgynlais.jpgSanta arriving in Ystradgynlais on a trailer draped in white lights and lined with green lights. The seats are red. It's being pulled by a small tractor, out of shot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2552a-e3717-selfie_in_the_mountains.jpgA selfie in the mountains. I'm wearing sunglasses and a bobble hat striped in neon/pastel stripes and a bright blue softshell. Behind me, the grass ranges from green to orange and there's clearly a rainstorm going on five or ten miles away.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36f65-98f4e-looking_down_the_tramway.jpgLooking down the tramway, a smooth green path across browner grassland. The photo is taken from a cutting with steep overgrown limestone banks on each side. Ahead, there are heavy clouds which are going to rain on me once I get back to the car.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/829be-fe681-fan_gyhirych_in_the_distance.jpgFan Gyhirych in the distance, a mountain much steeper on the left than on the right, behind lots of green hills and a thick stone wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a06fe-0e6a8-looking_across_to_fan_brycheiniog.jpgLooking across to Fan Brycheiniog, a mountain with a great ridge on top of it. In the foreground are low rolling hills of brown grass and a patch of thick pine forest.2025-10-03T17:36:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/17/i-walked-the-south-downs-way/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2dbd7-ec9fd-i_walked_the_south_downs_way.jpgI walked the South Downs Way! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d964-8b63a-pub_bedroom.jpgMy big double bed in a light airy room over a pub. There are illustrations of local flora over the bed and I've chucked my blue softshell on among the blanket and the towels.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f164-801c6-i_can_see_the_end.jpgA very green valley with fairly steep sides although shallow enough to stretch across the entire view. In the bottom are some buildings and lakes. This is the end of my hike but it's still an hour away.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/095e0-a6261-selfie_on_old_winchester_hill.jpgA triumphant, if soggy, selfie on top of Old Winchester Hill. Behind me, you can't quite see Portsmouth and the Solent because the GoPro doesn't have a good enough zoom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93004-5bd72-selfie_on_sunday.jpgA selfie in full waterproofs on the dismantled railway in the rain on Sunday morning. The waterproofs are bright blue, just like yesterday's softshell.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26534-663f9-cheesey_garlic_bread.jpgA huge cheesy garlic bread pizza (on a plate!) on a bed in a pub. Next to the bed is a pint glass of Coca Cola.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b150-0ab0e-view_from_beacon_hill.jpgThe view from Beacon Hill across to Old Winchester Hill, overlooking Exton and the Meon valley.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96584-58bbc-sdw_signpost.jpgA wooden signpost against bare trees on a quiet road. Both arms point to the South Downs Way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ceb9a-af0e7-lunch_at_millburys.jpgLunch at the Millburys - three slices of cheesy garlic bread and a glass of orange juice & lemonade on a very shiny brown wooden pub table that's reflecting the window above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9dd75-9eca4-millburys_pub.jpgThe Millburys, a slightly run-down-looking red brick pub as seen from a picnic bench halfway along the grass that borders the gravel car park.2025-10-03T17:36:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/10/04/im-a-tennis-coach/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10b72-b8474-tenniscoac.pngTennis coach title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cecb7-8905b-sherallies2.pngShe Rallies traininghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72c42-1fc66-sherallies1.pngMe at the She Rallies training2025-10-03T17:35:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/27/im-a-fencing-coach/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2b48-d23d0-fencing.pngFencing coach title pic2025-10-03T17:35:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/03/18/inspiring-kids-introduction-to-fencing/2025-10-03T17:34:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/04/fencing-with-my-brownies/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58f0b-65da2-fencingwithbrownies.pngFencing with my Brownies | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/009a3-4db99-277565852_1010112856968195sdgsdgsdgsd1_8208539927864464328_n.jpgMe fencing properly with one of the Brownies in the outfits we were wearing earlier. We're both doing well with our footwork and pointing our swords at each other.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5119-14e26-276320837_10101128569597121_1816789451700575015_n.jpgMe in a black tabard and no mask demonstrating some fencing with the girls, who are wearing full-face anonymising masks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6543-882d5-277174411_10101128569542231_1164419184967138076_n-1.jpgFive Brownies, utterly unrecognisable in white fencing tabards and mesh full-face masks. Only two of the five are actually in uniform and they're all holding red plastic swords.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a535-4ff5d-51971243755_cc273defaf_k.jpgMe in my Girlguiding uniform hoodie with casualwear pink t-shirt underneath. I'm holding a green plastic sword towards the camera. It's really bendy.2025-10-03T17:34:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/01/11/im-a-qualified-archery-instructor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8f52-73793-i-am-an.pngI am an archery instructor | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c761-a4af4-archery.jpgArchery GB Instructor Awardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b2fc-4b7bb-medoingarchery.jpgArchery practice2025-10-03T17:33:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/04/15/inspiring-kids-archery-vs-rangers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e306-bd838-archery.jpgInspiring kids: Rangers vs archery | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/653e9-477e3-img_5185.jpgRanger archery scoreshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2b5e-39c6e-img_5183.jpgMy good archery scorehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab7cd-b52eb-1924171_532439088481_3413_n-1.jpgMe doing archery2025-10-03T17:33:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/26/whats-in-my-archery-bag/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0456f-92e76-whatsinmyarcherybag.pngWhat's in my archery bag? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/807aa-e08a4-51262726455_9ea64e5ba5_k.jpgSmall plastic box for valuableshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6856-719b0-51262728925_32bc7d9fcc_k.jpgHair elasticshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eeb91-53369-51262726555_e83e6b9b5e_k.jpgBox of drawing pinshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68d42-0fe0b-51262427049_ad7dcbab6c_k.jpgRoll of masking tapehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c278d-64070-51262728940_d14a2a7aae_k.jpgPaper coconutshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd56b-c0f22-51262427019_27555e5fcf_k.jpgIndex cards and ballpoint penshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae758-cf128-51262429224_cf1dfa352e_k.jpgWhiteboard penshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/823b1-85f44-51261882103_0cb2998844_k.jpgPlastic arm guardshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5d10-915f8-51262726690_8b0a241e85_k.jpgArchery whistle2025-10-03T17:33:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/27/archer-reacts-to-marvels-hawkeye/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d8cb-0611b-hawkeye.pngArcher reacts to Marvel's Hawkeye | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/687b6-1b199-kate_and_clint_take_aim.pngScreenshot of Kate and Hawkeye shooting right-eyed and left-eyed respectivelyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35268-2f046-42417364100_f382b019cf_k.jpgAn archery range I taught onhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da065-22963-1924171_532439093471_4330_n.jpgArchery 20082025-10-03T17:32:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/12/14/holiday-in-dorset-glamping-with-a-hot-tub/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92daf-cced1-glampinghottub.pngHoliday in Dorset: glamping with a hot tub | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66f42-0bab2-50708721253_a1a0671e90_k.jpgSolar powered lights hanging over my hot tubIt's impossible to take pictures in the hot tub after dark so have a picture of the solar lights strung up over it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9bd85-358d8-50709369516_7452703110_k.jpgTimer selfie lighting the hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3384-3ad72-50709447681_9100d086e7_k.jpgSelfie with the view from the hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/885f4-0d9b8-50708719728_da9d8eb01b_k.jpgA military helicopter buzzing low over my hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74647-f8763-50709452376_b4a239d415_k.jpgNelly posing with the view from the hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b9e9-2b109-50709447416_47774aa745_k.jpgEnjoying the nice warm hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/634b6-56624-50709453091_b3436f37f8_k.jpgIn the steaming hot tub in the misthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08201-c790a-50709535252_a1f9c38f1c_k.jpgThe hot tub and the hut after darkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e4bc-71cb4-50709412051_cc75a61998_k.jpgThe hot tub in the garden2025-10-03T17:32:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/12/17/a-holiday-in-dorset-meet-my-shepherds-hut/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06f60-e9d69-glampinghut.pngHoliday in Dorset: Meet my shepherd's hut | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f42a-87fba-50709373416_76676b445b_k.jpgSitting on the steps of my shepherd's hut in the sunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d562c-1c4be-50709497007_d00dbc94e7_k.jpgThe view from my huthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e59fa-e004c-50708632953_7a1daec71e_k.jpgForager & Artisan at sunsethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e93f-945a2-50708716293_731bc57001_k.jpgThe hut lit by candles and solar lights in the eveninghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83f29-4e890-50708629613_946921aa7e_k.jpgLunch on my pull-out tablehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d6e5-d2385-50708612903_b85305fac3_k.jpgThe high bed in the shepherd's hut and the cupboard underneathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9a25-bf942-50709532272_e493eabbcf_k.jpgBarbecue hut, with passing doghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e39fb-e8f82-50709347246_d46c876229_k.jpgMy kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4e33-f8230-50708626858_e11c6c2ea0_k.jpgMy wood burner2025-10-03T17:32:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/17/my-glamping-packing-list/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b247c-90410-51203115860_494d962825_k.jpgCamp kitchen box containing matches, salt, sugar & hot chocolatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31333-76b55-51202254273_de1805a4aa_k.jpgPhone, wallet, sunglasses, keyshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9ce4-2ab68-51202254263_0ec0365334_k.jpgWearing my camp blankethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f04eb-a71e0-51202826439_d3fa34c1b5_k.jpgMy hiking sandalshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/972ef-72235-glampingpackinglist.pngGlamping packing list | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/520d7-874e8-p1130728.jpgMy notebook and gold glittery penhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6c7b-d1402-51198448835_573f1c039c_k.jpgMy camera, GoPro, mini tripod and waterproof phone casehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8fa84-8e9e6-img_2187.jpgRed swimsuit bathroom photoshoothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b358-15599-51197366121_b702212928_k.jpgWearing my headtorchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb0d5-f3ed0-51196643857_9d255644dd_k.jpgMy travel washbag2025-10-03T17:31:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/01/a-mini-holiday-in-north-dorset-at-farmstead-glamping/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fba5-182a5-northdorsetglamping.pngA mini-holiday in North Dorset at Farmstead Glamping | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e47bd-23900-51278368556_704257786b_k.jpgBye-bye Pleasant Pheasanthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4276b-4906e-51276754423_398a952747_k.jpgShepherd's hut kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7587f-16317-51281349394_91051be160_k.jpgSunset on my face in the hot tubThis isn't sunburn. This is just golden-pink sunset light on my facehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ab9f-8f912-51278545263_bf7140274b_k.jpgHot air balloon taking an evening flight over the countrysidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/548ca-cbbad-51278379171_5ab2a69a9e_k.jpgFinishing off the flatbread on the gas barbecuehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0fd5a-f6440-51280621811_f464f862a5_k.jpgSmall evening campfirehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c963b-010ba-51278558828_5ab9365035_k.jpgOutside the shepherd's huthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e7fb-85050-51277647112_292a404c89_k.jpgTaking a break in Bagberhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cea1e-e8f76-51281352144_8f0b812bb2_k.jpgRaspberry presse in the hot tub2025-10-03T17:31:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/07/05/pleasant-pheasant-glamping-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ded9-cddd2-pleasantpheasant.pngThe Pleasant Pheasant: shepherd's hut tour/review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8d12-4a728-51278390566_7d97004649_k.jpgThe layout of the hut (red fridge visible)The layout of the hut (red fridge visible). Please ignore my robe, flipflops and food bag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c9d2-a845e-51279092809_73d775ad35_k.jpgCountry viewsCountry views. Can you spot the Happy Hare on the left?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7587c-1fc60-51279217460_e2935891cd_k.jpgThe main solar panel behind the Pleasant PheasantThe main solar panel behind the Pleasant Pheasanthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a441-01c00-51276755488_889215826a_k.jpgThe bespoke Pleasant Pheasant sinkThe bespoke Pleasant Pheasant sinkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4aaf0-27b5b-51276744838_9c2045db78_k-1.jpgBox of games under the bedBox of games under the bedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82cb8-53303-51275844157_d8d2a8cb2c_k-1.jpgThe bed at the other end of the hutThe bed at the other end of the huthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/483dd-61c38-51276588076_62af931883_k.jpgBookshelf above the bedBookshelf above the bedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/458c2-d59b3-51277613980_23970d66e7_k.jpgBasket of logs with a jar of firelighters and matchesBasket of logs with a jar of firelighters and matcheshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b116c-5152e-51276590321_d0cf63b474_k.jpgThe indoor wood-burning stoveThe indoor wood-burning stove2025-10-03T17:31:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/01/a-tour-of-pip-and-pips-cabin/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4cbec-b3b08-51605231062_330c26cfef_k.jpgThe strings of lights in the trees from the hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2cc01-be50d-51606737379_2af6f5b0bb_k.jpgSitting in the hot tub in the darkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8fbfb-838b9-51602733616_83c5d95f4c_k.jpgTrying to get the hot tub lithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d9ac-e0d92-51601907872_303bf85d08_k.jpgIn Pip's Cabin's kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e0aa-48a3e-51603467369_aa78827ba2_k.jpgIn bed in Piphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f957a-a1eda-51606718114_59d6a18089_k.jpgIn the hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/837d4-ae84d-51603293424_e9dab28717_k.jpgThe communal honesty log storehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4f07-799bc-51602885583_3c42615074_k.jpgThe garden from my seat behind the hot tubhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef5bc-b99c6-51603538235_adf10fc72b_k.jpgPip's Cabin from Piphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58762-c5064-51602874433_eeb17c61a9_k.jpgInside Pip2025-10-03T17:30:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/18/a-winter-wellness-break-in-a-tin-hut/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4073-86a97-winter_wellness_break.jpgA winter wellness break in a tin hut | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30466-5d8fe-the_log_burner_by_night.jpgInside the hut by night. The walls are yellow and the doors are pale sage green. In the corner is the logburner now glowing orange with fire. There's a pair of socks hanging on one side and a hat on the other. A pair of red Crocs are lying on the doormat and the big windows in the double door are covered by heavyweight grey tartan roman blinds.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17ef8-0471e-shepherds_hut_by_day.jpgA photo taken from the side of a shepherd's hut clad in dark green corrugated iron. Behind it is a large bush, a bit bare because it's winter and behind that is a blue winter sky with wisps of cloud.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64a67-e9817-in_the_hot_tub_in_the_dark.jpgA very grainy dark blue selfie where you can just about see me in the hot tub in the evening. You can even make out my shadow from the full moon on the side of the tub.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89acc-8b386-snow_in_the_morning.jpgA green field and rolling hills in the middle distance, all a bit faded under a heavy cloud and snow. It's big flakes, big enough to see easily on camera. It only lasted a couple of minutes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96645-3596c-in_the_hut_by_night.jpgMe, in a dark green t-shirt under green dungarees with gardening patterns on them, sitting on the floor of a shepherd's hut by night. It's dark outside the window and I'm sitting in front of a woodburning stove. There's no glow in it but I'm sure it was going at the time.2025-10-03T17:30:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/19/glamping-in-the-snow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cf29-ad9ca-glamping_in_the_snow.jpgGlamping in the snow | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ad70-ce4f3-nelly.jpgNelly, a blonde and slightly damp standard poodle running around playing with her sister Harley and whatever toys are at hand. This is the only photo I've got where she appears to be posing nicely (she isn't).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b46d4-126ad-reading_in_bed.jpgA selfie in bed holding up my Kindle. The reflection of whatever I'm reading is glowing blue in my glasses. My hair looks reasonably clean!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67dae-8ea16-selfie_in_the_hot_tub.jpgAnother selfie in the hot tub. This time there's a hint of blue sky under the cloud and it's full daylight. The photo is taken from a little lower down and I'm sitting there holding up my champagne glass of transparent fizz.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da6bc-70a4a-west_bay_harbour_reflections.jpgLooking across the harbour at West Bay to the Victorian terraces opposite and the cafe you may recognise as the police station from Broadchurch. The buildings are reflected in the calm water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb0ba-2e761-snow_on_west_bay_beach.jpgAn orange-ish beach, curving round to a sea wall made of boulders. The sea is calm and the gravelly beach is frosty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/971e2-06101-drinking_in_the_hot_tub.jpgMe in the hot tub drinking a transparent drink from a champagne glass. The sky is slightly purple tinted and you can tell it's actually a tiny bit dark from the graininess of the photo. I'm wearing a polar bear swimsuit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69599-80893-walking_beaminster_down.jpgBlue sky over a cultivated field. Along the edge of the field is a brown wintery hedge with brown wintery trees and bordering the field is a line of mud which is where you can walk without damaging the crop.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57dac-aee20-snow_in_the_morning-1.jpgSnow outside the hot tub on Saturday morning, big enough flakes to catch on camera. The snow cloud is blocking out most of the spectacular countryside view.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79b6d-8704d-in_the_shepherds_hut_in_the_evening.jpgMe, with my hair down for once, sitting on my bed in the shepherd's hut. THe place is lit by a single bulb at the far end, a candle in a lantern next to me and a string of ice-blue fairy lights above my head. There's a lot of stuff on the table next to the bed and on the walls are two crates filled with various vintage plates and cups.2025-10-03T17:30:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/10/my-winter-glamping-packing-list/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/224c5-615cc-non_wearables.jpgThe non-wearable things I used: two sets of battery-powered fairy lights, a washbag, charging kit, tablet & Kindle, all lying on a grey fleece blanket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0a82-c6290-winter_glamping_packing_list.pngMy winter glamping packing list | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6c4d-7263b-jeans_crocs_and_camp_blanket.jpgMe outside the tabernacle wearing a grey fleece blanket covered in badges. You can just make out jeans and red Crocs underneath.Jeans and Crocs (and camp blanket!)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c9aa-90c54-green_dungarees.jpgCrouched by the fire in green dungarees covered in gardening stuff and a long-sleeved denim-effect t-shirt.Green dungarees and "denim" t-shirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0db5b-a1085-red_checked_fleece.jpgIn the kitchen in my red checked fleece. You can just make out my Dua Lipa t-shirt underneath.Red fleece and Dua Lipa t-shirthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/088a7-f99c6-submersible_candles.jpgA line of submersible LED tealights on the edge of the hot tub which is lit in light blue. Behind, the stained glass window of the tabernacle glows with the lights on inside and there's a line of lights strung between the hut and a tree.Submersible tealights next to the hot tub.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64303-bf0f8-me_in_the_hot_tub.jpgMe in the hot tub after dark with the camera held above my head. I'm wearing a striped swimsuit and a headtorch and the water is lit up in light blue.2025-10-03T17:30:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/24/a-winter-weekend-away-glamping-in-cornwall/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43b28-8e66a-winter_glamping_weekend_in_cornwall.jpgA winter weekend away glamping in Cornwall | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5e8b1-aac02-in_the_hot_tubk.jpgMe in the hot tub by day! The day is grey and you can almost see how breezy it is outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48337-f1af7-reading_in_the_hut.jpgMe sitting on the bed reading a book. The curtains are open and it's dark outside and I look exactly as fake & posed as I am. But I did read in the hut!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f2a5-68714-hot_tub_evening.jpgThe hot tub outside in the dark. The water is illuminated in turquoise, the tabernacle's stained glass window is glowing, there are bulbs strung between the hut and a tree and I've got some submersible tealights on the side of the tub.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2636d-dfdea-st_marys_aisle.jpgThe south aisle in Truro Cathedral, which used to be the medieval St Mary's Church.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ed17-7c09e-truro_cathedral_quire.jpgThe quire in Truro Cathedral and a glimpse of the nave and vaulted ceiling. If this was stone rather than brick, I'd be all over it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d9f4-5517b-truro_cathedral.jpgTruro Cathedral west front, a (brick) Gothic cathedral with two towers and a rose window in between.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a07c9-7f05b-launceston_church.jpgThe wall of the spectacular carved church in Launceston.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bb69-f6327-hot_tub_tablet_photo.jpgA blurry photo taken on my tablet, showing the hot tub after dark. It's illuminated in bright green and all the lights on the side and strung up are starbursts, mostly because it's taken through a waterproof case.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1b00-6d172-st_agnes_outside-1.jpgSt Agnes, a shepherd's hut disguised as a tiny tin tabernacle with dark brown iron cladding and a hint of a stained glass window in the end. It's set in its own garden and has a hot tub outside.2025-10-03T17:29:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/09/03/our-weekend-at-wellies-wristbands-2015/2025-10-03T17:28:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/15/behind-scenes-national-brownie-event-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/066e6-2c691-mm.pngm&m2025-10-03T17:27:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/03/wellies-washout-2018-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4e70-9db85-wellies18.pngWellies & Wristbands 2018 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/427f1-73253-44390985691_4fe3a93278_k.jpgWellies & Wristbands 2018 - arriving at Foxleasehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec3bb-6c56b-30523524798_34fc02f9ae_k.jpgWellies & Wristbands 2018 - in the leaders' tenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e32a3-d6147-44341697372_0aa2dac317_b.jpgWellies & Wristbands 2018 - in the hot tubs2025-10-03T17:25:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/06/stay-at-home-storytelling-a-keycamp-kid/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c66b9-ae644-keycampkid.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: A Keycamp Kid | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82eda-492c9-p1030878.jpgOutside the Keycamp caravan in 92 or 93Outside the caravan around 92 or 93. If my dad wasn't in this photo, I'd suspect him of taking it because he wanted the car in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d0a8-dadca-dcp_1016.jpgA blurry Wolfgang driving his lawnmower train in the rainThis is the best photo I've got. Wolfgang on the lawnmower in the rain, with an umbrella, such is his devotion to the train ride.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52761-3bdc9-p1030886.jpgMe standing in the campsite in an orange strappy top looking happyWell, this is a pretty good portrait of me aged 13ishhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10df4-ebb28-p1030891.jpgMe and Dad outside the tent somewhere around 2000Not sure what my face is all about herehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1bbb-f3b31-dcp_0828.jpgMe in 2004 in the swimming lake wearing a wetsuitYes, I'm in the swimming lake in July in a wetsuit. If you don't know by now that I'm extra AF, then...https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57c36-09cd9-p1030882.jpgCanoeing on the boating lake somewhere around the mid-late 90sCanoeing on the boating lake somewhere around the mid-late 90shttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1fef8-5ebdf-dcp_0877.jpgKeycamp courier Harry doing Jake the PegThis is why I can still see it. I have a photo. This is Harry and this is one of his party pieces - the other is the Austrian costume and accordion.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/737f2-51fa8-dcp_1163.jpgSitting outside a Keycamp caravan in 2004.The cake has just been eaten and there's Dad on his sunlounger.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fdab-4bc24-dcp_0876.jpgA glimpse of a Eurocamp tent and courier at a joint party in 2004.See the red and green Eurocamp tent, umbrella and courier? The man with the accordion is Keycamp courier Harry - more to come on that.2025-10-03T17:23:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/10/my-campervan-trip-to-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f679c-7d38c-50209669121_c8944224e1_o.pngUpgrading from a tent to a campervan | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc029-4d68f-36791117484_44e1bbb134_k.jpgCampervan parked by the foot of a mountain with the low sun backlighting itI have no idea where this is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1bbbb-2f8ba-36786988344_bab42c82a3_k.jpg36786988344_bab42c82a3_kIf you see a campsite that looks like this and you decide to park next to the only van in the entire field and leave your lights and engine on all night, then you are a *******ing ********.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c630a-1f961-23648790868_398971bb62_k.jpgCampervan parked at campsiteCampervan parked at Akranes campsitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c86c1-f5c63-37465710342_5bbffee6af_k.jpgInside my campervanInside the van as it generally lookedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8493-8c411-37243015500_c9bfb15be1_k.jpgInside my small campervanThis is the last morning, when I'd packed and tidied.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4e41-414ff-37238410490_7c83377007_k.jpgMy campervan - a two person Dacia DokkerThis is my vanhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9f31-d42ed-37449591246_0ddd6cf737_k.jpgA luxurious motorhomeThis wonderful luxury thing is not my van2025-10-03T17:22:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/19/i-didnt-qualify-at-try-inspire-qualify/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81249-03b3c-tiq.pngI didn't qualify at Try Inspire Qualify! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3df9f-b93cc-52361917786_e07fb946a4_k.jpgA good little campfire surrounded by damp planks we're hoping to dry out in the heat of the fire so we can burn them later.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f498b-f4e88-52352447310_3a2f3e0034_k.jpgA wood fire being lit with a ferro rod in a rusty iron trough-shaped fire pit. There are three pieces of kindling cut into rough feather sticks and one that's been done well that's just starting to burn.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/650e9-c98bd-52361718518_3699a9db72_k2324.jpgMe in the back seat of a green two-person canoe. I'm wearing my grey t-shirt and red shorts and my faceless partner is wearing a grey t-shirt. Behind us are a few more canoes and there are people on the bank behind us who I think are pioneering rather than watching us.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f47e7-69f8c-52351092212_b0cff9d9c4_k.jpgThree faceless people in blue and me in my grey t-shirt and red shorts, reclining on a raft made of four huge blue plastic barrels and two logs. It is on dry land because we haven't launched it yet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f50a-61be2-52352467560_0d0daf1cfd_k.jpgA group of faceless people and me (in an orange t-shirt) gathered around a lot of sticks tied together. It's a catapult and I'm holding the elastic that powers the throwing arm.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3bd91-1694b-52352284463_2b0b3ecd66_k.jpgA tiny tree, maybe an inch and a half long and very inexpertly carved. I've coloured it green with paint pens and added dots of pink, red and yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3aeef-b8500-52351099092_a3ea106d83_k.jpgTwo large marshmallows on a skewer being cooked over a small fire floating in a tin tray in a metal bucket of water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2cf8-de21e-52352374564_4c20a1beda_k.jpgMe, in an orange helmet and sparkly trainers, hanging from a rope against an abseiling wall. Behind me are lots of trees because this is in the woods.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10a1f-aa8b0-52361832224_5192e05d5e_k.jpgMy timetable, on a piece of much-folded paper that's trying to blow away in the breeze.2025-10-03T17:15:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/29/meet-my-little-yellow-tent/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/daf39-6ae84-onemantent.pngMeet my one-man tent! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e876-996ad-32540492994_d181e6c9f2_k.jpgThe porch of my tent. The front door is unzipped leaving a triangle of fabric sheltering a triangle of space between outer and inner. My boots, guidebook and enamel mug are sitting more or less in that spot, although as the door's open, they're really sitting in the sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec585-6c896-p1250816.jpgMe sitting in my tent with my legs outside. There's room for me to sit with a few inches to spare. The tent is pitched in my back garden.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd055-69dc1-p1250810.jpgA green sleeping bag laid out in the tiny yellow tent. The foot of the bag is touching the end of the tent and although it's up against the door side, there's only about six inches to spare on the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0214c-ae17a-33838286876_a14f394b35_k-1.jpgA patch of grass surrounded by the rocks I was anchoring my tent with. Next to it is a black 100l duffle bag and a 45l backpack. The two together are barely any smaller than the space the tent occupied.That patch of grass is where the tent was. See the size of the bags compared to the size of the tent's footprint?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2fa0e-43633-33838131766_cc5dd8b9e0_k.jpgMy little yellow tent at Landmannalaugar, its many orange over-long guylines anchored by rocks, as are the pegs around the edge of the tent.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c58be-7eb08-33255511881_9b51704d80_k.jpgBright yellow light glowing through the inside of a small yellow tent. I'm clearly lying flat in the bottom to get a perspective that makes it look so tall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/326ca-5e579-33721999912_2e87bb3f35_k.jpgA small yellow tent, with a pole stretching from end to end rather than side to side. It has eight ludicrously long orange guylines stretched out. The grass is green and there's a perfect snow-capped mountain range behind it.2025-10-03T17:15:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/09/sparkle-ice-2024-the-one-in-a-shepherds-hut/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sparkle_and_ice_2024_the_one_in_a_shepherds_hut.jpgSparkle & Ice 2024: the one in a shepherds hut | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/happy_hare_garden.jpgThe garden of the Happy Hare, with the hut to the right and the hot tub and dining shelter to the left, with the field sloping up behind.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/watching_the_woodburner.jpgMe, as seen from somewhere just behind and off my right shoulder, sitting on the floor of the Happy Hare, watching the woodburner, which has a good fire roaring away inside it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/camp_blanket_selfie.jpgA timer selfie standing a little distance from the camera and facing away from it, my camp blanket around my shoulders like a cape.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/posing_in_a_robe.jpgA timer selfie in my grey-purple robe, leaning against the steaming hot tub while I wait for it to cool down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/countryside_views.jpgA view across a green field through a steel gate. In the distance are some trees, looking a bit wintery but still fairly full. The ground isn't visibly flooded but it's still very wet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hot_tub_by_daylight-1.jpgMe in the hot tub by daylight, holding a flute of something pink and fizzy. Behind me, you can't see Sturminster Newton but at night, it all lights up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hot_tub_by_daylight.jpghot_tub_by_daylighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/camping_lights_in_the_hot_tub.jpgMe in the hot tub while bright yellow lights glow around the dining shelter behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/outside_the_happy_hare.jpgOutside the Happy Hare, a dark grey-blue shepherds hut with wooden door and windows. In the foreground is the side of a more conventional hot tub, with wooden sides and a plastic lining.2025-10-03T17:14:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/06/tent-review-eurohike-sendero-4-vs-cairns-5-dlx/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03edf-aecf7-sendero_4_vs_cairns_5_dlx.jpgTent review: Eurohike Sendero 4 vs Cairns 5 DLX | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9d78-24c2a-sendero_4_side_profile-1.jpgThe Sendero 4 side profile, so you can see the size of the porch (the bit with the window) compared to to the bedroom (the sloping compartment at the back).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a08e-a8f51-sendero_4_front_doorstep.jpgThe "front doorstep" of the Sendero 4 with my modifications - extra hoops to hold the front down and extra velcro to hold the door down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc568-3d377-sendero_5_interior.jpgThe interior of the Sendero 4, showing the dark bedroom compartment and the large porch with my kitchen shelf unit set up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fcf5b-e6d5f-eurohike_sendero_4.jpgEurohike Sendero 4, a large green tunnel tent with a porch slightly larger than the tunnel-shaped bedroom compartment at the back.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e2df-d15e7-cairns_5_side_profile.jpgThe Cairns 5 DLX side on so you can see how big the dome area is and how small the porch is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a3ef-99f73-cairns_5_interior.jpgThe interior of the Cairns 5 DLX, which is a wide bedroom but quite a small porch.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9bb4-a720d-eurohike_cairns_5_dlx.jpgEurohike Cairns 5 DLX, a 5-man dome tent with a small porch, sitting out in the sun in a little corner of trees.2025-10-03T17:09:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/17/how-to-travel-iceland-on-a-budget/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/how_to_traveliceland_on_a_budget.jpgHow to travel Iceland on a budget | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/northern_lights_at_akranes.jpgNorthern Lights sweeping across the sky over the kitchen building at the Akranes campsite.The reason I picked this picture is that I was standing outside reception at the campsite at Akranes using their free wifi when the Northern Lights suddenly and very unexpectedly burst into life.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sundhollin_pool.jpgThe rectangular white stone Art Deco Sundhollin pool building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/in_the_airport_hotel.jpgMy feet, as I lie back on a bed in a slightly darkened hotel room. It's a nice enough hotel room but absolutely not worth what I paid for it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/on_the_airport_bus.jpgA view down the inside of the airport bus from somewhere near the back. It's actually a well-maintained executive coach, with leather seats and overhead chargers and lights.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iceland_supermarket_haul.jpgA little haul of supermarket snacks including some cheese-flavoured star-shaped crisps, hamburger rolls, cartons of juice & chocolate milk, a bar of chocolate, a small bottle of Coca Cola, all lying on top of a Reykjavik Grapevine.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/guesthouse_dining_room.jpgA pine table and benches, nice and bright and airy, with white walls, despite being in the basement of a house in downtown Reykjavik.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/eskifjordur_viewpoint.jpgA view of snowy mountains lining the side of a fjord reflecting mountains and sky. On this side of the fjord, a craggy mountain fades into green velvety slopes going down to the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/n1_reydarfjordur.jpgAn N1 fuel station, with two pumps visible across the car park and a small shop in a pebbledash building. Behind it is a fjord and some steep, snow-capped mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tent_at_myvatn.jpgA tiny little yellow one-man tent in an off-green field with a storm-blasted tree on the edge of a blue lake under a blue sky. There is a nice triangular mountain on the other side of the lake.2025-10-03T17:08:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/12/how-to-plan-a-brownie-sleepover/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how_to_plan_a_brownie_sleepover.jpgHow to plan a Brownie sleepover | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/lolly_raft.jpgA raft made out of lolly sticks floating in the sink. The main part is diamond-shaped, the smaller outrigger is a thin rectangle and the two are joined by five sticks to create a very stable little boat.The Brownies' version of this will have a sail.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/camp_kitchen.jpgThe kitchen set-up in my tent - a folding zipped cupboard stuffed full of food and a folding kitchen shelf unit with all my cooking equipment on it, and washing-up bowl on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/volcano_selfie.jpgA selfie with a small but definitely erupting volcano. It's Iceland, it's summer, so the sky is heavy grey, it's raining and I'm wearing a waterproof jacket and a knitted hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/flynn_in_the_snow.jpgAn ex-colleague's collie, Flynn, in the snow in the UK. But in March (2018), not June!Well, it's snow in the UK, but it's not June!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/campfire.jpgA campfire in the dark, with lots of sparks coming up from a large branch and the full moon creeping into the corner of the picture.It's hard to illustrate a camp you haven't actually done - planning doesn't lend itself to photos.2025-10-03T17:07:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/25/my-relationship-with-a-campervan-for-two-weeks-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/renault_express_campervan.jpgMy campervan parked in a space at Hofn campsite, a small white van in the sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/my_relationship_with_a_campervan_for_two_weeks_in_iceland.jpgMy relationship with a campervan for two weeks in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inside_the_van.jpgInside my van. The bed is raised with space for storage underneath and the back of the van has storage compartments, already filled with cooking & eating stuff and sleeping bags.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/van_at_myvatn.jpgThe van parked in a space at Myvatn. There's room on the field for vans if you want to risk being blocked in but I'm parked in a marked bay off the side of the road that runs down the field. It's a car parking space and I'm lucky to have arrived early enough to grab it while no one else was there.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/me_in_van.jpgMe in the van, wearing a red t-shirt. My head is nearly touching the lightly-padded ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/very_full_van.jpgA view around 11pm out the front of my van, of another van with more stuff piled on and outside it than you'd think possible to fit in there, especially when there are two people sleeping in there too.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/van_at_systragil.jpgThe van parked, at a slightly uncomfortable angle, at Systragil, a small campsite in a little wooded valley.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/back_of_the_last_van.jpgThe big storage box blocking my rear view in the last van, which was in 2017. It's a wooden Ikea unit with the storage trays held in place by bungee cords.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/van_on_side_of_road.jpgMy campervan, a small white panel van meant for two people, parked on the side of a mountain road.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/van_at_hveragerdi.jpgThe van reversed into a large tarmac space on a campsite. There's grass on each side and trees behind. Best of all, it's a numbered pitch belonging to me so no one can steal it if I go out.2025-10-03T17:06:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/08/altitude-2010-my-first-snowboarding-holiday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/my_first_snowsports_holiday.jpgMy first snowsports holiday | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe58b-74779-altitude2010.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: My first snowsport holiday | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19246-ae100-altitude2010__-1.jpgaltitude2010__https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c873b-6098c-dscf5366.jpgSnowboarding at MeribelI look a lot more confident standing on a plank in the snow than I feel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5b13b-cebd6-32565723207_025c1e16f7_k.jpgAltitude 2010 pool partyThe end-of-festival pool party, featuring the Altitude yeti.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d326-f30eb-46592553305_a0cbbcbd20_k.jpgMountains at MeribelHow pristine can the mountains above Meribel be? This is perfection.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99d67-c2626-46592536035_20f4955ede_k.jpgSnowboarding at MeribelI look a lot more confident standing on a plank in the snow than I feel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15382-94ecb-46784253654_b91769572c_k.jpgSnowboarding in MeribelMy photographer happened to catch me mid-turn, looking like I could actually go down sideways.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0670d-96e61-46784265934_2b596eda75_k.jpgThe view from my room in MeribelThe view over the village centre from my room in Meribel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe6b2-2684e-46784266194_1019b6fbe2_k.jpgMoutiers bus stationThe bus station at Moutiers. Notice the mountains in the background...2025-10-03T17:03:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/16/i-cant-ice-skate-or-can-i/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/628cc-590ef-cant_ice_skate.pngI can't ice skate! (or can I?) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad8ae-046e3-selfie_on_ice.jpgA selfie on the ice. You can't see my feet but you can see the ice directly behind me, and people staying very close to the wall. I'm wearing my cow-patterned hat and my fake sheepskin poncho and look pretty happy to be skating.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4884-b3d20-selfie_with_skate_sign.jpgA selfie backlit by huge illuminated letters saying SKATE at the side of the rink. You can't actuallys ee the E because my head is in the way; I'm in silhouette because of the lights in the letters. You can't actually see that I'm standing on the ice either.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3bf5-ff0d4-skates_on_the_ice.jpgMy feet, in the skates, on the ice. The ice is scratched and cracked from use, the orange trousers look more coral-red in this light and you can see the hem of my fake sheepskin poncho. It's a lot more slippery than it looks and I'm clinging to the edge with the hand that's not holding the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fcca4-9ed96-wearing_the_skates.jpgMy feet in grey plastic ice skates on rubber matting. I'm wearing cord trousers which appear a shocking shade of orange here, although they're more coral in real life.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c95ac-d438b-i_cant_ice_skate.pngI can't ice skate! (or can I?) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89404-6df95-people_skating_on_the_rink.jpgThe ice rink from the side. It's lit in a slightly lilac light with yellow bulbs around the edges, a wooden chalet housing the bar at one side and a person skating enthusiastically if blurrily across the middle.2025-10-03T17:02:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/03/21/ice-climbing-harder-than-it-looks/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e596f-8a663-ice-climbing.jpgice climbinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc94a-02e06-ice10.jpgice10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5bc0d-3bd39-ice9.jpgice9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91d7b-86eb2-ice8.jpgice8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d8ee-6c03a-ice7.jpgice7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2b49-3c787-ice6.jpgice6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c891-d8ea7-ice5.jpgice5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2d0f-49b62-ice4.jpgice4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97b5d-84c21-ice3.jpgice3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0dbc3-f61d8-ice2.jpgice22025-10-03T17:01:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/09/i-went-ringoing/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ec24-d807a-ringoing.pngI went ringoing! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/621c9-fd0bb-52400601867_36ad8ca86f_k.jpgSelfie at the end of the run. Having been caught by the uphill bit at the end, I'm sliding back down to dismount, looking more happy than terrified here. I'm sure it's just a fluke.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f209-59bde-52401401354_2a10533add_k.jpgSelfie trudging back up the hill pulling my ringo along behind me. The sky is blue and my face is red with the exertion.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee2b9-c1622-52401545945_ca44b68fa5_k.jpgA selfie with the characteristic distortion of a GoPro. I'm at the bottom of the hill, learning back in my ringo, laughing in delight and terror.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b013f-c966d-52401600678_62e3bd376d_k.jpgPiles of ringos. They're like inflatable tyres, black on the bottom, covered in a tough blue fabric on top. Each pile is probably six feet tall and there are three piles visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3cc31-8a772-52401390694_5c103e7e6a_k.jpgLooking down the ringoing slope: a long but gentle hill covered in white plastic carpet. To its side, a green plastic carpet path leads back uphill, with a revolving rope you can hold onto to help walk up the hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a267-e943e-52401534570_dc67c089b8_k.jpgA long building with a chalet-style roof. Gable windows are poking out and they have pine alpine-style shutters over them.2025-10-03T17:00:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/03/25/9846/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ff8d-e0078-snowshoeingintromso.jpgsnowshoeingintromsohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d414-a249e-sst14.jpgsst14https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/785ce-0fcec-sst13.jpgsst13https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dfa88-c15ce-sst12.jpgsst12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cdf0-31d50-sst11.jpgsst11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ed11-ac9f5-sst10.jpgsst10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e281-709cc-sst9.jpgsst9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b481a-d3ccb-sst8.jpgsst8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac353-9c9e8-sst7.jpgsst7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e294-3d4b1-sst6.jpgsst62025-10-03T16:59:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/04/snowmobiling-on-a-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0b02-69cce-glaciersnowmobiling.pngSnowmobiling on a glacier | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1303-37f28-30128670828_63d652944d_k.jpgBack at the huthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7c45-13d4c-29059795847_48effd6bf4_k.jpgSnowmobiles in the snowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d6f9-5a0a7-43091513095_b6880c2077_k.jpgMisty glacier viewshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39fef-80213-43091519595_e040a35b5a_k.jpgMe on my snowmobilehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/571bc-81f7b-43091516395_c010e16979_k.jpgSnowmobiles with their storage containerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59148-bcfb6-43091509985_0df562040f_k.jpgA huge black 4x4 on a glacier2025-10-03T16:59:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/10/16/knowlton-church-the-most-haunted-church-in-dorset/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/knowlton_church_the_most_haunted_church_in_dorset.jpgKnowlton Church: the most haunted church in Dorset | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/inside_knowlton_church.jpgInside the remains of Knowlton Church. For the purposes of keeping it standing, there are some modern repairs, such as the patch of bricks holding up the right-hand side of the outer arch.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/knowlton_church_from_henge_entrance.jpgKnowlton Church as seen from the western entrance to the henge where a worn footpath makes its way between the two sides of the ramparts rising up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/great_barrow.jpgA ruined church wall and the ramparts behind it. Beyond the ramparts is a clump of trees, which are within a large barrow, although you can't see it because of Church Henge's ramparts.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/maiden_castle.jpgMaiden Castle, a huge hillfort with ramparts, ditches and its steep slopes terraced, rising up above the fields around Dorchester.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/church_and_henge.jpgThe church, seen from the tower end, from the other side of the henge. The ditch is very obvious but I'm standing on the rampart on the other side so the ditch just rises up to the flat area in the middle of the circle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/church_up_close.jpgA close-up of the church. From this angle, it's obvious there's no roof on either the church or the tower but everything else looks more or less intact.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/knowlton_church_half_silhouetted.jpgKnowlton Church, a ruin of a medieval church in a field of very green grass with the sun behind it, about to vanish behind a heavy grey cloud.2025-10-03T11:04:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/02/13/murmansk-vs-ekaterinburg-apartments/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68446-d34a7-murmansk_vs_ekaterinburg_apartments.pngRussia 2019: Murmansk Vs Ekaterinburg apartments | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72a2f-54177-apartments.jpgMy apartments in Russia | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9eaf-0c4b5-48847229266_94f55e79a1_k.jpgThe view from my balcony in EkaterinburgThe view from my balcony in Ekaterinburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d5f4-f7fea-48847273761_a091469a24_k.jpgThe private sauna in my bathroom in EkaterinburgThe private sauna in my bathroom in Ekaterinburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4d0f-75aa1-48847468952_b2eeeb62f0_k.jpgMy bathroom in EkaterinburgMy bathroom in Ekaterinburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/483c5-51fac-48847277951_82fce338a7_k.jpgMy kitchen in EkaterinburgMy kitchen in Ekaterinburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/636ce-1086e-48847276596_efa4e79fd9_k.jpgMy bedroom in EkaterinburgMy bedroom in Ekaterinburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98d2e-5fc34-48847279051_0a29bc0742_k.jpgMy living room in EkaterinburgMy living room in Ekaterinburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0c24-f972f-48847426477_8856d9b741_k.jpgMy Ekaterinburg apartment building from the streetMy Ekaterinburg apartment building from the streethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0b53-2b398-48846893187_8c19e17754_k-1.jpgMy bathroom in MurmanskMy bathroom in Murmansk2025-10-01T14:55:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/08/19/hengifoss/2025-10-01T14:41:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/06/05/how-to-visit-dettifoss/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4befa-b3ff8-dettifoss9-1.jpgdettifoss9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/156be-5857a-dettifoss8-1.jpgdettifoss8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a098-75914-dettifoss7-1.jpgdettifoss7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb44e-2c1e7-dettifoss6-1.jpgdettifoss6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/feaca-96f25-dettifoss5-1.jpgdettifoss5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a000-39631-dettifoss4-1.jpgdettifoss4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f6d6-46187-dettifoss3-1.jpgdettifoss3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/695ca-d4c10-dettifoss2-1.jpgdettifoss2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49d11-0cb51-dettifoss2-2.jpgdettifoss2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c856-5c979-dettifoss1-2.jpgdettifoss12025-10-01T14:41:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/09/28/the-hipster-apartment-in-hveragerdi/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c82b-ae2fb-hipsterapartment-1.jpghipsterapartment2025-10-01T14:40:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/09/16/photoset-snaefellsnes/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6781c-9b9ca-snaefellsnes.jpgSnaefellsnes phososet header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a2fb-84438-snae19.jpgSteel boat sculpture at StykkishólmurSteel boat sculpture at Stykkishólmurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd892-90442-snae18.jpgStykkishólmur harbour, unofficial capital of SnæfellsnesStykkishólmur harbour, unofficial capital of Snæfellsneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a6fe-aa87c-snae17.jpgThe iconic Kirkjufell from a moving coachThe iconic Kirkjufell from a moving coachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8ba1-e6bb1-snae16.jpgRunning up to the waterfall at ÓlafsvíkRunning up to the waterfall at Ólafsvíkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c8eb-bd554-snae15.jpgPaddling at DjúpalónssandurPaddling at Djúpalónssandurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45c73-10261-snae14.jpgThe black beach at DjúpalónssandurThe black beach at Djúpalónssandurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e373b-05bbf-snae13.jpgDjúpalónssandur, the black sand beachDjúpalónssandur, the black sand beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13bb4-db233-snae12.jpgLooking through a rock arch at SnæfellsjökullLooking through a rock arch at Snæfellsjökullhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ccee8-1af2b-snae11.jpgThe lava field above DjúpalónssandurThe lava field above Djúpalónssandur2025-10-01T14:37:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/10/07/how-was-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13164-dd2e3-howwasiceland.pngHow was Iceland? header pic2025-10-01T14:37:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/10/21/photoset-iceland-2017/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8e0c-7cd34-iceland17photoset.pngPhotoset: Iceland 2017 header pic2025-10-01T14:35:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/10/24/i-accidentally-saw-the-northern-lights/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48cd6-f26f7-accidentnorthernlights.pngI accidentally saw the Northern Lights header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af517-97f18-p1320236_37466288202_o-1.jpgNorthern Lights over Akraneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd89f-de978-p1320232_37497543501_o.jpgNorthern Lights over Akraneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e334-7700d-p1320231_37466295342_o.jpgNorthern Lights over Akraneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/695a4-f0884-p1320228_23644979518_o.jpgNorthern Lights over Akraneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00978-5bc3a-p1320226_23644983268_o.jpgNorthern Lights over Akraneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d466-1f0e1-p1320223_37497562371_o.jpgNorthern Lights over Akranes2025-10-01T14:35:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/10/28/bjarnarfoss-the-overlooked-waterfall/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b3cf-9d7ff-bjarnarfoss.jpgBjarnarfoss header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/100bb-ea4c5-bjarnarfoss5.jpgBjarnarfoss all put togetherBjarnarfoss all put togetherhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d38c6-fd9a6-bjarnarfoss4.jpgThe churning stream coming off BjarnarfossThe churning stream coming off Bjarnarfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd879-97884-bjarnarfoss3.jpgBjarnarfoss closer upBjarnarfoss closer uphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef2f9-980dc-bjarnarfoss2.jpgThe view down to the sea from BjarnarfossThe view down to the sea from Bjarnarfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04546-9b26b-bjarnarfoss1.jpgBjarnarfossThe gravel path up to Bjarnarfoss2025-10-01T14:35:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/10/31/raudfeldsgja-revisited/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca9db-e9d18-raudfeldsgjarevisited.pngRauðfeldsgjá revisited header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d37b-6db0e-37497841161_6d9c08a36c_k.jpgRauðfeldsgjá - the view down from the entrancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3fd9b-cb31b-37497835781_616946425f_k.jpgSelfie at Rauðfeldsgjáhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f836-6c0e3-37465616392_7fb9df3add_k.jpgRauðfeldsgjá - the entrancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69589-1b0c3-37449853856_4694ead2ed_k.jpgPaddling in the stream at Rauðfeldsgjáhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbf27-d28d5-37448770666_cbba43860e_k.jpgRauðfeldsgjá - the car parkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d517-bf709-37448737016_9282fa5e2a_k.jpgRauðfeldsgjá - the waterfall I can't quite passhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24a8b-734a2-23645335268_d4559d52a4_k.jpgRauðfeldsgjá - waterfalls2025-10-01T14:34:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/15/when-travel-goes-wrong-the-trip-to-iceland-i-didnt-enjoy/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8a61-d4a7d-didntenjoy.jpgWhen travel goes wrong: the trip I didn't enjoy title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/edb86-b9adc-dead4.jpgIn the hot water in the Blue Lagoon in the rainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8618-74aac-dead3.jpgÞingvellir in the rainAt least Þingvellir looks good in the rainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63298-66095-dead2.jpgTrying to switch on Enjoying Iceland mode at Rauðfeldsgjáhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/912ab-1487a-dead1.jpgIll in tent2025-10-01T14:33:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/11/08/i-love-myvatn-nature-baths-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4310-89214-naturebaths.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e697a-502c3-myvatn7.jpgHverir/Námafjall Geothermal Areahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9c12-98bb6-myvatn6.jpgFloating in Myvatn Nature Bathshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05ad0-d72c1-myvatn5.jpgMyvatn Nature Bathshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c487-bd2ae-myvatn4.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths hotpothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79d13-8f815-myvatn3.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths hot water inputhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7920-2581d-myvatn2.jpgView west from Myvatn Nature Bathshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0a9b-40b98-myvatn1.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths2025-10-01T14:31:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/01/borgarnes-my-favourite-town-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e94c8-ec338-borgarnes.pngBorgarnes: my favourite town in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d520-8d22f-33824202855_30b5c54073_k.jpgThe view across the sports field and the fjordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7b352-7c644-33667735142_4e3aad4e4c_k.jpgPink sunset light on the dusty mountainshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11d4e-a60af-32608219593_8e0aca4381_k.jpgThe view south from the rocky headlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c45f-f59de-33742193442_41b4f225e3_k.jpgArnarstapi, south coast of Snæfellsneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cf12-6ceab-33420281005_839159d59f_k.jpgThe green hills over Barnafosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ff5e-35cda-33878593795_2e8550e117_k.jpgThe Egil abstract memorial statue at Borg á Mýrum farmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee9d6-96b1e-33055269394_b0796f611f_k.jpgThe Borgarnes test areahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5aca-8aa1a-p1110840.jpgSketch map of the facilities at the pool at BorgarnesNot-to-scale map of the pool complex, showing temperatures and poolshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e283-8dc7d-32997875590_93f25def7e_k-1.jpgThe pool at Borgarnes2025-10-01T14:28:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/03/landmannalaugar-in-the-snow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed53e-d3ea7-landmannalaugarinthesnow.pngLandmannalaugar in the snow | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f176-ff99b-35624698083_e7dd89eff5_k.jpgThe big silver 4x4 from behind, parked probably outside the Highland Hotel. The tyres are still big and fat but now they don't look quite so disproportionate. There's a petrol pump behind and the ground is either wet or the ice is grassy. You can now clearly see the snow-dappled mountain separately from the grey sky. It's getting late and it's starting to get just a little bit dark already.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33eeb-3abd5-35624703523_c7b882aece_k.jpgThe bit of road where we stopped to reinflate the tyres. To the left is a big patch of shiny icy snow. To the right is wet gravel with tyre tracks. It's still icy and snowy but the scenery, such as it is out here, is definitely starting to reassert itself.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f815-ebae4-35624700603_ecb5502a62_k.jpgAt the Highland Hotel, a single-storey brown wooden building that looks from this angle like it's built around a central courtyard with an opaque frozen river running through it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31e1a-6a7d6-36264192522_1fb311c4a9_k.jpgThe campsite buildings, long wooden buildings with pointed roofs, in the snow. In the background is the mountain and the lava field and you can just make out the patch of warmth that is the hot spring.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6d8d-51164-35597537724_7473250394_k.jpgThe big silver car parked at Landmannalaugar, lights and engine on. In the background, you can just make out the campsite buildings. To the right is the lava field with snow clinging to it. To the left, behind the car, is a hint of mountain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82866-7675d-35624795553_bcf63686d8_k.jpgLandmannalaugar from the hot spring. In the foreground is the pool, edged with rocks and damp greenery. Behind is a mountain slope, covered in snow. To the right of the mountain is just whiteness. There are mountains there but you can't see them today.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b305-3272b-35597549504_94412de2ad_k.jpgBoiling water pouring into the spring, like a little waterfall. My camera's waterproof case is badly misted up by now but you can make out the steam coming off the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c822d-74c91-35624796753_a20f05083e_k.jpgSelfie in the hot spring. I'm wearing a black swimsuit and black fleece hat and peering over my glasses at the camera, since they're misted up with the snowstorm and with the steam coming off the pool. Behind me is the spring, which is green around the edges and then there's snow beyond that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7eec0-6be12-36432543235_d62e39260f_k-1.jpgThe hot spring: a steaming natural pool, the snow around its edges melted by the heat. Everywhere else is thick snow and behind it is the edge of the 500-year-old lava field, with jagged lava sticking out of the snow trying to coat it.2025-10-01T14:25:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/04/30/a-cold-person-packs-for-a-hot-place/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf97d-85437-packingforcyprus.jpgPacking for Cyprus title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce1a7-da403-cypruspacking14.jpgPacking for Cyprus: washbag contentshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97898-172f8-cypruspacking13.jpgPacking for Cyprus: washbaghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0f5e-a7e83-cypruspacking12.jpgPacking for Cyprus: washbaghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aede9-1e275-cypruspacking11.jpgPacking for Cyprus: accessorieshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e520c-ddf15-cypruspacking10.jpgPacking for Cyprus: small electronics baghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b1cf-fdb0f-cypruspacking9.jpgPacking for Cyprus: suitcasehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6336-e62a2-cypruspacking8.jpgPacking for Cyprus: clotheshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/948dd-5a47d-cypruspacking6.jpgPacking for Cyprus: clotheshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a05a-11b3d-cypruspacking5.jpgPacking for Cyprus: bags2025-10-01T11:11:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/07/in-the-tombs-of-the-kings/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c0a6-80bdd-tombsofthekings.jpgTombs of the Kings title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3991-cb0e7-tombs13.jpgTomb 8, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/701b0-85e77-tombs12.jpgTomb 8, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6828c-cc438-tombs11.jpgTomb 8, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d352a-cb2bc-tombs10.jpgTomb 3, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/481b2-32523-tombs9.jpgTomb 3, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e352-e667a-tombs8.jpgTomb 3, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69061-e6f27-tombs7.jpgTomb 3 dromos, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71da2-ec0a5-tombs6.jpgNecropolis, Tombs of the Kings, Paphoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69932-f9afa-tombs5.jpgTomb 2, Tombs of the Kings, Paphos2025-10-01T11:10:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/10/the-pafos-mosaics/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03f13-4db43-pafosmosaics.jpgPafos Mosaics title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4ba8-e7a14-mosaics15.jpgOdeon and agora, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e553-df34a-mosaics14.jpgHouse of Dionysos, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/572a8-b881d-mosaics13.jpgHouse of Dionysos, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4ed1-3705e-mosaics12.jpgHouse of Dionysos, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b52cc-e8488-mosaics11.jpgHouse of Dionysos, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3836-225e5-mosaics10.jpgHouse of Dionysos, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09ecd-cb575-mosaics9.jpgHouse of Dionysos, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c33a-12483-mosaics8.jpgHouse of Theseus, Pafos Mosaicshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4cb1-d7fb9-mosaics7.jpgHouse of Theseus, Pafos Mosaics2025-10-01T11:10:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/14/the-villa/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e847-449b0-cyprusvilla.jpgCyprus villa title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15670-21224-villa15.jpgCoral Bay villahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dbbf6-faa82-villa14.jpgCoral Bay villahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83800-78b4c-villa13.jpgCoral Bay villahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56772-30702-villa12.jpgSunset over Coral Bayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d83b1-215e1-villa11.jpgBanana plants in Cyprushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/588ae-d0b1e-villa10.jpgCactus farming in Cyprushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe158-394c0-villa9.jpgOrange tree in Cyprushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb212-8755f-villa8.jpgCoral Bay villahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f373-7cc8a-villa7.jpgCoral Bay villa2025-10-01T11:10:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/21/photoset-roman-ruins-in-cyprus/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d65c5-1ccd0-cyprusruins.jpgRoman ruins in Cyprus title pic2025-10-01T11:10:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/06/07/i-saw-so-many-lizards-in-cyprus/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72e36-577f9-cypruslizards.jpgCyprus lizards title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd671-02f77-lizards9.jpgLizard. Possibly a skink?No idea but maybe a skink of some kind?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c29a2-559f5-lizards8.jpgAgama?No idea what this is but maybe it's an agama of some kind?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af335-6d754-lizards7.jpgBridled mabuyaBridled mabuyahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/113da-c9b6d-lizards6.jpgSnake-eyed lizardSnake-eyed lizardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4fd8-afa2f-lizards5.jpgSling-tailed agamahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60667-37e82-lizards4.jpgSling-tailed agamahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e979b-c8bd5-lizards3.jpgSling-tailed agamahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c4fe-a1a2c-lizards2.jpgSling-tailed agamahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c86b-c0e4b-lizards1.jpgSling-tailed agama2025-10-01T11:10:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/06/21/photoset-cyprus-seascapes/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7dd54-bd994-cyprusseascapes.jpgPhotoset: Cyprus seascapes title pic2025-10-01T11:09:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/05/1-week-pafos-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d014-b7959-pafositinerary.png1 week Pafos itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6656-1371b-41034459784_44f3c1ea3f_k.jpgIce cream in Pafoshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a3a9-ff09b-26897307537_337dd1d808_k.jpgOur pool at the villahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41a49-cd7f0-40883331785_4da0db4d40_k.jpgPetra tou Romiou from the clifftop viewponthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94884-c5fad-41065344084_5c504b6432_k.jpgPetra tou Romiouhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/672a8-1adb0-39975253260_c696c54121_k.jpgStadium of Ancient Kourionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e348-b9cfe-27914150298_06a60c8a65_k.jpgSanctuary of Apollo Hylateshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62141-2080f-41782426551_103b199891_k.jpgTemple of Apollo, Sanctuary of Apollo Hylateshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/927d9-3d44b-41064690534_bfd6436816_k.jpgView from the roof of Kolossi Castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9d80-bcffe-40882672915_0c3b9301bb_k.jpgKolossi Castle2025-10-01T11:09:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/07/05/laugavegur-trail-day-one-landmannalaugar-to-hrafntinnusker/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df849-67b7f-laugaday1.jpgLaugavegur Trail day 1 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74e81-45891-laugaday16.jpgDormitory at Hraftntinnuskerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4a65-24b33-laugaday15.jpgInside the shelterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2f2d-832f6-laugaday14.jpgWall of snow 4km from Hrafntinnuskerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92514-ad387-laugaday13.jpgFog on the Laugavegur trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1e73f-9d1d8-laugaday12.jpgRain at Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fdf71-f7719-laugaday11.jpgLaugavegur diary day 1Wholly accurate sketch of conditions late in the day2025-10-01T11:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/07/09/laugavegur-trail-day-two-hrafntinnusker-to-alftavatn/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86c0a-30a97-laugaday2.jpgLaugavegur trail day two title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ee41-16380-lauga21.jpgLaugavegur Diary day 22025-10-01T11:06:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/07/12/laugavegur-trail-day-three-alftavatn-to-emstrur/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86ec3-9f739-laugaday3.jpgLaugavegur Diaries day 3 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9ced-95d23-lauga31.jpgLaugavegur diary day 32025-10-01T11:06:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/07/16/laugavegur-trail-day-four-emstrur-to-thorsmork/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05fd7-50ba3-laugaday4.jpgLaugavegur Diaries day 4 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72778-c85f5-lauga41.jpgLaugavegur diary day 42025-10-01T11:06:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/07/19/laugavegur-trail-day-five-thorsmork/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53ce5-50e07-lauga5diary.jpgLaugavegur trail diary - Fridayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4df4a-5b9bc-laugaday5.jpgLaugavegur Trail day 5 title pic2025-10-01T11:06:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/07/26/what-went-wrong-on-monday-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3989-734e2-whatwentwrongonmonday.jpgWhat went wrong on Monday? title pic2025-10-01T11:05:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/07/23/laugavegur-trail-day-six-going-home/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a817-fcc7a-laugaday6.jpgLaugavegur Trail Day Six title pic2025-10-01T11:05:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/11/12/a-day-in-the-radiation-zone-chernobyl-part-1-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/575dc-d8705-chernobyl1.jpgChernobyl part 1 title pic2025-10-01T11:04:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/11/15/a-day-in-the-radiation-zone-chernobyl-part-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e772-0e0fe-chernobyl2.jpgChernobyl part 2 title pic2025-10-01T11:03:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/11/22/beginners-guide-to-ukraine/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3ca6-1debc-beginnerukraine.jpgBeginner's guide to Ukraine title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8be28-b1613-guidetoukraine.jpgBeginner's guide to Ukraine title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9de85-9b243-ukrainebasics1.jpgKyiv metro direction signhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e67eb-6d6f9-ukrainebasics2.jpgKyiv metro station2025-10-01T11:03:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/11/26/photoset-the-colours-of-kyiv/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8388c-9cb34-colourfulkyiv.jpgColourful Kyiv title pic2025-10-01T11:03:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/12/10/kyiv-the-city-of-golden-domes/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43786-b1176-kyivdomes.pngGolden domes of Kyiv title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2a4c-76494-44889458445_16f6bd5215_k.jpgSt Volodymyr's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f55b-1a0ae-45077887824_52bba7664c_k-1.jpgSt Volodymyr's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd449-4ba2a-44887627885_5cf9bf5f46_k.jpgSt Andrew's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f3e2-9fb96-44887671525_b98c557d26_k.jpgSt Andrew's Cathedral from the riversidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23ced-58ed5-45750956822_f9f6feb245_k-1.jpgSt Michael's Golden-Domed Monasteryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/261eb-f6560-45800491951_bc04dc8672_k.jpgSt Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery from outsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e236-68910-45751056632_207d148311_k.jpgBell tower at St Sophia's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4fe1a-bb70c-31929511768_ea4be6be4d_k.jpgSelfie at St Sophia's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/808ed-b52b8-30861025767_88ab81ffd2_k.jpgLower Lavra, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra2025-10-01T11:03:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/07/the-problem-with-amsterdam/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ef9b-d7fef-amsterdam.jpgThe problem with Amsterdam | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fab06-cd211-46194025991_4e1b3a24ed_k.jpgAmsterdam canalhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71777-a1382-44377127300_eb5fbf2983_k.jpgAmsterdam hotel roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f17db-f40ee-44377124500_4ab13cb841_k.jpgDamrak, Amsterdam2025-10-01T11:02:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/14/the-many-diaries-of-anne-frank/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9dc4b-29265-annefrank.jpgThe Many Diaries of Anne Frank | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5a97-d690c-31256505517_0ea1200d1f_k.jpgAnne Frank's house exterior2025-10-01T11:02:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/17/a-day-out-in-haarlem/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d53e0-582df-haarlem.pngA day trip to Haarlem | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T11:02:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/31/i-flew-on-ryanair-for-the-first-time/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c688b-7f2c1-ryanair.jpgI flew on Ryanair for the first time | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1bdd4-2e3c7-img_4783.jpgRevolutionary Lavazza instructionshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4a7e-2ce4e-p1080218.jpgRyanair plane at Malta Luqa airporthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfa50-23b25-img_4778.jpgRyanair seats2025-10-01T11:01:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/04/hopping-around-gozo/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e68c4-9980c-gozo.jpgHopping around Gozo | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1444a-2d8b0-p1080336.jpgOn the ferry back from Gozohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8dacb-67d71-p1080312.jpgBus down narrow streets in Rabat/Victoria, Gozohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7bbbb-86ecd-p1080294.jpgHelicopter crew being winched back aboardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58e49-11072-p1080292.jpgHelicopter over Dwejrahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9c84-1c3f0-p1080304.jpgDwejra coast and the remains of the Azure Windowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/952bb-55566-p1080305.jpgLimestone full of shells at Dwejrahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78d19-1af56-p1080270.jpgGozo sightseeing bus at Dwejrahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eff7e-28a89-p1080260.jpgSelfie on the bus above Calypso Cavehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8af9e-f3920-p1080244.jpgGozo countryside from the bus2025-10-01T11:01:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/25/valletta-a-day-in-the-fortified-city/2025-10-01T11:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/03/11/things-that-surprised-me-about-malta/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41b88-8f380-malta_surprised.jpgMalta: 9 things that surprised me | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T11:01:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/29/my-malta-travel-budget/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e92c8-742a5-maltabudget.jpgHow to go to Malta on a £200 budget | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36385-dd153-48336941577_ca383701c2_k.jpgValletta harbour boat triphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18626-a7a5c-48336940906_f1614b0cf7_k.jpgThe Gozo sightseeing bushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65def-5ad30-48336863912_cb2508932c_k.jpgMy room in Maltahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4211f-c492c-48336712021_ce177e6aae_k.jpgThe plane to Malta2025-10-01T11:00:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/03/the-colossal-colosseum-by-rain-and-night/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7c40-2d8ba-colosseum.jpgRome 2019: The Colosseum by rain and by night | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a34b-f76a9-47938426311_9303eca694_k.jpgThe Colosseum at the end of the roadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b17ca-d3bd4-47938520116_558ed1f1f3_k.jpgBad blurry selfie at the Colosseumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11af0-f1ead-47938548963_eabb9308f0_k.jpgColosseum by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd7ed-fa64f-47938467168_46e649793b_k.jpgColosseum and Arch of Constantinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70279-180ff-47938483661_9b88a7e621_k.jpgThe Colosseum up closehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c8ac-32b17-47938470068_40f13d8467_k.jpgThe Colosseumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f98c0-36823-47938486526_bbf2de1b80_k.jpgCrowds at the Colosseumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f8d3-e2417-47937385977_1aa650418c_k.jpgThe Colosseum from the tram stop2025-10-01T10:59:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/06/rome-what-i-thought-of-the-other-places/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4162c-75747-rome-other.jpgRome 2019: What I thought of the other places | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f664d-5ccf2-47938576812_b76fdc1109_k.jpgRome Pantheon from the insidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7f3a-b4ba2-47938603626_cbf4a8cf17_k.jpgRome Pantheon from the outsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1881-09acb-47938591532_2300a547c3_k.jpgRome hop-on-hop-off tourist buseshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0061d-e5155-47938605513_72a070ee2d_k.jpgRome hop-on-hop-off tourist buseshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/626f1-caad5-47938615392_6ab4de1ab1_k.jpgPiazza San Pietrohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31e67-9bf73-47938640511_28d6af6eac_k.jpgApproaching Piazza San Pietrohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8738f-49df3-47938420703_a4ea25dec2_k.jpgCrowds at the Trevi Fountainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16cc5-d7622-47938438911_f4f2e99ae8_k.jpgThe Trevi Fountainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cba5-f5005-47938453658_6057d72f30_k.jpgSpanish Steps2025-10-01T10:59:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/31/two-teenagers-go-unsupervised-to-italy-to-spend-a-week-with-strangers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bac22-a058a-two_children_go_to_italy.jpgTwo schoolchildren go unsupervised to Italy to spend a week with strangers | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d4eb-ab1c5-bored_driving_the_car.jpgA blurry photo of me sitting in the driving seat of Christophe's car, pretending to drive it, because we've been sitting there a long time and we're bored.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/975ca-00bdc-local_newspaper_photo.jpgCatherine and I from our local newspaper, both in school uniform and holding up binoculars which we're clearly not looking through.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68eff-9462a-bored_in_the_car.jpgAn extreme close-up of my fourteen-year-old face, wearing big reflective sunglasses that don't belong to me, while bored in the car.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/160d1-2fef7-our_beach.jpgOur beach - a stony beach of grey-white sand and a bright blue sea, even though the haze the 35mm film.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e3e4-062fe-still_got_the_straw.jpgMe today, a bit pink from the artificial lighting, holding up a 24-year-old slightly mouldy straw.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1491-964dd-messina_cafe_drinks.jpgOur drinks in the cafe in Messina - a can of Sprite with a rainbow straw sticking out of it and an empty cup of hot chocolate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a7fa-b12b0-bird_sanctuary_group_photo.jpgAnother group photo, this time in better weather, gathered around a gap in a wall at the bottom of some stone stairs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22d2e-3979c-pentedattilo.jpgAncient hillside village of Pentedattilo, named after its unusual rock formations, in the sunshine.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea6d2-730eb-closed_eye_drawings.jpgA few ancient notebook pages of closed-eye drawings signed variously by me and by Catherine.2025-10-01T10:59:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/16/jorvik-viking-centre-underwhelming-or-fascinating/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/112f0-cb59c-jorvik.jpgYork 2019: Is Jorvik exciting or underwhelming | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc2ba-16446-p1020523.jpgJorvik reproduction of a Viking coinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/995f8-d9f7e-49268407701_fd7cdf1172_k.jpgCup-maker at Jorvik Viking Centrehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87310-cc8bf-49268407281_033ca8c68b_k.jpgCup-seller at Jorvik Viking Centrehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d00e0-8a1b2-49268607497_9b1e1b069d_k.jpgJorvik ride manned by a Vikinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf2f5-0aeb4-49268607837_df2848f801_k.jpgThe first room at JorvikThe first room at Jorvik2025-10-01T10:58:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/23/selfies-at-the-national-railway-museum/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04914-7213d-nationalrailway.jpgYork 2019: selfies at the National Railway Museum | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7308-56c85-49268381871_9aa32616ae_k.jpgSelfie with a Eurostarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6cf7-8efd2-49268380841_6229ccb2e8_k.jpgSelfie on the Shinkansenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb54d-90717-49268364546_f29541f58f_k.jpgSelfie with a steam locohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/227d7-aee2a-49268553517_12c6ff5985_k.jpgSelfie with Mallardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc1d8-7342e-49267893133_113dc30bf2_k.jpgNorth Shed, National Railway Museumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14907-bc588-49268558487_c09638e0d1_k.jpgSelfie in the pit under a steam locohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15d73-105e3-49267906488_3dd21741c8_k.jpgGreat Hall, National Railway Museumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9c6c-3ac8d-49268348676_84af5bcab0_k.jpgInternational steam train in Station Hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/842de-63630-49267935968_aebd731bb1_k.jpgSelfie on the steam rides at National Railway Museum2025-10-01T10:58:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/27/22460/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acba6-8621e-ocfridaysuitcase.jpgNew Year at Our Chalet: Friday in Switzerland with a suitcase | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c82f-a159c-49329063117_eeff208f14_k.jpgSelfie on the platform at Lauterbrunnenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/775f3-7f607-49328376173_32d11500a9_k.jpgThe Murren cable car with luggage tray underneathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcf57-00667-49328408748_84ab600fc8_k.jpgSelfie at Murrenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35004-caf68-49329089742_e2caa6ef80_k.jpgSuitcases in the tray on the front of the Murren trainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42476-270bf-49328881836_4ec46615a9_k.jpgOn the train on the edge of the mountain going to Murrenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2909-a104b-49328854291_52932017dd_k.jpgStaubbach Falls at Lauterbrunnenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff0ff-15705-49328886671_ed40b4094c_k.jpgOn the train through Interlakenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21814-a0695-49328438278_f620d0eda4_k.jpg49328438278_f620d0eda4_k2025-10-01T10:54:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/05/23/disney-haters-day-disneyland-paris/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/a_disney_haters_day_at_disneyland_paris.jpgA Disney-hater's day at Disneyland Paris | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a7b5-30e28-197598_7674215645_1267_n.jpg197598_7674215645_1267_nhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cda72-4ffe3-disney.pngdisneyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/217a4-ac81d-disney13.jpgdisney13https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6d60-f0b1b-disney12.jpgdisney12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/694c3-54e3e-disney11.jpgdisney11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e4d9-9cc38-disney10.jpgdisney10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2068d-94f25-disney9.jpgdisney9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5c07-4ef3a-disney8.jpgdisney8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7ef3-36f68-disney7.jpgdisney72025-10-01T10:53:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/06/dont-really-like-paris/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/i_dont_really_like_paris.jpgI don't really like Paris | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71988-e3db2-paris.jpgparishttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfb61-6fb3d-paris15.jpgparis15https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/554ad-4b3d1-paris14.jpgparis14https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c831-dbb5e-paris13.jpgparis13https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b54bf-1cf37-paris12.jpgparis12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb877-a144d-paris11.jpgparis11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80b03-9660a-paris10.jpgparis10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5b76-88b44-paris9.jpgparis9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a7fc-11fc9-paris8.jpgparis82025-10-01T10:53:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/24/pierrefonds-great-castle/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pierrefonds_is_a_great_castle.jpgPierrefonds is a great castle | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0432-44448-pierrefonds.jpgPierrefonds Castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02683-bedc1-pierre26.jpgPierrefonds Castle from the villagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2e50-e1e2d-pierre25.jpgPierrefonds from belowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a9f5-fa9b1-pierre24.jpgPierrefonds courtyardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2f12-099fb-pierre23.jpgPierrefonds model castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20cc3-d9e47-pierre22.jpgThe Mercenaries Hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9441d-d490a-pierre20.jpgThe mirrorball of Pierrefonds cellarshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/715bd-0d771-pierre19.jpgbal des gisants - the cellars at Pierrefondshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5618c-cc88a-pierre18.jpgbal des gisants - the cellars at Pierrefonds2025-10-01T10:53:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/11/19/my-first-school-trip-abroad/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bbc3-49f15-frenchexchange98.jpgMy first school trip abroad title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a236c-9302f-p1060032.jpgFrench exchange 98 Scraps & documentationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3d69-0eff4-p1060031.jpgFrench exchange 98 paper bagshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc145-dc1c1-p1060030.jpgFrench exchange 98 Coutances & French family pageshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89aae-1ca97-p1060029.jpgFrench exchange 98 Mont St Michel pagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c96b7-003df-p1060027.jpgFrench exchange 98 Arromanches/Normandy pageshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cdd9-3a011-p1060026.jpgFrench exchange 09 Bayeux and Arromanches pagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1a14b-ab5af-p1060025.jpgFrench exchange 98 ferry pagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6197-46be1-p1060024.jpgFrench Exchange 98 scrapbook front2025-10-01T10:52:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/02/the-romance-of-the-eurostar/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/the_romance_of_the_eurostar.jpgThe romance of the Eurostar | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a29e1-9baec-eurostar.jpgParis 2019: The romance of the Eurostar | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29d6a-c9f11-49104077676_d629674b7b_k.jpgEurostar at Gare du Nordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfdf8-0618b-49103568033_b6d2f52a44_k.jpgEurostar at St Pancrashttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a35f0-ddfa8-49194466492_af22110ce9_k.jpgSitting on the floor in the Eurostar waiting area at St Pancrashttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/789a4-700ef-49194466097_a76aa33f5b_b.jpgFailed selfie with John BetjemanFailed selfie with John Betjemanhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d20c-03704-49193655263_4ccc22437c_b.jpgSelfie on the Eurostarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/667bd-12ecd-38817311514_fa12af70d6_b.jpgOn the Bateau Mouche in 2003On the Bateau Mouche in 2003https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1cfc-bea08-49104266612_1aed451eea_c.jpgEurostar standard class coachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81b37-bd3bc-p1020424.jpgHandwritten first draft of this postIt feels somehow a lot more personal & uncomfortable to see a blog in handwritten format.2025-10-01T10:51:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/05/sainte-chapelle-and-its-rock-hard-floor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/sainte_chapelle_has_a_rock_hard_floor.jpgSainte-Chapelle has a rock-hard floor | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7edd7-332a2-sainte-chapelle.jpgParis 2019: Sainte-Chapelle has a rock-hard floor | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ef8b-7b252-p1020427.jpgInstax photos from my trip to Paris in November 2019https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7b4c-29cbe-49104233602_4e2c3b2250_k.jpgSainte-Chapelle's upper chapel's through a lensballhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58801-a8a71-49104056511_72fbad9500_k.jpgSainte-Chapelle's upper chapelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64551-baa8f-49103547848_3b50b2f565_k.jpg49103547848_3b50b2f565_khttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ecb8-ea978-49104248432_c831047cf5_k.jpgSainte-Chapelle's upper chapelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4db32-25c99-49104257832_6284002814_k.jpgSainte-Chapelle's lower chapelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2d74-4502a-49104250162_076566cce0_k.jpgSainte-Chapelle's lower chapelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c05f-71fb9-49104253477_daea11602b_k.jpgSainte-Chapelle's lower chapel2025-10-01T10:51:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/09/paris-taking-the-batobus-to-the-eiffel-tower/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/paris_taking_the_batobus_to_the_eiffel_tower.jpgParis: taking the Batobus to the Eiffel Tower | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a0f6-f4e20-batobuseiffeltower.jpgParis 2019: taking the Batobus to the Eiffel Tower | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3344-a37bb-49194369997_be91e0a5ef_k.jpgParis by night from the Batobushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36904-5f60c-49193672483_1047648f20_k.jpgPolice car on its roof after gilets-jaunes riotshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29b8e-4a2ac-49194390287_49fb86136c_b.jpgSelfie on the stairs down to the first floor of the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23d74-bd5b1-49193693323_15e04ac8b0_b.jpgSelfie with the glass wall of the first floor of the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84421-b3645-49194202356_fb836895d9_k.jpgParis and Sacré-Cœur from the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4b65-70cdf-49193700758_36b0e6124e_k-1.jpgNotre Dame seen from the riverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce8b9-734ee-49194203696_640398b398_k.jpgView from the top of the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9676-bf5fe-49193700758_36b0e6124e_k.jpgNotre Dame from the river2025-10-01T10:51:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/02/paris-love-violence/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/paris_love_and_violence.jpgParis: Love & Violence | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2e2b-ab512-loveandviolence.jpgParis 2019: the city of love and violence | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33335-2e62d-49103563583_f7357f64d2_k.jpgNotre Dame under repair November 2019https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79467-26709-49193672483_1047648f20_k-1.jpgPolice car on its roof outside Paris's central police prefecturehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d01c5-9d7ca-38053015204_bc21d3d760_k.jpgOut on a pedalo on Lake NeuchâtelThis isn't Paris; this is me on my year abroad in Switzerland learning French, starting at 8am on Mondayshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50b53-135f9-34630887602_aa226a1bd8_k.jpgMy sister posing with the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee285-628d9-49194165426_7a34b0513d_k.jpgPolice vans in Place de la Concorde2025-10-01T10:50:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/02/dogsitting-in-the-south-of-france/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dogsitting_in_the_south_of_france.jpgDogsitting in the South of France | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7efb3-16519-dogsitting.pngDogsitting in the south of France | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46ef4-786db-p1110393.jpgHow cold? Well, look at the frost outsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50123-2251c-p1110375.jpgThe dog on the sofahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db0df-91be2-p1110302.jpgThe dog in questionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f18b8-21ca1-p1110434.jpgMy workstation, my boss's Mac in the kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acbc6-35430-p1110362.jpgThe dog out for a walkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40bdb-4004d-p1110440.jpgI tidied the househttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87233-34b32-p1110402.jpgAix en Provencehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a3fd-39e5b-p1110352-copy.jpgMarseille in February2025-10-01T10:48:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/27/a-school-trip-to-paris-in-2002/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02254-2e909-paris2002.pngA school trip to Paris in 2002 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b8d6-aa60d-p1230307.jpgThe Eiffel Tower lit up in yellow at night, as seen from a moving coach twenty years ago.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d172-17b67-p1230304.jpgThe group at Trocadero, eating waffles. Dave is crouched at everyone else's feet for some reason.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f15b-cdffc-p1230294.jpgA map of Charles de Gaulle airport laid out, with Stade de France and Eiffel Tower tickets on top of it, as well as a little pile of mint-green metro tickets.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13e67-a6e1b-p1230303.jpgA model walking down a runway between tables in a department store. She's wearing a big hat and a white coat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4eb5-83b06-p1230302.jpgThe picture of the tower at La Defense. A round-ish glass skyscraper but with a wedge cut out of the front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b312c-15003-p1230301.jpgThe entire school group gathered at the entrance to the tunnel at Stade de France, with a banner over our heads.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/518e6-ab4e8-p1230299.jpgA group of schoolkids in the Stade de France locker rooms.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/158c0-f19a3-p1230296.jpgCatherine, drinking champagne, in an opulent room with big decorative windows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc57c-94508-p1230297.jpgA big pile of vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunks.2025-10-01T10:47:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/18/there-are-6-million-dead-bodies-under-paris/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/there_are_6_million_dead_bodies_under_paris.jpgThere are 6 million dead bodies under Paris | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5a45-c5a4c-six_million_dead_bodies_under_paris.jpgThere are 6 million dead bodies under Paris | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e8e2-6596f-barrel_of_bonesk.jpgA structure shaped like a large barrel, big enough that it would take at least four people to link hands all around it, made in the usual style of large thigh bones with rows of skulls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/011c7-301db-hearts_wall.jpgAnother wall of bones but this one has several skulls set out in a heart pattern in the middle of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/728df-424bf-bones_with_a_cross.jpgMore bays of bones supported by thigh bones and lines of skulls. In the middle of the "wall" in this one is set a stone cross.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88313-9ac92-bay_of_bones.jpgA bay of bones, held up by an outer wall made mostly of large thigh bones with rows of skulls sowed neatly between the bones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c737f-8254f-mine_galleries.jpgEmpty mining gallery, rectangular, wide enough for two to walk comfortably and three to squeeze, lit on the left by a small light every fifty or so yards.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b208-0d836-rer_line_b.jpgAn RER line B train arriving at St Michel. It's a white train with black panels around the windows and red around the doors, blurred with motion.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57f31-a6880-park_fountain.jpgA green-painted wrought iron water fountain in a park.2025-10-01T10:46:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/23/suomenlinna-a-day-on-finlands-fortress/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01ea9-e07fb-suomenlinna.jpgFinland 2008: Suomenlinna, the Fortress of Finlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9beec-d3199-35273703073_963c8ba32d_k.jpgHills, tunnels and blue sea inlet on Suomenlinnahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e28d2-fdc16-36042299366_e7a075ee55_k.jpgTunnels and hills on Suomenlinnahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e119d-4acc3-35273697273_2e37c4505d_k.jpgMiniature island cliffs from Suomenlinnahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71d64-db86b-35949050761_2e86addd14_k.jpgThe ferry back to Helsinki from Suomenlinnahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59731-aaacb-36042255776_80c0cbbe4b_k.jpgHelsinki from the waterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ccb7-d9f04-35948938951_c4acfe78aa_k.jpgHelsinki - Suomenlinna ferry2025-10-01T10:44:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/03/my-first-solo-trip-helsinki-2008/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19ec4-a7e06-firstsolotriphelsinki.pngMy first solo trip: Helsinki | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db09d-d8202-senatesquare.jpgSenate Square, a brick-floored square surrounded by yellow Neoclassical buildings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1577a-a2916-seurasaaribeach.jpgA beach with rocky edges separating the muddy dark sand from the pine woods behind.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50e17-c40f7-wetafternooninhelsinki.jpgA wet afternoon in Helsinki: cobbled streets and elaborate buildings, with the various street lights reflecting on the wet cobbles.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf5f6-86b60-moominmuseumtampere.jpgThe Moomin Museum in Tampere, a weird building made of domes. The dome roofs have ridges. It's raining.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f3e3-97187-turkustreet.jpgThe streets of Turku. I think this is pedestrianised and down one side are various buildings old enough to be pretty, but far from ancient. They're in various shades of reds and creamy yellows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5b461-65452-suomenlinnaview.jpgA view from Suomenlinna. In the foreground is a small dark blue bay surrounded by tiny cliffs. On the other side is a flat-topped hill that's probably a fort, and there are various ex-military buildings around. Above and behind them, you can make out the skyline of Helsinki.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad685-384df-helsinkicentralstation.jpgHelsinki Central Station, a very modern brick building. The main entrance is a big arch with a huge window in it. On each side of the main door there are giant stylised human figures holding glowing globes. Behind it all is a bell tower with a green copper roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56796-55672-tramgoingpastwindow.jpgA green tram going down the road seen from my window, which is actually on a perpendicular road. You can see the red brick windowframe and the building across the street.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85ab6-86a7b-myhostelroom.jpgMy room in Helsinki. A single bed in a fake wooden frame. At the end is a cupboard with a phone, notebook, towel and refilled bottle of Coke on it. There's a sconce light on the wall and red and green striped curtains.2025-10-01T10:44:35+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/08/helsinki-is-the-holistic-healing-holiday-destination-youll-never-forget/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0574-1737e-healing_helsinki.jpgHelsinki is the holistic, healing holiday destination you'll never forget | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3236-b763e-sunset_over_helsinki.jpgSunset over Helsinki. Actually, the sun has a good couple of hours more before it sets but it's low enough to reflect on the water, silhouette the city and turn the sky over the horizon pale orange.Sunset on the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7c23-b6fb4-selfie_at_loyly.jpgA selfie outside Löyly. I'm wearing a yellow jumper and matching bucket hat with sunglasses. Behind me is an odd-shaped dome-like hive-like wooden building with a deck around it.Löyly selfie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8cf6-e1c54-allas_sea_pool.jpgA large wooden deck protruding into a harbour. On the other side of the harbour are some buildings on the right and a lot of thick trees on the left. Set into the deck are two bright blue swimming pools.A heated pool literally in the Baltic.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85671-dbb59-korvapuusti_and_coke.jpgA large cinnamon roll in a shallow bowl. Its spirals are really well-defined and there's also a pint glass of Coca-Cola next to it.My first korvapuusti.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/826a0-09f19-senate_square_in_the_sun.jpgSenate Square in the sunshine, a cobbled square surrounded by yellow neoclassical buildings, as seen from the steps leading up to the cathedral.Warmest seat in Helsinki.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7eb6-2f1ae-heathrow_closed_at_5am.jpgHeathrow closed and deserted at 5am, with grids over shops and only a few travellers in the distance.Heathrow closed at 5am.2025-10-01T10:44:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/12/geothermal-bathing-in-helsinki-at-allas-sea-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ad81-4c0ed-allas_wristband.jpgA white ribbon wristband on my wrist. It runs through a largeish plastic plate which has the word logo of Allas Sea Pool on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7054b-7441f-geothermal_bathing_at_allas_sea_pool.jpgGeothermal bathing in Helsinki at Allas Sea Pool | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44af7-0d657-allas_saunas.jpgThe far end of the three changing buildings, showing the large windows to the saunas. From here, you can just make out people inside. From left to right, female, male & mixed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/605db-01964-allas_pools.jpgThe geothermal pool and kids' pool, which are both very bright blue. It's a bright sunny evening but the pools look very cold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7caa8-a3e85-allas_deck_and_changing_rooms.jpgThree small huts in dark wood at the end of the decking. The front of the deck is full of sunloungers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/612c2-781f3-allas_from_the_water.jpgAllas Sea Pool as seen from a boat in the harbour. Now you can see the side of the viewing platform properly, as well as Upenski Cathedral peeking over an office block.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62a51-60a2a-allas_from_the_skywheel.jpgThe sea pool and the large rectangular building with the restaurant & viewing platforms as seen from the Sky Wheel. The windows are bright blue so I've attempted, badly, to correct the colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d899e-65a67-allas_sea_pool-1.jpgAllas Sea Pool seen from the viewing platform opposite. It's a pale wooden floating deck in the harbour with three pools set in and a lot of pool recliners. Behind them, the ferry is setting off for Suomenlinna and the city is visible a couple of hundred metres away across the harbour.2025-10-01T10:43:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/15/loyly-a-traditional-finnish-sauna-experience-for-tourists/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e168e-e1000-sauna_cover.jpgA piece of woven fabric in shades of grey, folded for display in a shop. You can make out a body sitting next to a bucket of water and many feet but the rest of the pattern of men sitting in a sauna is hidden by the folding and by the label.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e19fc-257a5-loyly_traditional_finnish_sauna_experience.jpgLöyly: a traditional Finnish sauna experience (for tourists) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c655a-3d8c3-loyly_changing_rooms.jpgThe Löyly changing rooms (empty except me). The walls are dark lava-grey. The lockers, on the left, have golden wooden doors and there's a bench alongside them. The door at the end matches and on the right, there's a long counter for doing your hair.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f80d-39e5c-structure_of_loyly.jpgThe side of the building, showing how you can see between the wooden slats.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c999-59146-korvapuusti_and_coke-1.jpgA korvapuusti, Finnish cinnamon roll, and a pint of Coke out on the deck outside Löyly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20a79-bb13c-loyly_baltic_view.jpgThe view of the Baltic from Löyly. The sun is shining on a deep blue sea, under a bright blue sky. In the foreground is gravel and boulders. In the background are various islands and trees in Helsinki bay.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2242a-378f5-selfie_outside_loyly.jpgA selfie outside Löyly. I'm wearing a yellow jumper and a yellow bucket hat. Behind me, the sky is blue and there's a big wooden hulk of a building.2025-10-01T10:43:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/22/helsinki-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2bf7c-ae6bd-helsinki_on_film.jpgHelsinki on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99064-706ae-ferry_leaving_suomenlinna.jpgA ferry leaving Suomenlinna, seen from a bridge. Now the trees are on the right and you can see the ferry openly from the side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a12a-b1517-suomenlinna_beach.jpgA bit of rocky shoreline with a thick defensive wall off to the left. There's more island off in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db83a-c4bb2-suomenlinna_hobbiton.jpgAn area of underground bunkers on Suomenlinna, with grassy sides and roofs that makes the whole area look like Hobbiton.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1bc4c-ec52c-suomenlinna_swimming_bay.jpgA small bay on the side of Suomenlinna. Its shores are rocky with a few small trees and the skyline of Helsinki is visible in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9271b-82808-green_lane_on_suomenlinna.jpgA tree0lined cobbled lane on Suomenlinna. A yellow wooden house is just visible on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd0be-f3128-suomenlinna_inlet.jpgAn inlet between islands on Suomenlinna, lots of deep blue water and on each side are thick walls and trees. The sky is very blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/908d6-9403f-island_from_boat.jpgA view of a rocky island with small trees sprouting from it, as seen from a tour boat - you can see a row of empty seas on the port side of the boat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8dfe9-85b9e-uspenski_cathedral.jpgUspenski Cathedral, an ornate red-brick cathedral with green domes topped with gold crosses, seen from the bottom of the hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5e0f-efa8d-suomenlinna_ferry.jpgA ferry arriving at Suomenlinna. The seafront is lined with trees and there's a hint of heavy cloud in the distance.2025-10-01T10:43:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/26/a-long-summer-weekend-in-helsinki-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6049e-c28eb-long_summer_weekend_in_helsinki.jpgA long summer weekend in Helsinki itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6382b-3f7d5-helsinki_central_station.jpgHelsinki Central Station, a building of pinkish-brown brick with copper-green accents, like a frill around the great arched front and along the front. There is a green-topped tower just visible. The doors are flanked by two giant figures on each side holding a glowing green globe. It's built in the Modernist style.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d66e-642ac-finnish_icebreakers.jpgfinnish_icebreakershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1be9a-955e2-suomenlinna_cove.jpgA small cove on Suomenlinna where it's sheltered enough to swim. There's a half-circle of yellow beach at one end and relatively high steep sides of rock protecting it from the wind. Sitting here, if I look to the left instead of the right, I can see across to Helsinki but I haven't included that photo because it's straight into the lowish evening sun and thus silhouetted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ea25-67062-boat_selfie_in_blanket.jpgA selfie wearing a yellow bucket hat, sunglasses and a pale blue blanket because it's freezing. I'm on a boat and behind me is a bit of water and then one of Helsinki's many forested islands.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/013da-c4a74-ice_cream_in_esplanadi.jpgA small tub of chocolate ice cream in a park. Behind the ice cream is a statue on a tall plinth surrounded by a circle of impeccable grass and flowers and you can just make out the ice cream cart on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ebd9-71dec-uspenski_cathedral_interior.jpgInside Uspenski Cathedral. There's a huge gold altar piece filled with icons and the walls, ceilings and arches are a brownish-grey colour but filled in with intricate patterns, gold and more icons.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/166a4-6ef32-inside_church_in_the_rock.jpgInside the Church in the Rock, a circular space with rough raw rock walls reaching about one storey high. Above them is a flat copper dome supported by concrete pillars which let in outside light.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1ca0-51dd7-helsinki_view_from_skywheel.jpgA view over Helsinki's South Harbour, Allas Sea Pool and Helsinki Cathedral as seen from behind some very blue glass most of the way up the SkyWheel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0d4c-9bf84-helsinki_cathedral_interior.jpgInside Helsinki Cathedral. Most of it is a plain light blue-grey, with some white decoration around the inside of the arches. This particular picture shows the only decorative features - an organ with pink and gold highlights curved around the inside of a dome and an elaborate gold chandelier.2025-10-01T10:43:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/11/why-you-should-spend-an-evening-on-suomenlinna/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17453-b6803-an_evening_on_suomenlinna.jpgWhy you should spend an evening on Suomenlinna | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf5f3-a6c0f-evening_on_suomenlinna.jpgWhy you should spend an evening on Suomenlinna | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8317f-f4fb3-ferry_docked_on_suomenlinna.jpgThe ferry docked at Suomenlinna with a view across blue sea and islands.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91feb-8a555-green_ponds_and_bridges.jpgA small bridge over a pond that's apparently blending into the bright green grass around it and making an area of bog. Behind all the greenery is another of those heavy stone fortress walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/440e5-60065-path_between_walls.jpgThe path, now dust and gravel, running up between two sets of defensive walls. They're not very high but they're clearly very solid and they have small windows in them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9eef4-5c2eb-ferry_sailing_into_helsinki.jpgThe ferry well out of reach of Suomenlinna, making its way into the city. The sky is blue but there's something about the light that says evening is approaching.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24307-2f580-geese_by_the_pond.jpgA pair of black and white geese pecking around the sparse grass next to a pond, most likely a flooded ex-quarry.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa0d2-020ff-timer_selfie_with_cannon.jpgA timer selfie with my arms outspread in front of a rusted abandoned cannon set where it can shoot over the walls but not really been seen from below.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd302-c9fc5-baltic_ferry_approaching_suomenlinna.jpgA shiny white ferry with red accents approaching the island, towering over its stone walls and looking like it might be about to run aground at high speed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0988-f741d-military_buildings_with_turf_roofs.jpgA field of military buildings hidden under dome-shaped turf roofs. It looks like Hobbiton or the Teletubbies' home.2025-10-01T10:42:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/15/korkeasaari-the-zoo-on-an-island/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/604c6-ba982-korkeasaari_zoo_on_an_island.jpgKorkeasaari, the zoo on an island | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb5b9-ffa06-korkeasaari_temporary_bridge.jpgThe temporary chipboard cover over the bridge to Korkeasaari, with a green front pointing towards the zoo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f99c-447df-icebreaker_fleet_from_korkeasaari.jpgThe icebreaker fleet, moored off the back of central Helsinki, seen across the water from Korkeasaari.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fca26-d4fa0-tropical_house.jpgThe tropical house, a large greenhouse full of greenery, parrots and small monkeys.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da745-14d69-monkey_enclosure.jpgMonkey Castle, an outdoor area on a steep bit of hillside with a large house inside behind the hill and lots of branches and rocks to play on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79ad4-94822-takin_enclosure.jpgA takin, a Himalayn animal a bit like a yak or ox, in its rocky enclosure shaded by lots of trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc58a-b7560-kamel_enclosure.jpgThe camel enclosure, a fairly bare area with rocks and logs and a house at the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ad1e-daa4c-geese_and_goslings.jpgTwo geese and their fluffy little goslings wandering around the brick and concrete of the zoo's pathways.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bdd18-24180-korkeasaari_shore.jpgThe rocky shore of Korkeasaari, with tree-covered islands on the horizon and geese nesting on the rocks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a93c-1e554-new_bridge_project.jpgThe new bridge project as seen from the temporary bridge over to the zoo island. In the distance, you can just see the spire of Helsinki Cathedral.2025-10-01T10:42:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/18/helsinkis-skywheel-because-every-capital-needs-a-big-wheel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86fd7-77618-helsinkis_skywheel.jpgHelsinki's SkyWheel - because every capital needs a big wheel | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81fdc-8a106-looking_across_the_islands.jpgLooking out across the islands and the harbour from the SkyWheel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e5b0-6f8cb-here_we_go_again_selfie.jpgA selfie at the bottom of the wheel as it spins past the disembarkation platform without stopping.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/047a0-a26c4-top_of_the_wheel.jpgLooking through the structure of the wheel as we approach the very top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c3c1-b99ab-katajanokka_and_uspenski.jpgLooking across office-like buildings to Russian-style Uspenski Cathedral.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a723e-d15f1-market_square_and_cathedral.jpgMarket Square, Allas Sea Pool and Helsinki Cathedral seen from the heights of the wheel, through the blue-tinted windows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6391-4d14f-greenscreen_inside_skywheel.jpgAnother, similar, greenscreen photo except this time I'm inside one of the cabins with the doors open, apparently at the top of the wheel, with Uspenski Cathedral behind me and, if you look carefully to the right, the SkyWheel itself.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c26ca-525e7-greenscreen_outside_skywheel.jpgOne of my greenscreen photos showing me in a navy t-shirt and yellow shorts & hat, standing outside the SkyWheel. Judging by our relative sizes, I must be King Kong. At least this view of the wheel isn't dominated by cranes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c4c2-15310-hot_tub_from_above.jpgThe hot tub seen through the blue windows and through the metalwork of the wheel, from a good ten metres above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81a67-32216-skywheel_from_below.jpgA large ferris wheel with blue-windowed cabin seen from below. Behind it are cranes and in front is the corner of Allas Sea Pool's raised wooden gallery/bar.2025-10-01T10:42:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/22/three-churches-in-helsinki/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f82b6-d5ef8-three_churches_in_helsinki.jpgThree churches in Helsinki | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b54c0-5c3a4-helsinki_cathedral_on_film.jpgHelsinki Cathedral on ISO200 35mm film, just slightly backlit in the early evening.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ade34-76442-church_hill.jpgThe hill with a low rock wall on it. From this angle, you can't see the green dome but you can see the side of a concrete building just about built into the hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4429a-b2278-under_the_dome.jpgOn the floor of the church, looking up at the dome with the rock walls taking pride of place.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2222b-9382b-inside_church_in_the_rock.jpgInside the Church in the Rock. The copper dome is golden-brown inside, held up by concrete struts which let light in between. The walls below the concrete are rough rock and then the floor of the church itself looks like your average modern church.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/55f44-40044-church_in_the_rock_outside.jpgA green copper dome rising out of a low wall of stones. This wall is on top of a hill and surrounded by apartment buildings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d7e0-51cc5-uspenski_interior.jpguspenski_interiorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52104-263e6-uspenski_iconostasis.jpgInside Uspenski. The columns, arches and domes are decorated in a muted grey-brown with lots of gold and in the centre is a huge almost wall of gold and icons.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6304c-1decc-uspenski_cathedral.jpgUspenski Cathedral, red brick and green domes on the side of a shrubby hill, towering over the east side of the city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1bd50-e66f1-helsinki_cathedral_dome.jpgInside Helsinki Cathedral's dome - it's just plain grey-blue with plain grey-blue walls below. The only spot of colour is the smaller golden chandelier.2025-10-01T10:42:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/25/a-freezing-summers-boat-trip-around-helsinki/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4398b-631a2-boat_trip_around_helsinki.jpgA freezing summer's boat trip around Helsinki | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68e39-e6e80-artist_island.jpgAn island with lots of trees and topped by a large house. This is one of the islands used as an art retreat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcf76-60b4a-korkeasaari_from_the_water.jpgKorkeasaari, the zoo island, seen from the water. A lot of the island is covered in trees and you can see patches of bare rock and sides of enclosures.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88871-bc792-helsinki_from_the_water-1.jpgHelsinki from the water, the city visible in the distance across a lot of water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30602-37abf-finnish_icebreaker_fleet.jpgThe Finnish icebreaker fleet moored off Helsinki.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae9ba-4cdff-green_tree_covered_islands.jpgSailing past an island covered in trees and grass where every house has its own jetty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8168-0e0cc-on_top_of_the_boat.jpgThe upstairs of the boat, lots of seats in rows and a railing. In the background, there are rocky islands and a heavy cloud reflecting in the sea, making the water a dark grey-blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1797f-7fdb1-blanket_selfie_on_the_boat.jpgA selfie on a boat, wearing a yellow hat and wrapped in a light blue blanket. Behind me, you can see Helsinki and also a threatening cloud coming over.2025-10-01T10:42:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/19/what-happens-at-a-private-tbilisi-sulphur-bath/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60851-c24df-kisa_mitt.jpgA squared-off oval wide mitten, with yellow edging around a carpet offcut in black with coloured shapes, including something that looks a bit like a beige fish with red scales. It's hanging from a sucky hook attached to white bathroom tiles with a triple row of small dark blue tiles running across.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04d4f-a8fa4-what_happens_at_a_private_tbilisi_sulphur_bath.jpgwhat_happens_at_a_private_tbilisi_sulphur_bathhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efb50-a31b3-chreli_abano_room_and_massage_slab.jpgThe small room in Chreli Abano, seen from the corner of the bath. Next to the bath, camouflaged in the same dazzle tile pattern as the rest of the room is a bed-like slab where the kisa and massage happen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15448-790b1-abanotubania_from_the_mountainside.jpgThe Abanotubani bath district seen from the side of the mountain. You can see terracotta-coloured domed roofs sticking up between the buildings - the roofs of the sulphur baths underneath.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd169-df61c-changing_room_royal_bathhouse.jpgThe changing area of room 4 in the Royal Bathhouse. The walls are chunky brick, there are chunky wooden chairs and you can see the arched ceiling tiled irregularly in white, orange and green.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/432cf-c9aa3-no5_bathhouse_outside.jpgThe exterior of No 5 Bathhouse. It looks like a brick wall and there's an LED rope light around the arched front door, with its name in big illuminated letters over the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/afd3e-24eda-ceiling_tiles_no5_bathhouse.jpgThe curved ceiling of the room in No5 Bathhouse. There are neon yellow fish forming a border across the ceiling and the silhouette of an animal, maybe a deer, in the arched tiled wall panel below.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7069-d055a-room_4_no5_bathhouse.jpgRoom 4 in No5 Bathhouse. This bath is the only one not sunken. The room is tiled in plain white and lit in UV purple, which I didn't realise at the time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb8d4-1e675-room_4_royal_bathhouse.jpgRoom 4 in Royal Bathhouse. The lighting is better and the tiles are easier on the eye. The bath in the corner is much bigger and deeper than Chreli Abano's.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83fe1-8a262-selfie_in_room_6_chreli_abano.jpgA selfie in room 6 of Chreli Abano. The room is dimly lit and small with an arched ceiling. It's tiled floor to ceiling in a crazy pattern of beige and brown.2025-10-01T10:01:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/15/first-impressions-of-tbilisi/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6058b-825da-first_impressions_of_tbilisi.jpgFirst impressions of Tbilisi | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36e17-578f8-accidental_room_selfie.jpgA selfie accidenally taken in the room when I meant to do a video. You can see half my stuff abandoned on or next to the bed. My hair is tied back rather than in plaits for once and I'm wearing a red t-shirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86fb3-9372b-avlabari_metro_northbound.jpgThe northbound platform at Avlabari. It's pretty bare, with a beige marble wall opposite and adverts for a company called Alma. At the far end, there are green and red timers counting up from the last train and down to the next one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7426f-6eb2b-balcony_view_by_night.jpgThe view from my balcony by night, looking north. You can see the city lights on the side of the mountain and through a tree, you can just make out the purple-lit TV tower. Most prominent is the helium balloon rising into the sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a08f-cfaa4-avlabari_square.jpgAvlabari Square by night. Most of it is bus stop lanes but at the back is a long thin residential building and in the background is Tbilisi's Holy Trinity Cathedral, all illuminated in gold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f95ea-746f2-arriving_in_tbilisi_by_bus.jpgThrough a bus window, complete with reflections, you can see a nearby mountainside with a pink & blue sunset over it and a tall building with a mesh tower and a light on top. Behind it, you can make out the lights of Tbilisi snaking up the mountain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c349-f2ff1-tbilisi_street_dog.jpgA large grey-beige-white dog lying down on the street in Tbilisi. Its pointed ears stick out sideways, giving it a slightly deranged look.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c737-70775-tbilisi_airport_at_sunset.jpgThe view from a plane window, overlooking the wing of the plane, several more planes lined up against the terminal and the golden light of sunset glowing on the building.2025-10-01T10:01:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/26/the-weird-chronicle-of-georgia/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93443-7670e-weird_chronicle_of_georgia.jpgThe weird Chronicle of Georgia | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/988bc-6cd30-better_chronicle_selfie.jpgA better selfie at the Chronicle, this time with it visible behind me rather than towering over me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76f62-ce2d8-cat_living_in_a_pillar.jpgA calico cat crawling through the gap under a panel to get at a gap behind another panel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44f8b-74bfa-chronicle_and_church.jpgThe Chronicle of Georgia in the background with a Georgian-style church in the foreground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/492cb-5aae3-panel_close_up.jpgA close up of one of the panels, showing a man reaching up to unfurl a scroll.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d4c5-50415-pink_dome_on_a_pillar.jpgA pink plastic dome on top of one of the pillars, looking like a winter hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a331c-96e5b-tbilisi_sea.jpgThe Tbilisi Sea, a large lake stretching off to the horizon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92195-44be0-view_of_residential_tbilisi.jpgResidential blocks fading into the foothills of mountains which are lost in the mist.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcce4-53fd3-chronicle_pillar_with_blue_sky.jpgA couple of the pillars lit by the sun and with the blue sky not whited out by bad lighting!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc4b8-8f345-chronicle_from_the_front.jpgThe Chronicle of Georgia: a massive grid of massive black pillars, as seen from the front.2025-10-01T10:01:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/29/a-tour-of-old-town-tbilisi/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/273fd-fc7e2-tour_of_old_town_tbilisi.jpgA tour of Old Town Tbilisi | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a67d2-831e2-wine_bottle_tree.jpgA Christmas tree made out of wine bottles and LEDs, in an underground wine museum with brick walls and ceiling and a fake wooden floor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04191-6474c-glass_of_georgian_amber_wine.jpgA glass of amber white wine on a large wooden table. Along the sides of the table are lots of content creators.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3bd21-0e672-decorative_qvevri.jpgA decorative qvevri, a clay pot where wine is left to ferment underground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1538e-00476-inside_wine_museum.jpgInside the wine museum. The centrepiece is a hollowed-out tree which is where the grapes are pressed by hand (or probably foot).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eccae-a0fc2-inside_caravanserai.jpgInside the Caravanserai, a long oval building that used to be open in the roof, with balconies running around and open metal decorative stairs going up. These days there are decorative string lights hanging down from the ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f53d2-a424d-the_dog_that_joined_the_tour.jpgA yellowy-tan dog about the size of a German Shepherd with darker muzzle and ears and a yellow tag in one ear. He came to join the tour.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/771cf-3bf92-tbilisi_leaning_clock_tower.jpgA leaning clock tower that looks like it's been made out of a dozen different buildings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2bba3-e5fd8-6th_century_church.jpg6th_century_churchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd2ca-4910b-stalin_wedding_church.jpgThe church where Stalin got married, almost hidden behind a tree, with a brick and stone wall leading up to it visible in the foreground.2025-10-01T10:00:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/07/uplistsikhe-the-ancient-cave-town/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2784f-b9e98-uplistsikhe_ancient_cave_town.jpgUplistsikhe, the ancient cave town | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9531c-ea290-open_chambers.jpgOpen chambers with walls in between, doorways, arches - this looks like an ancient city with the roofs lifted off.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2236-828a6-fire_temple.jpgThe ancient basilica that started life as a fire temple. It's like a big front wall with a big arched door in front of a courtyard.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cbc4-436a8-view_from_top_of_uplistsikhe.jpgA view from right up the top of Uplistsikhe. Even the church is now below me. Beyond, the bright sunlight kind of whites out a view that could go on for miles.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06af0-87ac3-theatre_with_concrete_supports.jpgThe front of the semi-open-air theatre with concrete pillars holding up the ancient stone ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea7fa-2b9b6-uplistsikhe_secret_tunnel.jpgA stone tunnel, a few metres in diameter, which looks like it was carved by swirling water. There's now a staircase going down it and a bright light at the bottom where it opens up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c16a-5b3ce-view_from_uplistsikhe.jpgThe view from Uplistsikhe across a winding river and lots of low mountains stretching away.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f40b-da508-uplistsikhe_selfie.jpgA selfie with outstretched arm on top of Uplistsikhe. I'm wearing a dark red hoodie with lots of pockets and a very bright striped hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9a1b-c14d1-inside_the_church.jpgA crucifix in a thin chamber with an arched roof. I can't tell if the walls are dirty with age or if there are faded murals on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1996-cab78-9th_century_church.jpgA brick-built church perched on top of the cave city, looking very out of place above the open galleries and steep sides.2025-10-01T10:00:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/11/tbilisis-funicular-and-mtatsminda-park-at-sunset/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/faf3a-eda95-tbilisi_funicular_and_mtatsminda_sunset.jpgTbilisi's funicular and Mtatsminda Park at sunset | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5e733-9d830-shavi_lomi_back_door.jpgThe mural on the back door of Shavi Lomi, the restaurant for the evening's drinks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8aa71-6b2dd-looking_down_funicular_by_night.jpgLooking out of the front of the funicular, through the hole in the front of the top station and down at the tracks disappearing into the darkness below.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53f36-ce49a-tbilisi_by_night_from_funi.jpgTbilisi by night from the funi. The city lights go on forever but a very prominent one is a big golden church in the middle, the Holy Trinity Cathedral.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04107-9064d-giant_cake.jpgA giant flaky cake-thing with other plates and cutlery in the background for some size context.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a515c-99464-tv_tower_over_mtatsminda_entrance.jpgTbilisi's TV tower, lit up in purple but still light enough to see that it's red and white, looms over a kind of fake wooden tree structure. This is by the entrance to Mtatsminda Park and it's where I took the previous selfie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6af1a-65caa-mtatsminda_entrance_selfie.jpgA selfie in the tree structure at the entrance to Mtatsminda Park. I'm mostly in shadow but you can see my scarf is now pulled up over my mouth because it's cold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e27f1-0aa7f-mountain_view_from_mtatsminda_gate.jpgThe hazy view across from the entrance to the park towards a mountain covered in equal parts in snow and buildings with faint lights in the window. At this level of zoom, the sky is a peachy orange.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6376-30bd4-hammock_chair_selfie.jpgMe in a colourful hat and scarf grinning in a knotted rope hanging hammock-like chair. Behind me, you can see snow on the ground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad42b-1e702-sunset_through_the_wheel.jpgA hint of hazy pinkish grey sunset behind the bottom quarter of the big wheel, with Tbilisi just about visible below.2025-10-01T10:00:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/14/europe-square-narikala-cable-car/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/012c5-6da65-europe_square_narikala_cable_car.jpgEurope Square & Narikala cable car | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00907-c1055-europe_square_and_narikala_cable_car.jpgEurope Square & Narikala cable car | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0693-9feb7-abanotubani.jpgA narrow shallow gorge with a hot river down the middle. The sides are now brick and above and behind each brick wall is a sulphur bathhouse. You can see the blue-tiled frontage of Chreli Abano on the right and the brick front of King Erekles on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10248-f6645-abanotubania_from_above.jpgThe baths district of Tbilisi as seen from the side of the mountain on the way down. You can see the brick domes scattered throughout the area, as well as the ordinary houses and buildings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a88a5-5affd-mother_of_georgia_from_below.jpgThe Mother of Georgia statue from immediately below. It's nighttime so the sky is black but the 20m statue is lit up. From this angle you can see her skirt and her sword but the hand around the hilt looks like an overgrown honey swirler from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2ec2-b6b9d-behind_narikala.jpgThe other side of the mountain at Narikala - where it drops away in a sheer cliff, higher than the pine trees below.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb604-0f2c0-tbilisi_views_by_night.jpgThe view across Tbilisi at night, with all the landmarks lit up. You can very clearly see the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Peace Bridge, the balloon, the Presidential Palace and so on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14568-eef45-tbilisi_views.jpgThe view across Tbilisi to the mountain and TV tower on the other side of the Old Town.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dac25-779eb-narikala_cable_car_from_the_top.jpgThe cable car as seen from the mountain, the cables cutting diagonally across the picture with the city spreading out below. There's a cable car just about in the middle of the picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77e19-56be7-metekhui_church_on_the_cliff.jpgMetekhi Church, a very old stone church, seen from the other side of the river, perched on its cliff.2025-10-01T10:00:28+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/18/georgian-food-wine-is-amazing/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22e6c-d78ab-georgian_food_and_wine_is_amazing.jpgGeorgian food & wine is amazing | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00c41-4bb17-types_of_khachapuri.jpgVarious types of khachapuri advertised on a board outside a cafe in Tbilisi.It was really helpful to walk past this cafe one evening and notice this explanation of what I'd eatenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d01a-fdb3a-juice_and_pkhali.jpgA jug of orange citrus juice, with a dish of cucumber and tomato underneath and one of colourful pkhali balls next to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a24ac-45fe8-georgian_amber_wine.jpgA glass of golden-amber wine. Next to it is the bottle, showing it to be a qvevri wine called Kisi from the Nekresi Estate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1afaf-3f8fe-kera_supra_second_course.jpgMore food - you can see fish cooked in brown paper parcels, sliced pork, small whole-fried fish, another dish of tomato & cucumber and a hint of a rice dish just disappearing off the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d315-e2b94-creators_photographing_food.jpgTravel creators gathered around the table, taking photos of the food.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03b01-1374e-slice_of_imeritian_khachapuri.jpgA slice of Imeretian khachapuri, a kind of Georgian cheese pizza scattered with herbs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b09a-a47ee-kera_supra_first_course.jpgAn oval table laid out with dishes of colourful food and jugs of fruit juice.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a155-01b47-lunch_at_ikorta.jpgLunch at Ikorta - a basket of khachapuri, a place of pkhali and dishes of tomato and cucumber.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/200f0-0993e-mtksheta_selfie.jpgA selfie by the river at Mtskheta, on the terrace outside the Kera restaurant.2025-10-01T10:00:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/21/traverse-24-at-the-conference/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24331-2bfa2-traverse24_at_the_conference.jpgTraverse 24: at the conference | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d5b1-1ed78-my_notion_session_notes.jpgMy Notion page with the notes from each session - you can see the links to each page but not the notes themselves, which are far too extensive for one screenshot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ba0a-aa737-tbilisi_metro.jpgOn the platform at probably Avlabari in the Tbilisi metro. It's a bit bare but the wall opposite is kind of marble-esque under the adverts.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85437-094ad-tbilisi_view.jpgViews across Tbilisi from the Narikala cable car, over the rooftops to Mount Mtatsminda and the TV tower.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f34bd-f4a1c-rustaveli_metro_from_rose_revolution_square.jpgLooking across Rose Revolution Square to Rustaveli metro station barely visible on the other side of the road on the other side of the square.2025-10-01T09:59:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/25/what-i-wore-in-georgia-in-february/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/079cd-64f0e-what_i_wore_in_georgia.jpgWhat I wore in Georgia | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d027-dd3f4-heated_coat.jpgMe at the Chronicle of Georgia wearing my hat, my maroon hoodie and my heated electric coat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efd4c-a60ea-down_jacket.jpgMe at the Mother of Georgia taking a night selfie with Tbilisi, wearing the stripy hat and my black down jacket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b936-a416b-hat_and_scarf.jpgMe at Mtatsminda in a neon striped Musselburgh hat and an infinity scarf with four sections in different season colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9143c-5d55e-navy_swimsuit.jpgMe in an underlit sulphur bath wearing a navy blue one piece swimsuit with tiny inbuilt short legs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04c47-b6034-thin_black_hoodie.jpgMe in my office wearing a thin lightweight black hoodie over my yellow top. I'm holding the hood up behind my head.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77931-d51c0-long_sleeved_yellow_top.jpgMe in my office in a very floaty semi-see-through yellow long-sleeved top although I've rolled the sleeves up to above my elbows because they're longer than my arms.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0dc1-c7292-long_sleeved_red_top.jpgMe in my office wearing a long-sleeved bright red t-shirt top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58e43-129d4-red_skaftafell_t-shirt_and_thermal.jpgMe in my office wearing my red Skaftafell t-shirt with a long-sleeved black thermal top underneath.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48e8a-a7955-black_pocket_t-shirt.jpgMe in my office wearing the black v-neck t-shirt with the hidden pockets that I often wear to travel in.2025-10-01T09:59:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/01/how-much-did-my-week-in-tbilisi-cost/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc405-06688-how_much_did_my_week_in_tbilisi_cost.jpgHow much did my week in Tbilisi cost? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2623d-9f08b-timer_selfie_in_larnaca_castle.jpgA timer selfie in the courtyard of Larnaca's medieval castle. I'm standing a bit of a distance away with the sun nearly touching me, in a black t-shirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c073d-1d06b-enamel_jewellery.jpgA round colourful enamel pendant and an enamel ring with pomegranates on it, lying on a soft cloth bag that the pieces came in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9ec0-8ecd8-royal_bathhouse_room_4.jpgRoom 4 at the Royal Baths sulphur bathhouse, a room with greyish tiles and a sunken hot bath in the corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49d43-ddd62-wednesday_supra_lunch.jpgA Georgia supra feast for lunch on Wednesday - many dishes of all kinds and colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a53e6-93257-tbilisi_metro.jpgOn the platform of the Tbilisi metro, waiting for a train to arrive.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/483c6-3519e-view_from_the_top_of_uplistsikhe.jpgThe view across the mountains and valley from the top of Uplistsikhe, the cave city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/515f4-5942a-tbilisi_view_from_the_hotel.jpgThe view over old Tbilisi towards the highway as seen from the Penthouse Hotel early one morning.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea210-1a012-flying_over_turkey.jpgA view over snow-covered mountains from the flight between Cyprus and Georgia. This is probably northern Turkey.2025-10-01T09:59:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/04/how-i-got-to-tbilisi/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dec44-07e01-how_i_got_to_tbilisi.jpgHow I got to Tbilisi | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f336a-0b595-airport_bus_destination_board.jpgA photo of the LCD display board at the bus stop where I took the bus to Tbilisi Airport.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/edfec-376ac-amsterdam_london_plane_selfie.jpgA selfie sitting on the plane on my way from Amsterdam to London. Despite having done my hair, that was now some twelve hours ago and I look dishevelled again.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9777e-ffd3b-monday_morning_in_larnaca.jpgMonday morning on the seafront in Larnaca. I haven't replaited my hair from the night before so it's all a bit wild & woolly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8fc2-b2008-flying_out_of_cyprus.jpgA red wingtip over Cyprus. The Med is a spectacular colour and the island stretches away beyond. It's all very beautiful.2025-10-01T09:59:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/08/georgia-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a539-1c10e-georgia_on_film.jpgGeorgia on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a4b3-8dcd1-in_uplistsikhe.jpgIn the midst of the caves in Uplistsikhe. The one in front of me has probably lost its roof over the centuries.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/260d7-f57a7-view_west_from_uplistsikhe.jpgThe view west from Uplistsikhe, with plains and mountains dim and hazy in the distance and visibly carved structures in Uplistsikhe in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb300-a30ce-uplistsikhe_caves.jpgLooking up and across Uplistsikhe, a gently rounded mountainside with holes in it, caves carved out up to 5000 years ago.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8db7-0405a-view_east_from_uplistsikhe.jpgThe view east from Uplistsikhe, with mountains stretching away and a river snaking along the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c26ef-5dc2d-mtskheta_centre.jpgThe centre of Mtskheta, with wooden-fronted buildings along the side of a brick square.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6895-37d58-jvari_monastery.jpgThe side of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral with Jvari Monastery on the mountain behind peeking out in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aae57-701a4-svetitskhoveli_cathedral.jpgSvetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta peeking over its walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4fbe-904b9-mtskheta_river_view.jpgThe view down by the river at Mtskheta, with mountains down the right hand side, fading from navy blue to powder blue as they go along.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc920-6250b-mtatsminda_benches.jpgThree oversized colourful benches or wooden "beds" at the edge of Mtatsminda, looking outt at Tbilisi. Again, it's too dark for the film so it's grey, dark and grainy.2025-10-01T09:58:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/11/a-layover-in-cyprus-in-january/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd87c-a3cd4-a_layover_in_cyprus_in_january.jpgA layover in Cyprus in January | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8585-d6d9a-larnaca_from_the_plane.jpgA view from the plane over Larnaca, where the sea is spectacularly blue and the salt lake is kind of silvery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce734-a2dfc-my_police_passport_scan.jpgMy Cyprus Police passport scan, with certain details blurred out. It's a slip of flimsy paper about the size of a boarding pass with my details heat-printed on it and a terrible photo of me, looking very hot and very old.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/807a7-34634-white_seafront_houses.jpgA line of single-storey white houses on the opposite side of the road by the sea, with different coloured doors and windows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5234b-5e825-making_friends_with_a_cat.jpgScratching the ears of a black and white cat which has been rubbing on my ankles and shouting at me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3be1-e2328-hotel_view.jpgThe view from my hotel balcony of pastel-coloured six-storey tower blocks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad9ef-a2c65-seafront_selfie.jpgA selfie on the seafront on Monday morning. The sea is still beautifully clear but much rougher today, matching my hair which I haven't replaited yet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ebf8-013a9-larnaca_resort_seafront.jpgThe seafront at Larnaca, with tall palm trees, tower blocks, kiosks on the beach and big threatening clouds coming in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18ac8-b3aa1-larnaca_hotel_room.jpgMy hotel room in Larnaca, with orange & turquoise pillows on the bed and a mini fridge in the shelving unit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9563-c6263-larnaca_castle.jpgLarnaca Castle, a medieval castle with two-storey walls right on the edge of the beach.2025-10-01T09:58:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/11/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-budapest-thermal-baths/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/134c4-1eedb-8_things_to_know_about_thermal_baths.jpg8 things you need to know about Budapest thermal baths | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7e87-767e8-selfie_in_lukacs_baths.jpgA selfie in the outdoor pool at Lukacs Bath, where blue water meets the bright yellow walls of a narrow courtyard.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a3dd-10d0c-pool_temperature.jpgA sign on the wall with information about the pool, including its depth, temperature and capacity.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62bd7-b4adc-szechenyi_outdoor_pool.jpgThe outdoor pool at Szechenyi, with a foot bath running the entire perimeter of the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68869-bafe6-shoes_by_pool.jpgLots of pairs of flipflops by the edge of an outdoor thermal pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/352f8-e6abe-swimming_hat.jpgMe swimming in a beautiful pool surrounded by yellow stone columns and a glass roof while wearing a bright pink swimming cap.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d3ca-567b8-changing_cabin.jpgA dark wooden changing cabin, a small changing cubicle with a lock on it and a mesh window to give some light without being able to see in.2025-10-01T09:49:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/14/the-house-of-terror-budapest/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96091-e607a-the_house_of_terror_budapest.jpgThe House of Terror, Budapest | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/472eb-99866-basement_cell.jpgA basement cell. It's whitewashed but patchily, there's a rickety mouldy-looking wooden bed on one side and on the walls are pictures of people who would have been held in these cells.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8585-1f86a-dual_occupation.jpgDual occupation: the first room with a red monolith giving an overview of the Nazi occupation on my one side and the Soviet occupation on the other. Each side has TV screens in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cc04-64ec0-house_of_terror_museum.jpgA grey-white ornate Baroque four-storey house on the corner of a street. It has a big black "sunshade" sticking out from the roof with cut-outs saying TERROR on each side, an arrow cross and a star for the two occupying forces cut into it. When the sun shines through, it projects the words and symbols onto the side of the building.2025-10-01T09:48:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/18/how-to-spend-a-day-in-varosliget-budapests-city-park/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee4b0-c0e1a-1000022161.jpg1000022161https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77db8-c87af-image_editor_output_image563602835-17319443593002248813637917102032.jpegimage_editor_output_image563602835-17319443593002248813637917102032https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93e79-3c710-image_editor_output_image280821076-17319443516345565360418191374684.jpegimage_editor_output_image280821076-17319443516345565360418191374684https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2bdf-e8a9e-image_editor_output_image270949401-17319443464806950396329124883087.jpegimage_editor_output_image270949401-17319443464806950396329124883087https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c74d5-098b6-image_editor_output_image1910167638-1731944339437121173662733790328.jpegimage_editor_output_image1910167638-1731944339437121173662733790328https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c392e-bb3a8-image_editor_output_image-1508099983-17319443327117069146589775066981.jpegimage_editor_output_image-1508099983-17319443327117069146589775066981https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/048bc-db0f6-image_editor_output_image996674371-17319443262692328510354052221344.jpegimage_editor_output_image996674371-17319443262692328510354052221344https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c73f8-fa627-image_editor_output_image569534055-17319443190892147183113143887141.jpegimage_editor_output_image569534055-17319443190892147183113143887141https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35121-393e3-image_editor_output_image-1332856341-17319443098604926097762892591404.jpegimage_editor_output_image-1332856341-17319443098604926097762892591404https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10b87-d2aa5-image_editor_output_image-650423951-1731944290405787805472526281336.jpegimage_editor_output_image-650423951-17319442904057878054725262813362025-10-01T09:48:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/07/the-best-things-to-do-in-budapest-by-a-local/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1001-36703-best_things_to_do_in_budapest.jpgThe best things to do in Budapest - by a local | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88d01-9345f-opera_house.jpgThe State Opera House, an ornate white stone building with decorations everywhere a decoration can be put.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8603d-8a4e4-house_of_music.jpgThe House of Music, a three-storey round glass building that blends in surprisingly well with the trees around it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e08f9-38475-heroes_square.jpgA curved stone monument of many columns. Between the columns are blue-green statues of kings and chieftains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0596a-a8396-house_of_terror.jpgThe House of Terror, a neo-Renaissance building with a black shade along the top, the word TERROR cut out so it it forms shadows on the top of the building during the afternoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9bfd-bc426-margrit-sziget.jpgMargaret Island, the Japanese garden with a pond reflecting the blue sky and surrounded by trees of various colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4f54-ec0c7-buda_castle.jpgBuda Castle, on the other side of the river, lit up as the sun begins to go down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1c50-3db8b-parliament_selfie.jpgA selfie in a yellow jumper with the Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cef81-cb0e2-central_market_hall.jpgThe view from the balcony of a wrought-iron hall filled with a labyrinth of small shops and kiosks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88ff7-7cb2f-gellert_swimming_pool.jpgThe pool at Gellert, a beautiful blue pool surrounded by yellow stone columns leading up a balcony around the pool and white iron balconettes for overlooking the pool.2025-10-01T09:48:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/02/how-to-spend-a-day-on-margaret-island-budapest/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/margaret_island_trees.jpgYellow and green trees under a bright blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/palatinus_outside_selfie.jpgA selfie in the outdoor thermal pool. The sun is shining, the water is blue and it's November 1st.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hot_plunge_pool.jpgA selfie in the hot plunge pool. The wall next to me is tiled in bright red and my face matches it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/palatinus_baths.jpgThe indoor thermal pool at Palatinus Baths seen from the balcony above. The pool is a large rectangle with pillars coming out of it and a large area with steps coming down from both sides.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_under_the_trees.jpgA selfie under the trees taken with the camera in the branches of a tree as a tripod. I'm looking up and away from the camera, surrounded by trees and lit by a faintly golden light.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/japanese_garden.jpgA pond in the middle of the Japanese garden at the north end of Margaret Island, surrounded by trees in various shades of green and red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/abbey_ruins.jpgThe ruins of an abbey, a labyrinth of low stone walls among the yellow trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hungarian_lemonade.jpgA selfie at a pop-up cafe made mostly out of shipping containers and pallets. I'm holding up a glass of pink melon lemonade with slices of orange in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_with_budapest_sign.jpgA selfie with a big BUDAPEST sign. I'm wearing a black t-shirt and sunglasses despite it being early November.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/margaret_island_from_bridge.jpgA view of Margaret Island from the bridge, a tree-covered island with concrete sides, connected to the bridge across the Danube by another bridge.2025-10-01T09:47:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/05/a-night-bath-at-rudas/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hot_tub_views_north.jpgA view north from the hot tub, with the road below quite prominent, the river behind it, a bridge lit up in white across and a church just about visible on the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rooftop_pool_selfie.jpgA selfie in the hot tub on the roof of Rudas baths. Behind me, there's an illuminated bridge and the lights from the street and behind me are concrete struts forming a kind of crown over the hot tub.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/private_changin_cabin.jpgA private changing cubicle with wooden panelling, a mesh panel in the door (it's covered on the inside so you can't see in) and a lock on the door.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/budapest_by_night.jpgA view across the river as I walked back, city lights reflecting as perfect vertical lines in the Danube in the dark.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a_night_bath_at_rudas.jpgA night bath at Rudas | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:47:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/16/how-to-spend-a-day-in-buda/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/how_to_spend_a_day_in_budapests_castle_hill_district.jpgHow to spend a day in Budapest's Castle Hill district | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fishermans_bastion_views_by_night.jpgThe view down from the Fishermans Bastion by night. St Stephen's Basilica is visible just off to the right of the photos and Parliament is glowing away on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/batthyany_market_hall.jpgThe wrong market hall, a stone building with a wooden roof held up by a complex wrought iron structure. The upstairs floor is all small, boring shops. This is not the Central Market Hall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/foundry_courtyard.jpgLooking up from the Foundry Courtyard, a fairly plain concrete-tiled courtyard with a closed bar in it up to Buda Castle almost directly above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/view_north_from_buda_castle.jpgThe view north from Buda Castle, looking over the Danube and Buda Hills and lots of trees immediately below the castle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/castle_district_building.jpgA building in the castle district, painted in a red and sandstone trompe-l'œil pattern meant to look like 3D boxes all along the frontage.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/buda_castle_by_night.jpgThe back of Buda Castle by night, all lit up in white and yellow, the big dome in the middle glowing away above it all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/me_in_matthias_church.jpgA photo taken by a passing stranger of me on the balcony over the east end of Matthias Church, with all its pillars and ceilings behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/matthias_church_nave.jpgThe nave of Matthias Church with people standing around in it. Again, the pillars and ceiling are painted and despite the large window at the east end, the light is low to really make everything look deep golden in real life.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/matthias_church_pillars.jpgElaborately painted Gothic pillars rise up to hold up an equally elaborate vaulted ceiling. It's all in shades of beige and red and gold, with light blue on the ceiling. The effect is 1000 times more incredible in person than in photos.2025-10-01T09:47:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/19/an-evening-danube-cruise-in-budapest/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/an_evening_danube_cruise_in_budapest.jpgAn evening Danube cruise in Budapest | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chain_bridge.jpgSailing down the river with the famous Chain Bridge illuminated in white coming up ahead.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/castle_hill.jpgThe Castle Hill district just a little ahead of us, the castle lit up like a big golden ornament and the whiter lights of the Fishermans Bastion just about visible further on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/parliament_by_night-1.jpgThe Hungarian Parliament Building, illuminated in all its detail in golden-yellow lights, right on the river bank, as another boat sails past it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/parliament_by_night.jpgparliament_by_nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/boat_selfie.jpgA selfie in the dark on the boat with a bridge behind me. I'm wearing a yellow jumper and for once, my hair is down rather than in plaits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/south_river.jpgA view of illuminated buildings and a lesser-known bridge south of the city centre, with the railing of the front of the boat across it all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/queue_selfie.jpgMe sitting on the roadside while a massive queue forms behind me, in front of me and generally around me.2025-10-01T09:47:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/02/which-is-the-best-bath-in-budapest/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/which_is_the_best_bath_in_budapest.jpgwhich_is_the_best_bath_in_budapesthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/palatinus_thermal_pool.jpgpalatinus_thermal_poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/palatinus_outside_pool.jpgpalatinus_outside_poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lukacs_outsidel.jpglukacs_outsidelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lukacs_courtyard_pool.jpglukacs_courtyard_poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pesterzsebet_outside.jpgpesterzsébet_outsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gellert_thermal_pool.jpggellert_thermal_poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gellert_swimming_pool.jpggellert_swimming_poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/rudas_roof_pool.jpgrudas_roof_poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/szechenyi_outside.jpgszechenyi_outside2025-10-01T09:47:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/10/dubrovnik-old-town/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6915-b221a-dubrovnik_old_town.jpgDubrovnik Old Town | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac0c7-b0df9-dubrovnik_stradun.jpgStradun, the main street traversing the Old Town, packed with tourists and parasols outside cafes. The sky is burning blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82558-62cb6-pink_hat_selfie.jpgA selfie in the streets of Old Town Dubrovnik. I'm wearing a flowery mini dress and a huge pink floppy straw hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8fa6b-cf4a2-washing_hung_in_alleys.jpgA narrow street between stone buildings, with washing hung between them. You can see that the alley is steep steps and in the distance, you can see the orange roofs of buildings on the other side of the Old Town. Up here is mostly in shadow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1df4-ccf04-crown_glass_windows.jpgWindows upstairs in the Rector's Palace, made up of rows of perfect circles in shades of colourless, yellow and grey.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd89d-c675b-rectors_palace_selfie.jpgA selfie (wearing a white t-shirt) in front of the rounded arches of the Rector's Palace. The stone is either golden-white or stained yellowish with age.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b539-21997-southern_old_town_swimming_area.jpgUnspoiled blue-turquoise sea right on the edge of the Old Town; you can see part of the fortifications on the rocks on the right edge of the photo. There's also a big rock sticking out of the water. You can just make out the rope marking the swimming area beyond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e38b-32b16-st_blaises_church.jpgSt Blaise's Church, a white stone church with pillars along its imposing front and a lot of decorative stuff along the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0e3d-81691-onofrios_large_fountain.jpgOnofrio's Large Fountain, a circular fountain with high straight sides and topped with a brick dome. Behind it is a monastary and there's a bell tower sticking out somewhere in the back. It's surrounded by people who've either just arrived or are waiting for their guide to take them back out to their bus.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5960-490e6-dubrovnik_city_walls.jpgThe very high, very solid grey stone walls of Dubrovnik seen from the airport bus driving past the outside.2025-10-01T09:46:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/13/a-night-cruise-on-a-tall-ship-in-dubrovnik/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03410-20688-night_cruise_on_a_tall_ship_in_dubrovnik.jpgA night cruise on a tall ship in Dubrovnik | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3044-5dcbc-up_the_steps.jpgLooking up steep stone steps in the dark, between the port at sea level and the apartment halfway up the town.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7504c-9626e-karaka_moored.jpgKaraka moored alongside the port, looking down at the road from the heights of the poop deck.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76399-f3fbc-gruz_party_boats.jpgThree massive party boats moored alongside each other to make one giant floating party club.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbdb4-cd729-gruz_mountainside.jpgThe lights of Gruz, going straight up the side of the mountain and stopping abruptly, while pleasure boats reflect in the water of the port.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b42b-9d34b-bridge_and_cruise_ship.jpgThe tower and road illuminated of the bridge and a glowing cruise ship reflecting in the water of the port, all in almost complete blackness by now.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9d32-dc306-sunset_ahead.jpgFading red sunset ahead, with the lumps of the Elafiti Islands rising out of the water. In the foreground is the bow of the Karaka.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42e66-74d68-town_lights.jpgThe lights of town reflecting on the water west of the Old Town.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d082-342a7-dubrovnik_city_walls-1.jpgThe imposing stone walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town, seen from a little way offshore at about the height of the walls. It's a bit dark so the walls are fairly well shadowed but you can make out details of bricks and windows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f5ee-4f146-karaka_from_the_poop_deck.jpgKaraka as seen from the poop deck- its main and forecastle decks visible and gently illuminated by the floodlights above.2025-10-01T09:46:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/17/swimming-at-copacabana-beach/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13eaf-b3282-swimming_at_copacabana_beach.jpgSwimming at Copacabana Beach | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23797-c599c-gruz_port_from_the_end.jpgGruz port as seen from the southern end, where I got off the bus. The bridge is on the right, in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88334-bf19b-another_swimming_selfie.jpgYet another picture of me in the sea. It's still a beautiful colour, I'm still wearing my hat and colourful swimsuit but the drybag is out of sight.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/005c0-a077b-swimming_off_the_beach.jpgSwimming with the beach in the background, now deep enough that you can't really see anything apart from my head and arm. The drybag is floating behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05982-a72f6-beach_club_side.jpgThe beach club side of the beach, with umbrellas and sun loungers on a stone seafront overlooking the bay.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8cade-20720-across_the_harbour.jpgLooking across the port, with crystal-clear greenish-blue water, to the Dubrovnik bridge and the mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e0f8-67ab6-swimming_in_the_adriatic.jpgMe swimming in the sea. You can just make out the reflection of the drybag behind me but this time you can see my orange, red and blue swimsuit under the water. I'm still wearing my yellow hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40a1f-80df8-leaning_on_my_float.jpgA two-handed selfie in the water, literally leaning across a green drybag floating on the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00d41-7e012-copacabana_beach_dubrovnik.jpgCopacabana Beach, a rounded bay of bright blue water, stone slabs along the edge and sand on the peninsula opposite. On the other side of the bay is the entrance to Dubrovnik's port and the steep mountains of the coastline.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1bcaa-a2b5d-valamar_collection_park.jpgThe park, with patches of shade and bright sun under trees, with paths criss-crossing it.2025-10-01T09:46:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/20/an-authentic-croatian-sunday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfbef-428c7-an_authentic_croatian_sunday.jpgAn authentic Croatian Sunday | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/911c3-bbbcd-cruise_ship_departing_gruz.jpgLate evening as seen from my terrace. The sky is still mid-blue but it's cloudy and it's pretty dark. You can see the white lights of a cruise ship departing and a blue illuminated triangle which is the tower of Dubrovnik bridge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/544b0-b890f-apartment_living_room.jpgMy apartment's living room. It has a red sofa and long red curtains with net curtains over the big patio door. Despite the light being on and the kitchen door being open and letting in natural light, it's pretty dark in the room.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/469f1-efac7-posing_on_the_terrace.jpgPosing on my terrace, deliberately not looking at the camera, wearing a plain blue t-shirt and navy linen trousers and bare feet because this is the cleanest terrace that ever existed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79853-adb75-selfie_on_the_bed.jpgA selfie from an angle that's both upside down and sideways, of me lying on the bed which has bright yellow pillows and sheets (in real life, they're more apricot) wearing a blue t-shirt and with my phone in my hand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81c51-6fb31-dubrovnik_from_the_sky.jpgThe lights of the Dubrovnik area seen from a plane, slightly out of focus through the window with the last hints of sunset on the horizon behind us.2025-10-01T09:45:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/21/what-i-packed-for-four-days-in-pula-croatia-in-april/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/what_i_packed_for_4_days_in_pula_in_april.jpgWhat I packed for four days in Pula, Croatia in April | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/navy_backpack.jpgMe wearing a small canvas navy backpack with a white wave embroidered on its lid. I'm also wearing my wide navy trousers and pink t-shirt and obviously am facing away from the camera, down at the harbour in Pula.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pula_jewellery.jpgMy jewellery - an assortment of gold and stainless steel laid out on a piece of red velvet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/yellow_tshirt_bucket_hat.jpgDoing the crossed feet tiptoes pose, wearing a light yellow t-shirt with my denim shorts and sandals and a denim bucket hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pink_tshirt_shorts.jpgNow I'm standing with one foot pointed. I'm wearing my blue sandals, a pair of lightly distressed denim shorts, a pale pink t-shirt and a pale yellow hoodie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/navy_print_dress.jpgMe holding out my arms as if to show off my knee-length long-sleeved navy dress covered in little birds. This dress has pockets! Oh, and I'm wearing a massive pink straw sunhat that I never actually put on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/white_tshirt_blue_shirt.jpgNow I'm posing slightly, wearing a white t-shirt with a navy checked shirt open over it, still with the navy trousers and my bright blue sandals.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/blue_tshirt_navy_trousers.jpgMe standing on the terrace outside my apartment in Pula. I'm wearing a light blue t-shirt, wide-legged navy trousers and bright yellow Vans plimsolls.2025-10-01T09:45:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/24/how-to-spend-24-hours-in-pula/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/how_to_spend_24_hours_in_pula_croatia.jpgHow to spend 24 hours in Pula, Croatia | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/boats_in_pula_harbour.jpgPula harbour, looking very still and very dark blue. There are tourist boats moored all along the right-hand side stretching right off into the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/amphorae.jpgA pile of clay amphorae, jugs with a pointed tip instead of a flat base that have to lie down. The amphorae are mostly a slightly dusty white but it's very clear tourists have been rubbing those tips and made some of them quite pink.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oil_exhibition.jpgA view across the oil exhibition in the tunnels under the arena floor. In the foreground is a big stone basin with a spout coming from a wood-sided tub where the olives are clearly crushed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arena_floor.jpgThe floor of the Arena, seen from the side with fewer seats but a slightly raised position so you can see the entire floor, the seats overlooking it and then the massive amphitheatre walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arena_selfie.jpgMe in a pink t-shirt standing outside the Arena, gesturing triumphantly towards it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cobbled_street.jpgA cobbled street sloping steeply downwards away from the steps leaving the fort. On one side is a high stone wall, on the other a low wall enclosing a garden and then some houses, one painted yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fort_courtyard.jpgLooking down into the fort's courtyard. The whole building looks like it's crouching down - it was built for strength, not height. There's a dumpy white tower on top to the left, a big tree in the middle of the courtyard and the walls on either side have arches in them, concealing museums, exhibits and whatever else goes on in a disused 17th century fort.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/looking_north_from_the_castel.jpgA view north from the fort, looking over the red roofs of Pula, the blue bay and the wooded land beyond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pula_castel.jpgOutside Pula's Castel, where a tall stone wall is defended by a long line of cannons. The cannons no doubt don't actually work but the wall is solid enough, if not particularly high.2025-10-01T09:45:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/04/28/how-to-visit-and-explore-brijuni-national-park-from-pula/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/how_to_visit_and_explore_brijuni-1.jpgHow to visit and explore Brijuni National Park from Pula | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fazana_square.jpgA square in Fažana, a perfect little Mediterranean town for wandering or sitting at cafes eating pasta or ice cream.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/other_brijuni_islands.jpgA view across turquoise seas from the safari park to other Brijuni islands on the horizon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/rimska_villa.jpgThe ruins of a Roman villa running gently downhill to the bright blue of Verige Bay, the opposite side to where I was paddling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/paddling_in_verige_bay.jpgA timer selfie of me with my trousers rolled up and standing ankle-deep in the clear blue water, which is much more of a pale turquoise from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/verige_bay.jpgA turquoise-blue bay, longer than it is wide, looking from the shingle shore towards the entrance to the open sea, with the mainland visible on the horizon beyond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/deer_and_roman_ruins.jpgA herd of deer, one of them staring right at me, in a meadow with a Roman bathhouse as backdrop.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/olive_tree_selfie.jpgA timer selfie in front of the ancient olive tree, which is a little wider than it is tall. I'm wearing wide-legged navy trousers, a pale yellow t-shirt, a navy checked shirt open over it and a denim bucket hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dinosaur_church.jpgInside the church, which looks like a primary school dinosaur themed display. The centrepiece is an enormous cardboard diplodocus in bright green where the altar would normally be.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/brijuni_boathouse.jpgInside the boathouse, in the ornate bays that open directly onto Brijuni's harbour. Inside the boathouse it's quite dark but the sea outside glows bright blue in the sunshine.2025-10-01T09:45:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/01/how-to-spend-3-days-in-pula-in-summer/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/how_to_spent_3_days_in_pula_in_summer.jpgHow to spend 3 days in Pula in summer | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brijuni_ferry.jpgThe Brijuni ferry coming across from the mainland. The sky has clouded over a bit so the sea is merely blue instead of turquoise.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/land_train_and_ruins.jpgA land train chugging down the road past some Roman ruins. Behind them both are trees and in front is a gravel path giving way to grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brijuni_views.jpgA view across to the mainland from Brijuni. The sea is a gorgeous turquoise.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dubrovnik_kayaking.jpgMe kayaking off the coast of Dubrovnik last year. I don't have pictures from kayaking Pula as I haven't done it, so this is to illustrate kayaking and the Croatian coast.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/temple_of_augustus.jpgThe Temple of Augustus, a tall thin Roman temple with four columns holding up the pediment. From this angle, close up in front, it looks even taller and thinner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pula_arena.jpgPula Arena looming over a road, being loomed over by some quite threateninly grey clouds. It's just so big and so old and it's just there as if it's normal to have a Roman amphitheatre down the road.2025-10-01T09:44:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/05/arena-blue-dream-pula-apartment-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/arena_blue_dream_pula_apartment_review.jpgArena Blue Dream - Pula apartment review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/living_room_and_kitchen.jpgThe grey-blue living room. Now you can see the sofa opposite the TV, as well as the blue-grey ceiling and wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bathroom.jpgThe rest of the bathroom - a big sink with three drawers underneath it (one cut out to fit around the pipes), a tall cabinet and a washing machine.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/shower.jpgThe shower. The control unit is set into a little thick shelf and consists of two buttons set right into the shelf and a temperature dial. The shower is mostly tiled in marble-effect white tiles but the shower is on a made to look like very narrow wooden slats.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/terrace.jpgA table with placemats and six chairs set out on a terrace. Above the table is a wooden structure covered with plastic and then hung on the inside with white cloth to keep off both sun and rain. At the far end of the terrace, it's open to the sky. There's vegetation growing on the back wall and also in the yard next to and below the terrace, reaching up to above the terrace's level.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/living_room.jpgThe living room - the wall on the right is lots of cabinets including a long low one holding the TV, with shelves above it. You can't see the sofa on the left hand wall but you can see back through to the bedroom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/kitchen.jpgThe kitchen, seen from the corner behind the breakfast bar. The cabinets are a shiny grey, concealing firdge, freezer and dishwasher. There's an oven and on the breakfast bar is a fruit bowl and a glass of peach juice.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bedroom_and_apartment.jpgIn the foreground is the bedroom, with a grey cover over the foot of the bed and frosted glass sliding doors showing a view through the apartment to the back door. Everything is very tasteful and neutral except that the ceiling is a mid-blue instead of the expected white.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/door_and_hall.jpgThe door - wood laminate, thicker than you expect, with five bolts going across when you lock it and another above it as a separate bolt. Behind it, you can just see the shoe cupboard in my hall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/arena_blue_dream_outside.jpgThe outside of my apartment building in Pula. It's one of a terrace of houses, most of them with plaster peeling off to reveal brick underneath. Mine is the one in the middle, yellowish at the bottom, between the one that's orange at the top and the one that's orange at the bottom.2025-10-01T09:44:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/08/pula-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pula_on_film.jpgPula on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brijuni_meadow.jpgA green meadow, taken from the shadows of a tree on its edge. Between the trees on the opposite side, you can see a hint of blue sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brijuni_olive_tree.jpgA 1,600 year old olive tree growing in a green meadow. It's surrounded by a low wooden fence to protect it and the meadow is surrounded by thicker, darker trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brijuni_land_train.jpgA shadowy tree-lined lane on Brijuni where an off-white land train is parked next to a tall stone building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pula_arena_outside_south.jpgA portrait photo of the Arena, from the opposite end to the very first picture of this post, showing the end that disappears into gardens rather than into a road and a street of houses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/inside_pula_arena_west.jpgThe opposite photo, inside Pula arena, taken from the seats on the east side towards the more open area on the west.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/inside_pula_arena_east.jpgInside Pula Arena, standing on a block on the west side, looking across to the surviving tiered seating on the west side of the ring.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pula_pretty_bay_view.jpgAnother view from the fort, this one north over the city and a bit of the bay that isn't obscured by heavy industry.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pula_bay_view.jpgA view across Pula bay from the fort, featuring the shipbuilding island in all its ugly industrial glory behind the red terracotta rooftops of the old city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/kastel_tower.jpgA view from the roof of the Kastel. From this angle, you can see that the fort is star-shaped, there's a cannon sticking into the right-hand side of the photo and a short squat three-storey white tower sticks out of the opposite point of the star.2025-10-01T09:44:28+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/03/dubrovnik-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubrovnik_on_film.jpgDubrovnik on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubrovnik_old_town_harbour.jpgThe harbour behind the Old Town, a very neat square place where all the buildings except the ancient walls look clean and sharply-angled.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubrovnik_south.jpgThe residential non-touristy part of Dubrovnik south of the Old Town, laid out on the hillside with the sea at its foot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubrovnik_film_selfie.jpgMe, wearing a flowery dress and an absurdly big pink straw hat, on the edge of the sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubrovnik_sea.jpgA view of the open sea from behind the walls on the seaward side of Dubrovnik's Old Town, with the coastline sloping steeply down into the water on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/apartment_view.jpgThe view from my apartment's terrace, over neighbouring roofs. In the distance, just before the mountains dive down to the sea, you can see Dubrovnik's pointy bridge. The storm cloud is still hovering overhead.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/down_the_stairs.jpgA long flight of stairs running from the upper level of the hills down to sea level. There are stone walls on each side and on the right, near the camera, is a mass of pink flowers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/port_in_sunlight.jpgThe port now from the side as I walk back. The storm cloud is mostly off camera and the bit of sky over the water is bright blue, turning the water bright blue. Opposite is a square stone house with a terracotta roof. It all looks very Mediterranean and very summery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubrovnik_port.jpgA big storm cloud blows up over the port of Dubrovnik, as seen from the city end. I'm staying in an apartment somewhere on the hill on the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/beach_club.jpgThe wide arc of the round bay, now from the other side with the shingle beach visible and the trees behind it.2025-10-01T09:43:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/02/i-visited-the-new-icelandic-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0310-a362a-ivisitedthenewicelandicvolcano.pngI visited the new Icelandic volcano! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4cf6b-77c66-52024879490_0720899c58_k.jpgMe attempting to swim in the Blue Lagoon while a wave splashes across my face. It's still very cloudy and even the edges of the lagoon are a bit fuzzy behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dea20-90312-52023291542_5e0a6bbb5c_k.jpgA selfie in the hat and waterproof down the western side of the lava flow. I'm not actually standing on it but it's so close and so high that it looks like I am.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e585-f439e-52023293092_9f2eed423b_k.jpgClose-up of the lava showing the wrinkles and lumps formed in the hot molten rock.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd036-daefa-52025017992_8a67e6f266_k.jpgMe, in my red stripy hat and blue waterproof, standing on the edge of the lava. The steam is all well behind me and the front is wrinkled and crumbly and got some visible patches of green rock.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95480-4571c-52024348436_61e65225c5_k.jpgThe lava up closer. Now you can really see how black it is and how much it steams.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0bd6-a65dd-52024870255_fca3038eb0_k.jpgMy first glimpse of the new lava! At the foot of the mountains, under the low cloud, is a sea of black lava. The surface is rippled with white and it's giving off columns of steam.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41171-86311-52023317622_689d46d62c_k.jpgThe group hiking up towards the volcano. There's a sign pointing out 2.8km to the lava field. The mountains are brown and the cloud is thick and low.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da014-f43d0-52024320636_6365e7aa75_k.jpgThe volcano car park, half hidden behind a wire fence and with the payment information on a post on the right. There are lots of cars parked along the left and a coach on the right and a big hill looming behind.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72c38-b1243-52025013767_99e3a3c63b_k.jpgMe, wearing a red and black striped hat with a long tail, grinning very happily at the camera with a black lava flow behind me. The lava is steaming and the cloud is low.2025-10-01T09:42:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/05/icelands-newest-spa-the-sky-lagoon-iceland-april-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82eb2-173a0-52026470065_448fdac565_k.jpgThe Sky Lagoon seascape, with a cliff to the right and a waterfall tumbling over it. To the right, the sun is low and glowing brightly, reflected in the lagoon's water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5725b-6c8de-skylagoon.pngIceland's newest spa: the Sky Lagoon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5734-9e250-52024922577_d04f76fe26_k.jpgA selfie under the waterfall. There's a drop of water on the lens. The water is falling over the edge of the cliff at the north end of the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29fa4-a8b5d-52026080368_c1bcc5f695_k.jpgSelfie outside the Sky Lagoon. The turf wall and the big SKY LAGOON sign are both visible behind me. I'm wearing a black jacket, sunglasses and a knitted had that manages to be pastel and neon at the same time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94dd7-a6d05-52025971696_fab2e73a33_k.jpgThe sky lagoon from the south end. Part of the sky is blue, part streaked with clouds. At the end and to the right are low basalt cliffs and to the right, a line of people leaning on the infinity edge although from this distance you can't see the fjord beyond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/262ff-8f09b-52023221017_a3d519c57c_k.jpgThe little hut where the Ritual takes place, a door into the cliffs. In the pavement in front is a round sunken cold pool that you can't really see from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bb9c-8e609-52024258101_dfdd8caed0_k.jpgMy leg and a little wooden bowl with the remains of a body scrub in it. I'm sitting in a darkened Ritual room and I'm using a log as a table for my bowl of scrub.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a193b-94283-52026046821_eecbfa1e48_k.jpgThe sauna's big window open onto a greyish-blue sea and a heavy grey sky. It must be spectacular on a nice day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ec79-24e9c-52025952111_962edfe6dd_k.jpgClouds covering the sun shortly before sunset as seen from the lagoon's infinity edge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ab8a-484e3-52025963151_53d0b44b3e_k.jpgThe swim-up bar, a proper bar with beer taps and a row of non-alcohol drinks along the back. It's low enough in the water that you can see over the edge just about while keeping your shoulders underwater although it's easier to order if you stand upright.2025-10-01T09:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/12/i-hiked-up-a-mountain-to-the-hot-river-valley-iceland-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c354-c7f5b-hotriver.pngI hiked up a mountain to the hot river valley | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c05af-d2b13-52024625824_804abb61bb_k.jpgA river runs through a valley. It's all spongey grass in shades of orange and brown, under a heavy mist. To the right, a gravel path goes through the valley and vanishes into the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7bf4-b8d11-52025023602_a2867234fe_k.jpgOn a table in the canteen lies a cup of hot chocolate and a postcard of what the hot river looks like in summer - surrounded by green grass, sun sparkling off it, steam rising and lots of women in swimsuits looking happy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37652-c82fa-52024888535_c5e413ca46_k.jpgTen minutes in, looking down the mountain to the village, which is lost in cloud. In the foreground is the white and blistered bit of earth where steam and sulphur rises, bubbles and steams. Everything else is kind of orange and wet and there's a raindrop on the lens that I haven't noticed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2196c-1cbc3-52024892840_30ff3c92e4_k.jpgSelfie at the hot river. It's so wet that I've had to take my glasses off. I'm wearing a hat in stripes that are both neon and pastel at the same time and a blue raincoat. Behind me is a brown river running across a brown grassy landscape. A mountain to my left is partly obscured by thick cloud.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d372d-a89bc-52024893225_21fedb513f_k.jpgMy guide, in a black raincoat with the hood up, walks ahead of me along a wet boardwalk. A brown, fast-flowing river runs beside the boardwalk and the landscape on each side is orange-green grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/660ba-d8523-52024408048_ba07d5b873_k.jpgMe, in my blue raincoat and rainbow-white hat, standing next to a small bubbling river. The path is just black mud, the mountain behind me is grey, orange and khaki streaked and fades into mist in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ca1f-16d96-52024412528_d825e61a9b_k.jpgA sign showing a map of the hike up the mountain with some photos and information underneath. The edges are all curvy because I took it on my GoPro.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34ec0-d6aa5-52024377211_e8df037588_k.jpgSelfie back at the car park. The mountains behind us are orange but very short because cloud cuts them off and the cafe is visible to our right. Everything and everyone looks wet but we both look very happy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5980-5a38c-52026307094_f28f6696b8_k.jpgA selfie in the Eldhestar canteen, trying to get as much of my new, dry oversized t-shirt in as possible. It's a khaki green and has a big orange horse's head on it, with the words Eld•Hestar / Volcano Horses underneath.2025-10-01T09:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/19/the-golden-circle-and-the-secret-lagoon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/787c6-a483e-goldencirclesecretlagoon.pngThe Golden Circle and the Secret Lagoon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b864-83364-p1210873.jpgA tiny piece of yellow paper, curled because it's spent its entire life as a tiny scroll. On it are printed the words "Ást er laun ástar", "Love is the reward of love".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6ae6-347cc-52024426468_34c1c7f420_k.jpgA piece of the red rock. It's more golden-brown, darker on top and it's bubbly, a bit like rough pumice. I'm holding it up against a blurred background of red gravel and although you can see bright blue glitter paint on my thumbnail, it's badly chipped.Excuse the state of my nails. If you've been following my adventures, I'm sure you understand how my nails have got in such a state and that I haven't had time to fix them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73e69-0ea3d-52024634269_f263e9346e_k.jpgMining equipment inside the crater - diggers and processors and things I can't identify. They're in the grey end of the crater although the floor is still bright red gravel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da1f7-f6e4d-52024637094_5e4bbbd355_k.jpgMe holding my arms out against a background of red crater. I'm wearing a bright blue raincoat, a red-and-black striped hat and an all-black outfit underneath, with purple sandals. Behind me, the crater is half red and half grey streaked with reds, purples and greens.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a59b8-88170-52024396901_ebd447853e_k.jpgInside a red scoria crater. The walls are red, streaked with grey and green and the floor is red gravel with tyre tracks. At the side of the crater is some kind of small industrial thing and behind that, streaks of lingering snow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acc78-61f42-52024956085_d66cd18b27_k.jpgThe edge of the Secret Lagoon, which is made of rough stone paving slabs. To the left is the brick hut, in front a bare tree and behind, various clouds of vapour rising from the hot springs around the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b7ab-177ce-52024439551_8abe7cbd32_k.jpgThe Secret Lagoon. Around the edges are the service building on one side and a brick outhouse on the other. At the back is a fenced off area that's steaming enthusiastically - it's one of the hot springs that provides the hot water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77f90-760f3-52026060366_1b1439842c_k.jpgMe, hanging onto a bright green pool noodle, floating in the Secret Lagoon, which is filled with dark but translucent water, with a low white building to the left and low thick white clouds above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5098a-25625-52024432743_fdbd356ebe_k.jpgThe entrance to the Secret Lagoon. A gravel yard with a greenhouse on the left, a white wooden building to the right and a low white building in front. This is the service building for the Secret Lagoon. There are trees on each side but as it's only mid-April, they're still bare. The sky is white but no longer heavy-looking.2025-10-01T09:41:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/23/how-it-felt-to-travel-abroad-post-pandemic-iceland-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02e6c-75773-postpandemictranvel.pngHow it felt to travel abroad post-pandemic | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8f43-9e596-52024955287_0e781c3cfe_k.jpgMe, back on the plane. I'm wearing my Elhestar t-shirt and another red FFP2 mask and I'm taking a selfie with my camera in the reflection of my black entertainment screen which isn't yet switched on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27c92-9df86-52024827270_929082c3ed_k.jpgA patch of desolate grey rock gives way to a grey sea, all overhung by heavy mist. The scene is wet and miserable. In the middle is the double red keyboard thing from the Eurovision Iceland movie that I haven't seen.This was wet and cold and miserable enough for me to wear the mask outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/347ac-14e4c-52026000411_7f146a7031_k.jpgMe, early on my last morning, leaning on a yellow railing overlooking Reykjavik bay. Everything is wet because it's only just stopped raining.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd371-da8b3-52026057229_bfc0e74683_k.jpgA tourist shop full of t-shirts and socks and books. It's empty - but then, it did close a good three hours earlier, which is why the colour is a bit off. It's quite late in the evening by now.Ok, to be fair this is a few hours after it closed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12eb7-daad1-52024256413_989f64c3dc_k.jpgMe on the public bus wearing a mask. I'm wearing a black jacket and blue raincoat. My mask is light blue with a world map, more or less pattern-matched and sprinkled delicately with a few animals.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a7d7-4df76-52026084633_73d02f9d2b_k.jpgMe on a plane, wearing a red medical mask and sunglasses. You can clearly see my left eye but between the shadows and reflections, my right eye looks a bit like I've been punched.2025-10-01T09:41:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/05/26/how-to-use-public-transport-in-reykjavik/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65d9e-75751-pubtransportreykjavik.pngHow to use public transport in Reykjavik | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa9a6-08ac9-52026306354_a1433bfb90_k.jpgAn LED sign hanging from the ceiling of the bus saying "next stop, Hamraborg".Ok, "next stop" is Icelandic but you can figure it out from context.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/623ed-be035-52025003797_ef5113d003_h.jpgA timetable from the Strætó app showing what time the bus goes from Hamraborg back to Hlemmur.Screenshothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd8b3-7b848-52025817306_4bb40db35e_k.jpgA colour-coded city bus map on the wall of a bus shelter. It's so sunny that you can see my reflection in it, taking the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5787-9a400-52026345055_cf207eb383_k.jpgA bus timetable for route 5 from Hlemmur, showing that it's continuing to a final stop called HR.This timetable for the 5 is directly beneath the big Hlemmur C sign above. It looks like it's going to HR, doesn't it?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01993-57d6b-52025865013_fb752952f1_k.jpgThe sign at Hlemmur stand C, showing the six bus routes that stop here and which direction they're going. The sun is directly behind the sign which is just a little silhouetted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12f2c-79be1-52023191537_c3bfea6d91_k.jpgHlemmur bus hub, a series of bus stops marked by a board of bus number boards, arranged around a single-storey building that's now a food hall.This is Hlemmur.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2ea6-01909-52084393043_47be228307_h.jpgA screenshot from the Klapp app, adding a single ticket.Screenshothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdb9b-75c71-52024480134_27c1c4095c_k.jpgA yellow single-decker bus marked "1 Hfj Vellir" waits at the bus hub on a cloudy day. Behind it is a five storey glass building which houses the Reykjavik police.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd51c-543c7-klappweb.jpgThe desktop Klapp My Pages showing the option to buy a single fare ticket with a green bar across it showing that I've just added one to my cart.2025-10-01T09:41:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/06/i-vlogged-my-trip-to-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4637-acb43-icelandvlog.pngI vlogged my trip to Iceland! | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:41:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/30/an-iceland-haul-the-country-not-the-supermarket/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78a64-5034b-p1230340.jpgMe, in the garden with my hair in plaits and arms outspread, wearing an oversized dark green t-shirt. It has an orange horse's head on it and underneath says Eld.Hestar, volcano.horse.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f609e-03328-p1230326.jpgThree small pieces of volcanic rock on an Iceland map with a volcano book as a backdrop. From left to right, a reddish-brown piece of light crumbly rock, a sharp-edged dark grey piece of lava from the recent eruption, flecked with gold and silver, and a small piece of yellowish-green rock of similar light crumbly composition to the red one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62b79-f64d2-icelandhaul.pngAn Iceland haul | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94b76-e7d7b-52026570985_f2c8bb2afe_k.jpgTwo packs of star-shaped crisps. The red packet contains cheese flavour and the green packet contains sour cream flavour. There's also a packet of hamburger rolls, plastic cheese, a carton of chocolate milk and a carton of strawberry juice. These ones are sitting on the windowsill of my apartment in Reykjavik.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bdbe3-259c8-p1230318.jpgTwo pieces of lava sitting in front of my volcano book. The one on the left is very spiky and very black and comes from the 2014 Holuhraun eruption. The one on the right is dark grey, a lot smoother and contains little flecks of silver and gold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56c00-3f976-p1230319.jpgA collection of postcards showing volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and Reykjavik. You can just make out the volcano book and the Iceland map forming the backdrop to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5c0f-ffc93-p1230323.jpgA small cow-patterned ceramic bowls with brown "ears" on each side. It contains a tiny wooden spoon (which I made!) and is filled with a very oily body scrub of sea salt & essential oils.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e025-1d0ac-p1230315.jpgA bar of Sirius milk chocolate in a red and white cardboard box, and a bar of Freyja in packaging with a volcano on the front, both leaning against the big volcano book.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/419da-8af93-p1230312.jpgTwo bundles of coarse dark red yarn standing up against the big volcano book.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ac4c-1a660-p1230310.jpgA pair of black socks with grey heels and toes. An image of a volcano erupting against a full moon is embroidered on them, along with the words "FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO ICELAND 2021"2025-10-01T09:40:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/25/i-hiked-to-the-new-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84172-3c13f-hiketovolcano.pngI hiked to the new volcano! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e0d7-f2770-52308162196_46b7d10106_k.jpgAnother selfie on the hillside in the rain overlooking the volcano. This time I'm looking at the volcano rather than the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33f68-a9a76-52310080244_761dd24994_k.jpgA very happy close-up selfie in raincoat, sunglasses and hat, lots of teeth visible. Over my shoulder you can see the volcano.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0fc08-fd745-52308721800_bcc711abe3_k.jpgSelfie in the car park before I set out. The ground is like hay, dried-out pale grass. Behind me are two rows of (visible) vehicles and behind that, you can see a row of extinct volcanoes. The whole photo is a little overexposed, leaving the sky a bright white.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53501-a40e6-52308331478_c045b37750_k.jpgA picture taken from a GoPro (so lots of curvy fisheye edges) of my feet and legs in a shallow blue-tiled pool. In my left hand is my phone in a waterproof case. In front of me is a large black spherical rock sculpture in the water. To the left is a wooden hut containing steam rooms directly over a natural vent, in front are a row of outdoor showers for after your steam room and in front you can just make out a trapezoid miniature swimming pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9bec-fba43-52308712890_ed71711f61_k.jpgA four-seater ATV of some kind, with hi-viz yellow and orange panels, a blue flashing light on the roof and a big orange crate on the back.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cbf7-57092-volcanohike.pngvolcanohikehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c80bd-f63c6-52307470987_6817642016_k.jpgThe pool at Hveragerði, a slice of vivid blue behind a smooth green lawn. To the left is a curved building housing the gym and changing rooms and behind it all are green mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6534e-0fc79-52308122261_331d1aff0a_k.jpgThe car park from up by the end of elevated part of the hike, hazy with distance. It's a lot of cars, with more cars parked down both sides of the steep access road. You can just make out the main road and therefore see how far it is to the back of the car park, where my car is waiting.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc621-9bc31-52308648705_ae824c2131_k.jpgA very steep gravelly section of mountain with six zigzags just visible as lots of people trek up it.2025-10-01T09:40:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/01/is-krauma-overpriced-and-overrated/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cedcc-1e59e-52325042804_4c6b0045ae_k.jpgA slightly yellowed newspaper clipping stuck into a scrapbook with a piece of stripy washi tape. The article is only about 50 words. It explains about Deildartunguhver and reports on what Krauma will be like.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c165-5dbf1-kraumaover.pngIs Krauma overpriced and overrated? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6a90-d318d-52307150422_e93c9b7137_k.jpgTaken from the back pool, looking towards the black wooden wall at the back of the complex, where a few robes and towels are hanging from hooks. The water in the hot tub is actually a surprisingly bright blue, although the black pool makes it a lot less obvious in every other photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9493b-3851a-29320074438_380d0a8f87_k.jpgA cowshed at Efstidalur II, where pretty cows are eating huge piles of hay, seen from above. If you look carefully, you can see that this is taken through a window and that there are reflections of people sitting at tables. This is the view from the restaurant, so you can see exactly where your burger came from.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1986-13a2a-52307148127_b37c713ae2_k.jpgKrauma from the front hotpot. You can see the raised hotter pots behind and the square main building behind that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27ca1-7cd1c-33420150555_e204be7fd2_k.jpgDeildartunguhver in 2014. A stream of boiling water sends up fountains and a ludicrous amount of steam. Tourists are kept out of the water by a wooden fence. By 2022, it's been replaced by a higher stainless steel fence but it was producing too much steam to get as good a photo as this last week.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81b98-fe421-52308399550_a2d0f11fac_k.jpgMe sitting in the deeper pool at the back, drinking from a pint/half litre glass of Pepsi. In the background, a woman in a hi-viz jacket is fetching cycle race winners from the hot tubs. Yep.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28ef3-ba739-52307876141_e0286c2980_k.jpgMe lying on my side in the shallow pool. The sky above is black and looks like it's about to pour with rain but there's a bright sunbeam on my face and on the dark concrete wall behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c356e-6a7c5-52308390904_cac552519b_k.jpgTaken from the edge of the shallower warm pot at the back: you can see the two raised hotter pots in front. Behind them are the lower pot that sticks out the front and the shallow one off to the left, which you can't really see because it's behind the relax room. You can see the glass windows and part of the square roof. Out the front, you can see the sun shining on the mountains beyond and I think you can see a hint of steam from the hot spring.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c87f-1c451-52307151482_b434b16020_k.jpgTaken from the shallow cooler pot at the front left - overlooking the deeper pot that looks out of the front. Behind that is a hotter raised pot and behind that, the square building housing the changing rooms and restaurant.2025-10-01T09:39:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/05/i-drove-a-backwards-car/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f41e4-61f7b-backwardscar.pngbackwardscarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8122-8d4b8-52309248498_4afebda65c_k.jpgThe white Hyundai i10 again, parked on another patch of gravel. This time the mountains behind it are craggy, stratified with compressed ash and covered quite thickly in green shrubbery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00dcc-f3eeb-52309306405_ed3e2d1775_k.jpgA white Hyundai i10 parked on a big patch of gravel. To the right is a craggy moss-streaked mountain and in the background are some slightly bigger mountains. The sky is more blue than cloud.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed326-fbd2b-37238410490_7c83377007_k.jpgA white panel van with curtains in the back window and extremely subtle orange campervan logos on back and front door. It's parked in a lay-by at the foot of some gentle green and orange streaked mountains. The road runs across the lower slopes of the mountains. There are hints of blue sky in the cloud above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf50e-40231-33293113071_50c562b9c4_k.jpgA black Hyundai i10 parked on a gravel road. Behind it is a lava field thickly covered in yellow-green moss and above that is a heavy sky that literally looks like grey cotton wool.2025-10-01T09:39:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/08/a-cultural-day-in-west-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f835-c64e9-westiceland.pngA cultural day in West Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1c59-f4e6c-52307860916_7c58e6dc5c_k.jpgA photo taken from a pile of rocks ringing a geothermal pool. I'm leaning right out to try to get the scenery rather than the pool. A patch of grass separates the pool area from the lake. A little distance away, surrounded by a chain fence, is a huge cloud of steam coming straight from the ground. This is one of the hot springs in the shores of Lake Laugarvatn.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0bc4-c13da-52310046713_23154f4362_k.jpgA bright yellow one-man tent set up near the camera. Behind is a field that's mostly empty but for a car parked next to a small building. This is the toilet/shower/cooking block. Low mountain ranges are visible behind and the sky is patchy with clouds, although there's a big sunbeam gleaming on the mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1be0d-12c0e-52025981331_445b5aa643_k.jpgIceland's Parliament Square in Reykjavik. To the left is a fairly small white church with a green roof - this is Reykjavik Cathedral. To the right is a two-storey building of dark stone with lots of arch-shaped windows. This is Parliament House. Behind the two is a very prominent crane that might be building the extension.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/932f3-a42b5-52309302925_a873a0606d_k.jpgÖxarárfoss. This is the same river as the previous waterfall but it's higher up - this is where it falls over the very top of those cliffs before it makes its way down to the lower falls. It's a nice little cataract landing in a river full of largeish black boulders.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2156-55f6c-52309303270_8f6d254a58_k.jpgThe original Parliament site again, but this time in an actual photo. It's the same scene as the model but seen in reverse, from the top of the little waterfall overlooking the place where that circle would have been.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5333a-140d6-52309321550_7d0944f4e5_k.jpgA model of Þingvellir. The sky is very dark blue but the Fields are well-lit. You can see those black cliffs. To the right, a waterfall cascades from near the foot of the cliffs into the fields below. As the river curves round to the left, there is a ring of tiny model people where Parliament would have been, as well as various other people standing on the Law Rock and scattered around the Fields.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22cb6-77c87-52309304150_6f13c2bd12_k.jpgThe Law Rock - a hump of hillock covered in short springy soft vegetation. From the Rock pokes a flagpole flying the Icelandic flag. Behind the hill is a line of low black cliffs - these are the edge of the North American tectonic plate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80172-9ebef-52308786606_93977bed5a_k.jpgA statue of Snorri, presumably in bronze. He is a bearded man with an unremarkable face. He wears a hat and a long loose coat, with a belt tied around it and a book under his arm. Above him, the sky is searingly blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/711c6-40066-52309251038_eb803b8c6c_k.jpgA round shallow pool in the sunlight, surrounded by uneven stone tiles. Behind it the grass rises up. On the left is a modern white building that looks like it's settling into the grass and the side of the hill. Immediately behind the pool is a little wooden shed-frontage which marks the entrance to a secret tunnel into the slope. The tunnel itself is only about ten feet long.2025-10-01T09:39:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/27/what-i-packed-for-iceland-in-august/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2bd6d-e8ae2-waterproofs.jpgMe in the corner of my office, with a large tectonic Iceland map on the wall behind me and an 8-hole Kallax unit next to me. On top are various pictures of my travels, with a postcard of the recent Iceland eruption prominent. I'm standing in front of it in a blue waterproof jacket with the hood pulled up and too-big black waterproof trousers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd7ee-a7491-accessories.jpgA pair of tiny silver hoop earrings hanging from a brown thread; a silver rune pendant hanging from its chain with a necklace made of twisted brown threads and threaded with stainless steel circles engraved with various things. Lying underneath are two bracelets in the same style, with more "steps" on them, and a webbing bracelet with reflective thread around the top and bottom. The plate giving my emergency contact details has mostly been blurred out.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39b32-bf656-whatipackedforicelandinaugust.pngWhat I packed for Iceland in August | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68e7a-5a866-polarbearswimsuit.jpgMe in the Secret Lagoon, floating on two blue noodles. I'm wearing a one-piece swimsuit striped in various shades of blue underneath a large polar bear sitting down looking over its shoulder.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1e9c-f9216-hatandgloves.jpgMe in the yellow jumper. I'm wearing a hat in stripes that are both neon and pastel at the same time, with a bobble. The gloves are thick navy fleece.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d185e-6e259-mammutboots.jpgMy legs and feet, now clad in a pair of grey boots, reasonably well worn. The hooks for the laces are pink and the grey laces have a pink thread through them. I did not clean this boots before taking the photos.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0109-969cd-karrimorsandals.jpgMy legs and feet. My toenails are painted a bright metallic glittery blue. The sandals are low-profile ones with solid black straps across toes, forefoot and around heel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6326-112d2-blackzipofftrousers.jpgThe yellow top photo cropped so you can see the grippy diamonds on my trousers and an extra hem just above the knees where the legs zip off to turn them into shorts.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2929-d7cbd-blacktrousers.jpgThe red t-shirt photo cropped so you can see a zip on my right thigh and some lighter reinforcing panels on my knees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b3dd-9a90c-skaftafelltshirt.jpgLeaning into the camera, wearing a black t-shirt with a national park logo on it. There's a stylised mountain in bright blue and underneath, the long name of the national park in small white letters. Underneath is ICELAND in bigger letters.2025-10-01T09:38:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/20/winter-packing-for-iceland-in-a-carry-on/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77301-1190a-charging_kit.jpgMy travel charging kit: three wires secured with velcro loops, a UK and Europe three-USB plug and a small drawstring back to store it all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e71b3-7f1ec-me_made_personal_item.jpgA rectangular green nylon bag with an orange panel in the top and rainbow straps around the whole bag, sitting on a bus seat.It's on the seat so I can take photos of it. I removed it once I'd done that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11502-8ba8c-winter_packing_for_iceland.pngWinter packing for Iceland - in a carry-on! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78932-c69b9-packed_hand_luggage.jpgpacked_hand_luggagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a4c0-cd70d-bits_and_pieces.jpgAll my extras: a small bag containing a down jacket, a folded drawstring laundry bag, a pair of heated insoles with battery packs, a folding Ikea backpack, my passport, wallet, charger for the battery that keeps my coat warm, a blue round pouch for putting jewellery in, a folding flask and a silicon sandwich bag. To the right is a pile of sugar paper folded in half, some black paper and some A6 pieces of watercolour paper. On top is a child's tin of paints, a handful of pens, crayons and chalk and underneath, my notebook.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c994-29ac4-washing_and_cosmetics.jpgMy washing kit. A small spray deodorant, a child's toothbrush in the shape of a shark, a tube of toothpaste, a purple Tangle Teezer hairbrush, a green silicon tube, a tiny tube of Simple moisturiser and a blue lipbalm, all laid out on top of a plastic sandwich bag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d5e4-5acd4-electronics.jpgA GoPro on a floaty handle, an 80s film camera and two small Lumix digital cameras laid out beside various spare batteries, a tiny tripod, a tiny case open to show headphones and iPhone adaptor, two USB plugs and various cables tied up with Minnie Mouse wraps. At the bottom is my Kindle and my tablet, which, yes, does need a clean.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d12f-26422-swimwear.jpgA navy swimsuit with teal edging and a blue swimsuit with a polar bear on it, folded up next to a blue travel towel and a bright orange drybag. On top of the towel is a pair of blue goggles that are so badly misted and frosted that it's time I got new ones. They're prescription and you can see the number on a sticker on each side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81561-16592-clothes_to_pack.jpgA nicely-folded (sort of!) pile of black trousers, black t-shirt, two sets of black thermals and a pair of navy starry pyjamas.Part of the reason I'm taking my pretty hat and scarf is for warmth but partly is for colour!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec18f-c31ab-clothes_to_wear.jpgWhat I'm wearing - a black thermal top, a red t-shirt, a pair of black outdoors trousers, a smooth black fleece, all folded nicely on a white blanket. On top of the pile is a blue bobble hat, a pair of fleece mittens with astronauts on and a colourful scarf.2025-10-01T09:37:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/02/a-snowy-morning-at-hvammsvik/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c51c9-2eca3-a_snowy_morning_at_hvammsvik.jpgA snowy morning at Hvammsvík | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e66d5-f9928-looking_at_the_vie.jpgMy back, with two red plaits hanging down and the bright blue straps of my polar bear swimsuit. I'm sitting at the edge of the Beach Pool, arms on the side, elbows out, looking out at the view. From here you can see the sun on the water in the pool, the rocks surrounding it and then the ridge of snowy mountains directly opposite, with just a slither of fjord visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22d4a-54fd1-selfie_in_the_lounge_pool.jpgA selfie in the lounge pool, with the sun full on my face and blue sky above. My face is reflected in the water and so is my hand holding the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e55aa-fec42-hvammsvik_map.jpgA map of the site, in the form of an aerial photo at low tide with the various pools numbered and a key down the left showing what they all are and their various temperatures.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5fb4f-5b89f-hvammsvik_showers.jpgA rustic concrete walled and floored room with a toilet hidden in a wooden cubicle. To the side are three shower cubicles with brass shower heads sticking out and frosted, striped glass doors. To the right of the showers is a high dark wooden wall concealing the changing area - no photos of that because there were people changing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d0a2-2fbbd-floating_in_the_lounge_pool.jpgMe floating on my back in the Lounge Pool, which is the big warm one with underwater benches and actual right angles. To the right is the curved roof of the changing rooms and behind me the restaurant. The sun is touching my face and knees and there are streaks of blue in the sky above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd67f-65d09-hvammsvik_in_a_snowstorm.jpgAnother view from the Beach Pools, this time towards the round building. There should be a beautiful sky and ridge of snowy mountains behind it but instead there's nothing but a thick white cloud almost touching the low roof of the bunker-life main building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46952-29ba2-view_from_the_beach_pools.jpgThe view from the Beach Pools. A pile of rocks in the foreground gives way to a gravelly black beach. Beyond that, the low winter sun shines on the still water of the fjord and beyond that are snowy mountains of all shapes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40c02-dc18e-hvammsvik_steam_room.jpgInside the steam room. It's a square empty room, dimly lit and full of steam but you can just make out wooden walls. On the right-hand side is a bench made of thin planks of wood. Bright light glows from underneath it making four bright lines across the room.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25a3b-950f6-selfie_in_upper_beach_pool.jpgA timer in the Upper Beach Pool. Me, with a hint of bright blue swimsuit straps, in water up my shoulders, sitting leaning on a rock and looking towards the fjord. The sun is shining on the water in the pool and behind me is a ridge of snow covered mountains.2025-10-01T09:37:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/06/they-made-lava-in-a-theatre-lava-show-reykjavik/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a5d4-f2b86-holding_peles_hair.jpgA close-up of my face, back in my office with Iceland tectonic map behind me, holding a jar about an inch tall containing three very fine hair-like black glass threads. My nails are painted white, yellow, orange, red and black to match the cooling lava but you can only see the yellow and orange ones in this picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1264a-24900-lava_show_reykjavik.jpgThey made lava in a theatre: Lava Show Reykjavik | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54b51-7df35-lava_on_slide.jpgWhite-hot lava on the steel slide.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28cdc-a38c6-lava_bubbles.jpgCooled black lava bubbles with the yellow-hot slide in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6eeb-faa35-cooled_black_lava.jpgA mass of black broken lava, where black cooled bubbles have broken. You can see patches of red-heat among the broken pieces.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4830d-f6061-cooling_bent_lava.jpgThe slide of lava, still wrinkled but now cooling to black around the edges, has been lifted to form a bridge. It's still yellow- and white-hot at the front where the hot interior has fallen under gravity.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fd9b-581b6-lava_blowing_bubbles.jpgAn extreme close-up of the lava. In the background, the lava on the slide is wrinkling as it cools although it's still yellow-hot. In the foreground, a black chunk of ice is melting into a pool of lava and blowing bubbles. Some are still red-hot, some have cooled to black and the steel pole is in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9bc9-9a00e-lava_coming_down_the_slide.jpgA river of white-hot lava pouring down the slide. The lights in the room are turned down and Madison's face is illuminated by a red glow from the lava. She's holding a steel pole with a string of lava hanging from it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/634f9-f4f47-lava_master_and_melter.jpgLava Master Madison (black t-shirt and jeans) introduces Lava Melter Dominic, who's wearing silver trousers under a long silver tunic and has a helmet on with a gold-tinted glass face plate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e621-24e27-lava_show_slide.jpgThe Lava Show slide - a steel slide about four inches wide set in a black-sand covered bigger slide, all steel and concrete underneath.2025-10-01T09:37:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/16/a-day-at-perlan-wonders-of-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/531b5-92719-perlan_wonders_of_iceland.jpgA day at Perlan: Wonders of Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/535f2-5209b-aurora_cinema_selfie.jpgA selfie in the back row of the Aurora cinema. You can see the green glow from the screen reflected in my glasses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9e1e-16686-perlan_aurora_cinema.jpgThe huge curved panoramic Aurora cinema, showing a holding image of very bright swirling green Northern Lights while it waits for everyone to arrive and the show to start.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9dc68-daf68-brunch_at_perlan_cafe.jpgA croissant on a blue patterned plate and a cup of hot chocolate. Both are on a round dark table and behind the table is the curved edge of the huge glass dome roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/653d4-e657f-selfie_on_the_viewing_deck.jpgA selfie on the observation deck, with Reykjavik Domestic Airport just visible behind me. I'm wearing my neon-pastel rainbow striped hat and scarf and the scarf is covering as much of my face as possible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97d48-d21c5-view_from_perlan.jpgThe view from the viewing deck at Perlan. In the distance is a snow-streaked mountain across a deep blue bay. In the middle is Reykjavik, with a lot of white buildings, colourful roofs and low buildings, except Hallgrimskirkja off to the left. In the foreground is a line of dark green pine trees growing around the hill Perlan stands on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7760c-8cf29-water_exhibit.jpgShelves of what look like rocks in the water exhibit. They've got something to do with glaciers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5593-a4e0c-glaciers_exhibition.jpgThe glaciers exhibit. A curved wall has a huge picture of a sunset over a glacial lagoon while in the foreground, a large monolith has a map of Iceland with some explanation of its glaciers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5e32-b3f52-on_my_ice_throne.jpgMe, sitting on a throne of ice, with my leg over the arm of it. I'm dressed all in bulky black with a stripy bobble hat on. I don't look like the Ice Queen I meant to. Behind me, the cave forks off in two tunnels, one lit in blue, the other in white.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0edf-0462c-ice_cave_entrance.jpgThe entrance to the Ice Cave, a pair of frosted glass doors with a purplish glow behind them. From here, it looks like the ice cave is a glass box twenty feet long. Actually, this is just the entrance into one of the storage tanks.2025-10-01T09:37:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/23/an-iceland-itinerary-my-actual-february-week-in-reykjavik/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0cdb0-85acf-actual_february_itinerary.jpgIceland Itineraries: my actual February week in Reykjavik | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52b70-762fe-reykjavik_4am.jpgDowntown Reykjavik at 4.30am in the rain. Some buildings are illuminated and the trees are wrapped in yellowish fairy lights. Opposite, a taxi has paused.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63b2d-dcb56-kaldi_bar_drink.jpgAn interesting-textured glass of Coca-Cola on a table in a bar. There's a cut-out tealight holder on the table next to it and two men sitting on high stools at a bar with textured metal sides.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68240-c64ed-flyover_ride_photo.jpgMe all in black with my navy bobble hat on, arms held out as if I'm flying against a background of pastel Northern Lights over the glacial lagoon by night.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cce3-9c697-lava_slide.jpgIn a darkened room, white-hot lava slides down a metal slide. To the side, the Lava Master is holding a pole with molten lava dangling from it in a long string.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65c92-b96d2-viking_selfie.jpgMe in a long red woollen Viking-style tunic, holding a sword out to my right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/daace-152b7-orka_selfie.jpgA selfie in a blue-lit warehouse with my arms outspread underneath a life-size model of a diving orca. There are various dolphins behind to my left and a beluga whale to my right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85a69-2a650-making_northern_lights.jpgMaking miniature Northern Lights around my finger in some kind of plasma tube.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a84b-fa72a-downtown_reykjavik_by_night.jpgLong-exposure photo of downtown Reykjavik by night, all deep blue sky and orange-yellow streetlights, windows of small tower blocks and moving cars.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eac0f-cf6ee-swimming_in_blue_lagoon.jpgSwimming in the Blue Lagoon. The heavy cloud has burned off and now there's a very blue sky behind me and the water is reflecting in a similar opaque bright blue.2025-10-01T09:36:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/03/flyover-iceland-a-virtual-helicopter-tour/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1911-50807-flyover_iceland.jpgFlyOver Iceland: a virtual helicopter tour | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46988-a02aa-inside_flyover.jpgInside FlyOver Iceland. A lot of people are mingling in a bar downstairs. Up a flight of concrete steps is a green screen and there's a door barely visible behind it, with the FlyOver logo above it. The ceiling looks like it's made from strips of crinkled paper.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0220c-069b7-flower_meadow_at_landmannalaugar.jpgAn orange streaky mountain with grass on its top and making its way down the side. The photo is taken from low down, right in among the daisies growing in the lush grass around the mountain. Above, the sky is very blue with all the streaky clouds seeming to radiate out from the mountain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de884-17908-seljalandsfoss_from_behind.jpgA large lacy waterfall lands in a blue plunge pool, seen from the cave carved out behind the waterfall. This is Seljalandsfoss. Behind the waterfall, a rainbow arcs through the spray. On the other side, a stream runs away from the waterfall and grassy plains stretch into the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62101-ba0d6-ashed_glacial_lagoon.jpgA glacier falls abruptly off the side of a mountain into a gravelly bowl that once contained a lagoon with chunks of ice.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/626b0-01d89-canyon.jpgA small river bubbling through a shallow-sided canyon. Around the river there are lots of boulders, the slopes are mossy and in the background is a snowy mountain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57746-dc913-my_fliyover_ride_photo.jpgMe with my arms outstretched as if I'm flying. I've been superimposed over a photo of an erupting volcano and at the bottom is a blue swoosh with the FlyOver logo and date.2025-10-01T09:36:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/13/hiding-from-the-weather-at-the-saga-museum/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/121fe-688db-saga_museum.jpgHiding from the weather at the Saga Museum | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e715-64dc8-selfie_with_ingolfur.jpgA bad selfie in which I'm underlit and they're underlit - I'm standing in the Saga Museum with Ingolfur Arnarsson and his wife behind me. He has very blonde hair and looks grumpy. She has long brown hair and looks kind of resigned to the situation.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f8db-78b85-green_viking_selfie.jpgMe again, wearing a long brown dress with a green over-tunic, holding a long axe raised above my head. It's similarly blurry.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/245e6-09676-red_viking_selfie.jpgMe in a red Viking tunic with gold trimming, holding a longsword out to my right. The photo isn't really in focus because I used the timer selfie mode in a dimly lit room.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e885d-bb24d-leif_eirkisson.jpgI think this is Leifur Eiríksson, a blonde wax man sitting with a fish in his hands, looking to the sky in the Vinland section of the Saga Museum.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adc0b-4b942-kjartan_and_melkorka_info.jpgAn information board about Melkorka Mýrkjartansdóttir, daughter of an Irish king.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/284de-d9148-raven_floki.jpgWax Raven-Floki Vilgerðarson standing on a ship, next to a bird crate, unleashing a raven on his voyage to Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81ee5-ea6ed-freydis_eiriksdottir.jpgFreydís Eiríksdóttir, with her dress pulled down and sword held to her chest, standing over a dead (wax) person in the Saga Museum.2025-10-01T09:36:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/01/going-back-in-time-at-the-settlement-exhibition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63466-bf0e2-settlement_exhibition.jpgGoing back in time at the Settlement Exhibition | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8350-aafe5-grocery_store_model.jpgA small grocery store set in a single room. It's the old-fashioned kind where tins and bottles are kept on shelves behind the counter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85e9a-00b95-reykjavik_present.jpgA model of Reykjavik Domestic Airport's runways, with info and screens set into it. The model is in a dark blue room with a sloping ceiling coming a very long way down and the words SAMTID, THE PRESENT in neon letters above a fire escape.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfe0f-f5d31-time_machine_lift.jpgA glass-sided lift, meant mostly for wheelchair users, with the dates 1940-2020, 1906-1962 and 871-1906. The last is in red and the others in white.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85e67-5c31f-longhouse_with_fire.jpgLooking up the longhouse, which can be faintly seen marked by lines of bigger darker stones among the reddish gravel. In the middle, a fire is projected onto an angled piece of plastic to show what it would have looked like inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7aff4-9bd05-reykjavik_tjornin.jpgThe Tjornin, Reykjavik's City Pond, which is mostly frozen but with an abundance of wildfowl in the liquid part. This pond was here back when Reykjavik was founded.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd3d9-5e52c-longhouse_exhibit.jpgA low-ceilinged dimly lit room with bright screens around its black walls. In the middle is what looks like a huge mound of reddish gravel - this is the archaeological remains of a 10th century longhouse in situ.2025-10-01T09:36:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/04/i-met-a-whale-at-whales-of-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6084e-0b3ec-i_met_a_whale-1.jpgi_met_a_whalehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4e0c-f64b2-i_met_a_whale.jpgI met a whale! (at Whales of Iceland) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6069-8ff33-whale_and_cafe.jpgA large baleen whale apparently inspecting the cafe, which is closed and has a big whale skeleton hanging over its bar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e4c8-77adc-book_of_whales.jpgA couple of pages from The Book of Whales, showing cartoon-style blue whale and information in comic book-style boxes about it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20142-3dee6-toothed_whale_selfie.jpgA selfie with a toothed whale. Its snout looks more dolphin-shaped than whale-shaped and it has a huge mouth full of huge teeth.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2f0e-a5d1f-baleen_whale.jpgA huge baleen whale of some kind. It has a bulker head end than the blue whale and a great grill of a filter in its mouth instead of teeth.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc8d1-07654-blue_whale_selfie.jpgA failed attempt at a selfie with the blue whale. It's just too big to get into shot. In hindsight, I shouldn't be standing right next to it; I could have taken a better selfie with more of it in the background from more of a distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f85aa-eb10c-dolphin_room.jpgThe dolphin room. IN the foreground is a happy-looking beluga. Behind it is the big orca from my selfie earlier and behind are various dolphins in leaping positions. Behind them is an illuminated wall covered in an absolute school of dolphins and porpoises.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e756c-83079-narwhal.jpgA picture of a narwhal taken from below, from the end of its long spear-tooth. If narwhals took selfies, this is roughly what it what look like.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/928ca-64eef-blue_whale.jpgA blue whale, posed in a huge curve, as if it's mid-leap. The effect is spoiled somewhat by the fact that its snout is almost touching a concrete floor. Again, the lighting is very blue.2025-10-01T09:36:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/11/guaranteed-northern-lights-at-aurora-reykjavik/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1d81-fd844-guaranteed_northern_lights_aurora_reykjavik.jpgGuaranteed Northern Lights at Aurora Reykjavik | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6d3b-c62c5-aurora_over_volcano.jpgGreen aurora dancing over the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption; fire fountains and rivers flowing from the young volcano under the Northern Lights.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8bdf-46ce3-aurora_centre.jpgThe Aurora Cinema. It's dark but you can make out a big beanbag and pillow on the floor and there's a screen showing a picture of the Lights with a little location flag in the corner. Behind the beanbags are a couple of rows of chairs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d011-e6455-aurora_science_show.jpgA TV screen showing a mini documentary around the Northern Lights, including how and where they happen. I've caught it at a display of lights over a rock at sea off Iceland. In front of the screen are various log stools with furry seat pads.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21dd8-bc551-dancing_colours.jpgA display about the different colours of aurora, showing their different heights, wavelengths and chemical make-up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba648-1bb88-aurora_entrance.jpgThe entrance to the exhibits, between the reception desk and the science room. The ceiling is black and there are white panel walls. These have large shiny pictures of the Northern Lights with text on them. On the back wall is a picture of a space probe of some kind with large wing-like solar panels which is apparently all about Carrington Events.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1faf-2b7ce-aurora_reykjavik_building.jpgAurora Reykjavik, a single-storey building with a black roof, glass along the front and a green-to-purple Northern Lights display as its logo. It's extremely snowy. You can see snowflakes against the black roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc02f-d3966-aurora_photobooth.jpgA hideous green square with a more olive-green square in the middle and an extremely low-rest ghostly image of the Northern Lights over a volcano in pixelly shades of yellow, green and a hint of orange. This is not a lesson in how to photograph the Northern Lights.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/724ae-8d95d-aurora_postcard.jpgA greenscreen postcard machine picture of me admiring the Northern Lights over the mountains.2025-10-01T09:35:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/17/a-summer-solo-female-travel-adventure-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bb10-9efd7-summer_solo_female_iceland_adventure.jpgA summer solo female travel adventure in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/afcb3-130cc-desert_of_misdeeds.jpgA vast gravelly plain dotted with spiky mountains. If you look closely, a single road - the Ring Road - runs across it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2dd0-39ff4-askja_selfie.jpgSelfie at Askja, wearing a black jacket, pink t-shirt and backpack. Behind me is a flooded explosion crater and a huge flooded caldera lake.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b93f9-abb15-jokulsarlon_kayak_selfie.jpgA selfie taken in a red kayak, wearing a red jacket & red buoyancy aid. Behind me, the lagoon water is a turquoise-grey colour and there are icebergs floating in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60d59-9f7cd-dreki_hut.jpgOur Highland coach and a road-scraping machine parked outside a mountain hut, with dark green walls and a white roof and emergency ladders coming down from the two upstairs gable windows. The clouds are threatening and the ground is all covered in a greyish gravel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04b17-96b1b-geosea_selfie.jpgA selfie at Geosea, with the building's overhang visible behind me, the glow of a low sun opposite and the bright golden light of early evening on my face.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e088e-00d67-lava_field_selfie.jpgA timer selfie of me standing on a rock in the middle of a lava field. The sky is very blue and I'm wearing sandals, shorts & a crop top, although I have an open shirt over it because it's a little bit breezy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28ae2-f8ab5-icelandic_car_in_desert.jpgMy car, a white Hyundai i20, parked in a gravel car park in the middle of vast lava field, the Desert of Misdeeds. The clouds seem low as if closing us into this hellish place.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4791b-43f22-camping_at_myvatn.jpgMy little yellow tent on a patch of fresh green grass. In the background is a single triangular mountain on the other side of a lake. The boundary between campsite and lake is full of scrubby trees and bushes and the sky is bright blue and almost cloud-free, at least by Icelandic standards.2025-10-01T09:35:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/31/whats-akureyris-forest-lagoon-like/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/359ea-715b1-whats_akureyris_forest_lagoon_like.jpgWhat's Akureyri's Forest Lagoon like? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f70c4-af5ba-people_in_forest_lagoon.jpgThe lens is a bit wet so the picture is a bit streaky but you can see people gathered around the stepping stones across the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e52a-f7367-forest_lagoon_rental_menu.jpgA menu on the reception desk showing prices for hiring towels, robes & swimwear and for Wacway waterproof cases - not recommended for iPhones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d3aa-5ad6c-lagoon_bars.jpgA view from the gentle slope across to one of the Forest Lagoon's swim-up bars. There is a layer of haze floating just above the hot water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a781-ab3e1-water_tap.jpgA jet of fresh drinking water squirting directly in a nice arc into the lagoon water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28d9e-97b1c-forest_lagoon_changing_rooms.jpgThe changing rooms. The lockers look like grey weathered wood or very raw concrete. The floor and walls are white stone and there's a bench in the middle in an oddly bright orange shade of wood.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb2e4-b2906-old_blue_lagoon_bracelet.jpgMy wrist, with my black watch on and a slightly battered bright blue plastic bracelet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c716f-d46c2-forest_lagoon_slushie.jpgA (reusable) plastic wine glass containing a bright blue slushie. My nails are a beautiful glittery blue too and behind the drink, you can see the green water of the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fab3b-42e5f-forest_lagoon_selfie.jpgA selfie in the Forest Lagoon, wearing a swimsuit with a polar bear on it. The water is jade green, there's a wooden rectangular building behind me and the whole thing is set in front of a birch and pine forest.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11c08-b5283-akureyri_across_the_fjord.jpgThe corner of the lagoon, behind which is a thin curtain of birch trees. Visible behind the trees is a mountain on the other side of the fjord and if you look really closely, you can make out the city of Akureyri.2025-10-01T09:34:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/04/visiting-geosea/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54d54-7afce-geosea_entrance.jpgThe entrance to Geosea, a concrete path cut into the side of a low hill. From the car park, it's surprisingly easy to miss.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/600bf-eb08f-visiting_geosea.jpgVisiting Geosea | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8dc41-5edd7-infinity_edge.jpgThe edge of the pool merging into the fjord below and behind with a hint of grassy hill in the corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59ca4-31886-selfie_with_fjord.jpgA selfie with my polar bear swimsuit in full view. Behind me, you can see the grassy cliffside and now you can see how far below the fjord actually is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f18c-0c7db-geosea_slushie.jpgA tall plastic reusable glass containing a pink slushie. It has Geosea's logo in black on the front and I'm holding it up in front of the bar pool. My nails, please notice, are a beautiful glittery mid-dark blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65189-9eeb6-sunset_from_geosea.jpgThe infinity edge of the pool blending with the fjord below. The illusion is helped by the very low sun casting a yellow light across the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5eff0-18b04-me_in_sunset.jpgMe sitting against the side of the pool with golden evening light straight on my face.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26d99-681b5-looking_across_geosea.jpgLooking across Geosea from the first pool. There's a concrete overhang covering the sitting area and a bright yellow lighthouse next to the further pool. The sky is blue and there's a hint of golden evening light across the water.2025-10-01T09:34:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/07/relaxing-at-vok-baths/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c16e-1b0cb-relaxing_at_vok_baths.jpgRelaxing at Vök Baths | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da8d8-83c86-bar_pool.jpgThe bar pool on the mainland with the building running alongside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1be66-620db-vok_from_car_park.jpgA grassy field with a turf-roofed building set into the low hill. The only sign it's there is the concrete walls supporting the sides and the glass doors. Above the hill, you can see a sliver of lake between the field and the mountain beyond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c5c1-665a8-vok_ladders_into_lake.jpgShiny wooden decking gleaming wetly in the sun. On the other side, you can make out the ladder that leads you into the lake.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d28eb-02a95-vok_bridge.jpgThe bridge that connects the infinity pools in the lake to the pool and building on the land.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/caf3b-def48-leaning_in_the_lake.jpgA selfie leaning on the edge of the infinity pool, ruining the illusion but letting the waves splash my arms.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bf01-1272e-drinking_in_the_pool.jpgMe, silhouetted a bit behind a low sun, drinking a plastic cup of Coca Cola in the hot pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc7ac-10573-people_in_pools.jpgPeople in the hexagonal infinity pools. You can see how everyone is sitting around the edges and the middle is empty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e70ff-e1365-infinity_selfie.jpgA selfie in one of the hexagonal infinity pools. You can just make out the line between the hot water and the blue lake behind.2025-10-01T09:34:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/14/finding-seljavallalaug/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4349-3f578-finding_seljavallalaug.jpgFinding Seljavallalaug | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51c8b-c442e-swimming_in_seljavallalaug.jpgSwimming in the deep end, with the ladder and a bit of mountain visible behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78570-bd15c-selfie_with_changing_rooms.jpgAnother selfie, this time at the other end, with the hut in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7aa6d-28921-selfie_in_pool.jpgA selfie in Seljavallalaug with the mountain behind me and the wall to my right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/069f5-0ae1b-feet_and_changing_rooms.jpgMy feet with sparkly silver toes sticking out of the water. Behind them is a small concrete building with three doors and a lot of valley behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6eb7f-e590f-seljavallalaug_pool.jpgA pool full of green water with a white concrete wall on one side and a mountain forming the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2112-b9f6e-seljavallalaug_car_park.jpgThe unassuming and unmarked car park - a big patch of grey gravel facing the enclosed green valley.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eddfb-c10b1-the_valley.jpgA steep-sided green and black valley with a stream bubbling down the right-hand side. It looks like the valley closes up just ahead and there's no way there's room for a swimming pool here...2025-10-01T09:33:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/12/a-morning-at-gudlaug-baths/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04e88-65632-a_morning_at_gudlaug_baths.jpgA morning at Guðlaug Baths | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ae2f-baca8-akranes_seafront.jpgThe seafront at Akranes by the campsite. The beach here is a lot narrower, with bouldery edges and black sand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39e81-75f85-infinity_view_selfie.jpgA selfie with the infinity view behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f72b9-aa42e-my_feet_in_blue_water.jpgMy feet and legs stuck out in front of me in bright turquoise water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d1f7-73fd4-infinity_view_from_gudlaug.jpgThe view over the huge beach and the sea from the top floor of Guðlaug.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8117-e6bbd-selfie_in_gudlaug.jpgMe hanging over the edge of the concrete pool at Guðlaug, luxuriating in hot water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0481-7c505-gudlaug_from_above.jpegA concrete structure sticking out of the prom, overlooking the sea at Akranes. The whole scene is a bit grey, honestly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c642a-2ef49-gudlaug_building_and_changing.jpegThe Guðlaug building and the stadium decking under which you get changed.2025-10-01T09:33:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/30/nautholsvik-icelands-warm-geothermal-beach/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75f32-e913c-nautholsvik.jpgNauthólsvík: Iceland's warm geothermal beach | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ce3b-e0306-nautholsvik_from_the_top.jpgNautholsvik as seen from the top of the path connecting it to the road, a dish of sand with a lot of blue water in the bottom. Separating beach from road is a bank of green stubbly grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d673-40034-nautholsvik_beachfront_club.jpgA concrete building set half into the grassy wall that forms the back wall of the beach. The front of the building is a series of long steps that has a long hotpot set into them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7619-a34ee-nautholsvik_beach_club.jpgA concrete building set half into the grassy wall that forms the back wall of the beach. The front of the building is a series of long steps that has a long hotpot set into them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ea23-79a12-people_on_the_beach.jpgPeople on the beach around the hotpot, clearly showing where the warm patch is in the water. Some are in swimwear, some are in winterwear and some are kids playing on giant tyres in the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d00f-91380-nautholsvik_beach.jpgNautholsvik from the side, with the hotpot half-buried in the sand a couple of feet beyond the reach of the pool at low tide.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/850ee-186f3-nautholsvik_sea_wall.jpgA stone sea wall, covered in moss and seaweed. You can see that Nautholsvik is higher than the level of the sea and also guess that at higher tide, the water encroaches on the beach.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89801-5a39d-steaming_water.jpgLooking across the Nautholsvik pool towards the sea. The water is steaming very gently.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6444-e52bc-nautholsvik_from_hotpot.jpgA sloping golden beach running down to a large pool of blue water, separated from the bay beyond by a rope. In the foreground is a round circular hotpot, currently just full of sand.2025-10-01T09:33:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/20/iceland-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7021-4fbd6-iceland_on_film.pngIceland on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45911-7a6cd-vik.jpgA large black headland behind a black beach. Just out at sea are several very pointy pinnacles.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65f0c-bf8a5-skaftafellsjokull.jpgThe tongue of a glacier descends from among the mountains towards a gravelly plain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5162-b3506-skaftafell.jpgThe view across Skaftafell campsite, featuring short yellow grass and a glacier on top of a wall of mountains in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66d4c-7631c-jokulsarlon2.jpgMore icebergs floating in the glacier lagoon under a slightly heavier sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9346f-c57b3-jokulsarlon1.jpgIcebergs floating in the glacier lagoon under a heavy sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/451d4-b80ea-jokulsarlon_bridge.jpgA river flows out of the glacier lagoon under a bridge, leaving icebergs in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54af9-48f01-fauskasandur_with_thumb.jpgAn ashy mountain runs down to a scrubby patch of grass. My thumb is blotting out the top corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d47f-21d1d-fauskasandur.jpgA black beach stretches away into the distance, with a hint of mountains on the right. To the left is a grey sea under grey skies and a rock stack in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d4ec-f512e-folaldafoss.jpgA waterfall in an ashy stratified cliffside, with grass clinging to it in layers. A heavy cloud blocks out the top of the mountain as if there's an error in the film (there isn't).2025-10-01T09:32:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/05/hverir/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3870d-c66e1-hverir_geotherma_area_or_another_planet.jpgHverir: geothermal area or another planet? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9911e-b17a7-on_leirhnjukur.jpgLeirhnjúkur, a black lava field, still steaming. This is a relatively active area - much of the field is vast black lava stretching away into the distance but this is a little hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e11f-01973-kettle_selfie.jpgAnother selfie, this time with a bigpile of rocks behind me which is pouring huge amounts of steam.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1086-9cad2-sulphur_streaks.jpgOrange plain stretching towards the mountain and the road, streaked with patches of white and dark blue, looking a bit like a half-cooked pancake, only in weird colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99690-fbfd7-mud_on_the_path.jpgA patch of warm grey sticky mud in the middle of the orange gravel path.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07831-5c99c-mud_pools.jpgDark holes in the orange-white landscape filled with bubbling dark blue mud and steaming. Tourists walk between them on scraped-out paths.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb1c7-73ffb-hverir_tourists.jpgTourists standing on a wooden platform with railings around it, overlooking a large hole in the ground filled with bubbling blue mud and steaming gently.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5519f-d4974-hverir_from_the_car_park.jpgA tarmac car park in the foreground, with orange mountain and steam rising behind it (behind the car park; in front of the mountain).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84ef7-21c46-namafjall.jpgNamafjall, a very white-streaked ridge of mountain over the hot spring field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fafb-5c8d3-hverir_selfie.jpgSelfie at Hverir. The sky is blue, I'm wearing a black t-shirt and a bucket hat and behind me is the white and blue streaked Hverir, which is a steaming expanse of orange plain with a mountain in the distance.2025-10-01T09:32:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/08/roadside-volcanoes-grabrok/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3ed3-8e9e5-roadside_volcanoes_grabrok.jpgRoadside Volcanoes: Grábrók | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57c9d-37753-grabrok_summit_selfie.jpgMe in 2014, with reddish hair and a grey-green t-shirt that almost blends into the damp weather and volcano, on top of Big Grábrók. I've got my car keys on a yellow Renault lanyard round my neck and the white strap of my day bag across my shoulder. Please ignore the gigantic square blue mirrored sunglasses that I should never have bought.The sunglasses were a mistake, ok?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a93c-adddc-looking_to_grabrok_mountain.jpgLooking across to Grábrók, a smaller crater with barer sides, sitting in a grassy field a couple of hundred metres away from Big Grábrók where the photo is taken.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3b81-a1bbb-crater_path.jpgThe path down into Big Grábrók's crater. The rim of the volcano is bigger than I remember and the crater itself is very mossy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bdb4d-a9c60-view_over_bifrost.jpgThe view over the small town of Bifröst, in the middle of the lava field and the mountains, as seen from the summit of Big Grábrók.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4eb73-7fe76-big_grabrok_path.jpgA rough path with a rope next to it leading up to the saddle-shaped Big Grábrókhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be963-0cf5b-grabrok_parking.jpgThree small volcano humps as seen from the car park, all reddish-brown and covered in light green moss.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ec02-592ae-grabrok_info_board.jpgAn information board showing the Grábrók cluster from above, with a route around them and some information in English and Icelandic at the bottom.2025-10-01T09:31:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/20/i-went-looking-for-the-northern-lights-for-the-eleventh-time/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/i_went_looking_for_the_northern_lights_for_the_eleventh_time.jpgI went looking for the Northern Lights for the eleventh time | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/lights_over_akranes.jpgA vertical streak of vivid, unedited Northern Lights over Akranes. The sky is quite light, white-orange sunset just about visible on the horizon, although the highest part of the sky is deepest navy blue.Still not from last month. This was an accidental sighting while camping in September 2017.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/downtown_reykjavik_by_night.jpgThe lights of downtown Reykjavik by night, with no Northern Lights.This was an evening I spent wandering downtown Reykjavik, where it's far too bright to see Northern Lights anyway, back in February 2023.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/aurora_jan_2013.jpgGreen streaks across the sky seen from so low down that blades of grass half-block them.Sorry, these are from January 2013.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/moon_but_no_lights.jpgA long-exposure photo (taken in my hand rather than on a tripod) of the moon and some white wisps that might be clouds or might be really faint Northern Lights invisible to the naked eye.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/hafnarfjordur_car_park.jpgA blurry picture of a snowy scene. Even more blurry are people and car lights in the bottom corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/in_the_minibus.jpgInside a minibus at night, lit by bright blue tube lights.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fontana_by_night.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana by night, lights reflecting on water and handrails silhouetted against a black sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/aurora_hunting_in_tromso.jpgMe in a long-tailed hat almost silhouetted against a fjord and snowy mountains and a sky that's not quite as black as an ideal Northern Lights sky could be.2025-10-01T09:27:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/11/using-correct-names-saves-lives-reynisfjara-vs-the-black-sand-beach/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/rescue_line_at_jokulsarlon.jpgA pole with a bright green sign at the top stating RESCUEBELT with a picture of a lifebelt underneath. The belt itself is a throwline in a yellow bag tied to the pole.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/using_correct_names_saves_lives_reynisfjara_vs_the_black_sand_beach.jpgUsing correct names saves lives: Reynisfjara vs “the black sand beach” | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/me_on_basalt_columns.jpgThis is one of the done things: to have your picture taken sitting or standing on the basalt columns that make up the cliff. I'm looking extremely awkward and uncomfortable standing on a column less than a foot off the ground, unable to quite pull myself up onto a higher one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/reynisfjara_sign.jpgA close-up of a sign naming the beach as Reynisfjara, with a danger warning in four languages in red, dangerous sneaker waves in three languages and warning pictograms underneath.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/warning_signs_at_reynisfjara.jpgSigns up at Reynisfjara in the summer of 2018 - there's a big orange warning sign explaining that it's dangerous, followed by a yellow one detailing sneaker waves followed by a third warning triangle, and that's just the ones visible in this picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/waves_crashing_at_reynisfjara.jpgWaves rolling up and crashing onto the black sand at Reynisfjara.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/reynisfjara_panorama.jpgA panorama of the beach, from the basalt cave on the left, across the cliff and headland and out to the spikes of rock sticking out of the sea.2025-10-01T09:25:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/14/studlagil-instagram-vs-reality/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/studlagil_instagram_vs_reality.jpgStuðlagil: Instagram vs Reality | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/studlagil_on_film.jpgA film photo of Stuðlagil from a little way downstream from the pretty narrow bit. You can still see the columns starting just as the river bends. Unlike all the other pictures in this post, this one is a very deep, saturated golden-green-brown picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/looking_the_other_way.jpgA selfie on the same rock as the other three but facing the other way, looking up as the canyon opens up a bit, and with a fantastically twisted and turned bit of basalt column on the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/studlagil_stairs.jpgThe stairs running the entire length of the hill above the basalt columns on the other side of the river, bringing you to a point directly above the pretty basalt columns where you can't see them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/another_selfie.jpgAnother selfie in the narrow part of the canyon, this time with both sides of the wall more visible. You can see the slightly awkward climb down the broken columns down to water level behind me. I didn't go there.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/climbing_down.jpgAn accidental but fortuitous (and overexposed) timer selfie of me scrambling awkwardly. It was supposed to be a nice posed picture but the timer was too quick and the scramble too awkward.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/people_in_studlagil.jpgA more open part of Stuðlagil where you can scramble down to a kind of gravel beach on the right-hand side. If you look close, there are hundreds of people standing on the edge of the canyon or making their way down or down in the depths of the canyon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/first_glimpse_of_studlagil.jpgA first glimpse of Stuðlagil. Next to the path, on the left of the photo, the land slopes steeply away until it reaches a river down below with some messy basalt columns half-heartedly lining the sides.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/path_to_studlagil.jpgA gravel path gently winding its way through undulating green hills, almost as far as the eye can see.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/opposite_bank.jpgThe opposite bank. Stuðlagil is a lot wider and more open here and above the basalt column, a bulbous hill continues, criss-crossed with walkways and stairs.2025-10-01T09:25:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/21/what-theyre-not-telling-you-about-stokksnes/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/what_theyre_not_telling_you_about_stokksnes.jpgWhat they're not telling you about Stokksnes | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/viking_cafe_hot_chocolate.jpgHot chocolate in a glass, next to a window looking out at the headland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/eider_ducks_on_the_water.jpgEider ducks plus a couple of other ducks, floating on the water, mostly looking as if they're settled in for a nap.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/on_the_rocks.jpgOn the rocks, looking down at the sea crashing on the rocks below, while the sun shines on the water on the horizon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hofn_radar_station.jpgThe radar station, a small collection of unremarkable buildings across the rocky field, distinguished by a big shiny white sphere sitting on top of one of them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/inside_the_longhouse.jpgInside the longhouse. The only light comes from gaps in the boards but you can see enough to see this isn't a typical Viking longhouse interior - lots of beams, lots of supporting poles, a gravel floor and various projects half-finished.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/viking_village.jpgThe Viking village as seen from the far side. The mountain looms over it all and most of the buildings have turf roofs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/feet_in_the_water.jpgMy feet, in black and orange children's sandals, on the black sand. The warm water barely comes up high enough for me to feel it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/mountains_behind_car_park.jpgA clump of mountains of different colours and textures behind the car park, with a bit of cloud sitting on top of one of them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/vestrahorn_selfie.jpgA selfie with Vestrahorn, against the dry bit of the black sand, so no reflections.2025-10-01T09:25:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/08/28/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-icelands-canyon-baths/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/edda_vs_tolkien.jpgA list of elves from the Prose Edda (13th century) on the left and a page from the Hobbit as the dwarves arrive at Bilbo's house from The Hobbit (1937).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/everything_you_ever_wanted_to_know_about_icelands_canyon_baths.jpgEverything you ever wanted to know about Iceland's Canyon Baths | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/sitting_in_hringur.jpgMe sitting in Hringur on my own, with light flares coming off the back of the canyon. The pool is a lot bigger than it looks when you don't see me in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/climbing_out_of_the_canyon.jpgI paused halfway up the canyon steps to take a photo of the view behind me. Some of the group are still climbing up. There's a river and the changing rooms and bridge and from this angle you can't quite see the pools.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/obsidian_wall.jpgA bit of the canyon wall, which is shiny obsidian when you get close enough to have a proper look at it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/relaxing_in_urdur.jpgRelaxing in Urður with a bit of sun just about shining off the water next to me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cold_pool.jpgThe cold pool, where the river gets held up a little before cascading over gravel and continuing. I can vouch for it being pretty cold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/urdur_selfie.jpgA selfie taken by balancing the GoPro on the edge of Urður. I'm sitting very awkwardly with the canyon walls and the changing cabin behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hringur_pool.jpgHringur, a slightly smaller pool with the same light blue water. This one is perfectly circular and has a nice neat edge built out of stones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/urdur_pool.jpgThe lower pool, Urður, which is a roundish pool, quite shallow, filled with pale blueish translucent water and a few rocks in the water to act as steps and seats.2025-10-01T09:25:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/04/an-unbirthday-on-icelands-diamond-circle-north-iceland-part-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/an_unbirthday_on_icelands_diamond_circle.jpgAn unbirthday on Iceland's Diamond Circle (North Iceland part 2) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/van_mud.jpgMy van parked on the tarmac at Bjarg campsite down by the lake. It's been raining and there's a line of brown mud alongside the van where volcanic desert dust has been washed off.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/swimming_in_nature_baths.jpgSwimming in the Nature Baths, only with the camera held out to the side and grinning. To be honest, my feet are probably on the ground. It's hard to swim one-handed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nature_baths_selfie.jpgMe In Myvatn Nature Baths. Behind me, you can just about make out the landscape dropping away to the lake and a mountain the distance. Off to my left, right in the photo, is the slope of the mountain on the other side of the road and also the big "basket" which somehow seems to store the hot water ready to release or trickle into the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nature_baths_panorama.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths seen from the top of the steps from the main building. It's around 10pm on the 1st of August and it's definitely darker than it was, although it's light enough that the lagoon and the hot tub trough in the foreground are all vivid turquoise still.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hrossaborg_selfie.jpgA windblown selfie with Hrossaborg in the background, a large freestanding crater with a big bit missing out the middle. My hair is coming loose from its plaits and blowing around and you can tell it's cold because I've added a black and brown checked shirt over the red t-shirt I've been wearing all day, and done it up!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dettifoss_canyon.jpgThe river winding its way up a canyon much wider than the river itself. The steep walls are grey and the whole place is made of shattered rock but there's a lot of greenery around the edges and the sky overhead is blue. On overcast days, this whole scene is spectacularly grey in a post-apocalyptic way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/full_heigh_of_dettifoss.jpgThe full height of Dettifoss seen from a little further down the canyon. The water in the bottom is rolling violently but it seems quite narrow and calm compared to the waterfall above it. On the other hand, a lot of water is being sent down the canyon as spray.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tourist_being_stupid_at_dettifoss.jpgA tourist standing six feet away from the edge of one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, which tumbles over broken and cracked basalt columns. Near the camera is a very visible rope to discourage tourists from doing this very thing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/asbyrgi_from_above.jpgA view from the viewpoint halfway up the cliff. The great curved wall of rock dwarfs the forest, the lake in its rounded end and the viewing platform sticking out into the lake.2025-10-01T09:24:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/08/the-best-kept-secrets-of-the-north-west-of-iceland-north-iceland-part-3/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/best_kept_secrets_of_north_west_iceland.jpgThe best-kept secrets of the North West of Iceland  (North Iceland part 3) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/forest_lagoon_from_sauna-1.jpgThe Forest Lagoon as seen from its sauna, which is slightly raised above the water and with a big window. The lagoon itself is quite long and thin, screened from the fjord and city by a thin line of trees and there are people with drinks leaning against anything that can be leaned against - mostly the outer wall but also the stepping stones that let the staff get across to the bar without getting wet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/akureyri_cathedral.jpgAkureyri's cathedral is pretty small but it stands at the top of 60-odd stairs and has two angular towers sticking up. It's a little bit Art Deco and a little bit comic book villain. The stained glass is pretty but the church is otherwise much more striking from the outside than the inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/hauganes_hot_tubs.jpgMe in one of the hot tubs at Hauganes. Behind me, you can see another hot tub and the mast of a boat, which is the hot/cold tub. Next to that is the open fjord, a little choppy today as it's a bit breezy, and behind that the mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/roadside_canyon.jpgA green canyon with a blue river rushing down the middle of it, winding its way away towards the mountains in the distance. Just in front of the camera is a little "headland" and if I was to stand there, I'd see a canyon winding off to both left and right, as well as the one in front. Immediately behind me is the Ring Road.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/grettislaug.jpgMe in Grettislaug, a natural pool between the mountains and the open fjord. I'm standing in the water with my back to the camera, looking across at the mountain and the campsite.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/glaumbaer_turf_houses.jpgA row of turf houses at Glaumbær, houses built entirely out of wooden frames covered in turf with grassy sides and roofs and "fake" wooden fronts to give them the look of houses. The upstairs windows open onto nothing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/blonduos.jpgBlönduós as seen from the side of the Ring Road. There's a fuel station with red flags up the road on the left but the entire right side is rolling hills and a campsite with hot tubs and mountains in the background. It looks pretty idyllic as towns go.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/thingeyraklausturskirkja.jpgThe inside of Þingeyraklausturskirkja, a small church with white walls and a blue ceiling dotted with a thousand gold stars. There's quite an elaborate lectern on one side and font the other and the altar is a lot more decorative than you might expect in a small church like this.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kattarhryggur.jpgA small waterfall in a hollow in the hillside. A shallow river wends its way along the foot of the hillside and joining the waterfall and river is a concrete bridge, so small and old-fashioned that you can hardly see it. That was once the main road to Akureyri.2025-10-01T09:24:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/22/exploring-wieliczka-salt-mine-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/exploring_wieliczka_salt_mine.jpgExploring Wieliczka Salt Mine | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/graduation_tower.jpgThe Graduation Tower and walls, covered in blackthorn which is streaked white with salt. The walls enclose a courtyard with a stream around the inside where the water dripping down the walls is collected.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/underground_restaurant.jpgThe underground restaurant, with a low flat grey ceiling, a counter snaking around and assorted wooden tables and chairs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/st_kingas_chapel.jpgSt Kinga's Chapel from the gallery, a huge underground church with big chandeliers, at least two floors high.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/underground_stable.jpgA stable underground, a kind of niche in the grey salt walls. There's a model miner and horse posed there - I don't know if they're wax or carved from salt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/salt_lake.jpgA salt lake in deep green, lightly lit around the edge. Above it, a walkway lit in orange goes up the wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/red_chamber_selfie.jpgA selfie in a tall thin chamber where a kind of hole in the ceiling is lit in red while the lower levels are more purple.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wood_supported_corridor.jpgA square corridor supported on walls and ceiling by wooden beams. It's reasonably well-lit in the foreground but gets darker in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tour_queues.jpgThe queues at the entrance to the mine, one language to each gazebo.2025-10-01T09:23:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/25/unusual-things-to-do-in-krakow-the-owls-cave/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/unusual_things_to_do_in_krakow_the_owls_cave.jpgUnusual things to do in Kraków: The Owls' Cave | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/eagle_owl_aviary.jpgAnother cellar room, this one smaller and with a barred door across it. Inside are two eagle owls, one perched on a hoop-shaped perch on the ground, the other on a mini table covered in astroturf. They can and do fly around freely in here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/inside_the_owl_cave.jpgInside the Owl Cave, a cellar with a curved ceiling. There are sofas and chairs around the edge, pictures and information about birds on the walls and on a perch on some astroturf sits a barn owl. Behind him, out of sight of the camera, is a kestrel and a Harris hawk.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mutombo_eagle_owl.jpgMe holding a large and fairly fluffy eagle owl, looking at it with the same awe. Mutombo is a lot lighter than he looks, being a lot more feather than most of the other birds.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/malone_peregrine_falcon.jpgMe holding Malone the peregrine falcon, looking a bit the worse for some rain but otherwise awestruck. Malone is almost looking down his beak at me, as if I'm beneath his contempt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/lebron_harris_hawk.jpgLeBron the Harris hawk, perched on Michael's gloved hand. I did hold him but there are no photos of that. He's quite a large bird with very powerful claws.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stockton_kestrel.jpgStockton the kestrel perched on my gloved hand, looking the other way. I'm taking the selfie with my other hand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/payton_european_barn_owl.jpgPayton, a European barn owl, a bit more orange than the British variety, is on a table looking around curiously.2025-10-01T09:23:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/09/29/24-unscheduled-hours-in-poland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/24_unscheduled_hours_in_poland.jpg24 unscheduled hours in Poland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wroclaw_sunset_plane.jpgPeople queueing to get on the plane. Behind them, the sky is turning bright pink as the sun sets and it's reflecting slightly off the shiny white plane too. I'm really pleased with this picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/i_heard_wroclaw_airport.jpgA selfie looking sceptical next to a neo sign that says I heart Wroclaw Airport.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wroclaw_main_square.jpgThe main square in Wroclaw. The ground is cobbled and the buildings are all tall and thin and mostly painted in bright pastel pinks, greens and yellows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/train_door.jpgThe train door. On the left-hand side of the doorframe is a small green button and there's one out of sight on the other side. On the right-hand side, outside, are two large red and green buttons which operate the toilet door next to them. This is utterly bewildering to pretty much everyone who got on that train that day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/train_selfie.jpgA really bad selfie taken from a "don't notice me taking selfies" angle on the train.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/krakow_airport_in_the_morning.jpgKrakow Airport early in the morning before either the Bournemouth passengers or anyone else for the non-Schengen zone arrives.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bus_stop_selfie.jpgA selfie at the bus stop at 4.30am. I'm wearing a yellow jumper, I haven't redone my plaits in two days or washed my hair since before I came to Poland and I look like I haven't slept all night, which haven't really.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/chimney_cake.jpgA fresh chimney cake in the main square as the sky begins to turn pale apricot. The paper bag says "Life's too short to eat bad cakes".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/queues_at_krakow.jpgQueues and chaos at Krakow Airport. At this point I hadn't figured out that anything in particular was going on.2025-10-01T09:22:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/10/29/fortune-telling-in-finland/2025-10-01T09:20:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/02/21/the-great-train-adventure/2025-10-01T09:19:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/09/26/an-unplanned-day-in-transylvania/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/an_unplanned_day_in_transylvania.jpgAn unplanned day in Transylvania | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:19:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/21/what-to-do-in-frankfurt-titus-therme/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95cc9-73302-christmas_garden_light_trail.jpgWhat To Do In Frankfurt: Christmas Garden light trail | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d3be-1fa4a-pink_carillon_selfie.jpgAnother selfie in the Carillon. This time all the lights are pink and my face is lit in bright pink too.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83897-b035d-field_of_lights.jpgA field of lights. These change colour constantly but right now they're mostly spring green with the occasional blue light among them. Behind them you can see the yellow-white hedge that surrounded Miracles Happen which is currently dormant.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39493-0d4c6-miracles_happen.jpgBehind a hedge covered in warm white lights, a fountain plays, lit very brightly in blue lights.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ec6f-d75df-selfie_in_the_carillon.jpgSelfie in the Carillon. This time although most of the lights are blue, the overall effect is of a lot of mid-dark blue. However, my face is lit nicely by the white lights and there are more glittering orbs reflected in my glasses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14a0e-e5fbc-in_the_carillon.jpgA network of lights hanging from a rectangular frame. Most of the lights are yellow or green and yet the entire thing is somehow actually lit in pale pink, helped by snow on the ground. There are two or three people standing among the lights. It looks like something from an 80s game show.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07483-82fcb-starry_meadows.jpgIn the trees beside the path, a six-foot angel in a blue dress with white wings blows a bugle. Behind and above, you can see other angels, also with bugles, flying and I think you can just make out a white angel behind the last trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37366-8a8ef-caleido_ball.jpgAn irregular 3D shape, its faces made up of strings wrapped around to leave holes in the middle, more or less circular. It's lit by purple lights but the shape itself is green and blue and the green in particular looks like the strings themselves are glowing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80410-a829e-rainbow_path.jpgRainbow Path: a section of tarmac path with wintery trees on each side. The path itself is lit by several sets of lights making stripes across it. These move in sequence but currently is showing a rainbow starting at pink closest to the camera and going through to blue at the far end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fdd5e-d5cfa-scarf_face_selfie.jpgSelfie attempt with the Rainbow Path behind me. My scarf is pulled up over my face and my glasses are steamed up.2025-10-01T09:18:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/24/what-to-do-in-frankfurt-christmas-market/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ebc9-4bad8-frankfurt_christmas_market.pngWhat To Do In Frankfurt: Christmas Market | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba3ef-10d20-nativity_sets.jpgTwo shelves of very elaborate handmade wooden stable sets filled with figures. To the right is a set of very cute carved slightly cartoonish pigs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8ee8-87bf9-romerberg_market.jpgA Christmas market with illuminated stalls in a traditional Germanic square. In the background is a chuch with a reddish tower and a green spire. In the foreground is the edge of the huge Christmas tree.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f96d9-cbb57-romerberg_market_and_tree.jpgA tree has tall as a four or five-storey building lit with lights. Behind it is Frankfurt's Romer and below are various market stalls covered with lights and finally, there are hundreds of people crowded into the square.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbfb6-1425f-frankfurt_pink_market.jpgThe Pink Market: a wooden bar edge under a canopy lit by pink lights and with assorted pink bits and pieces along the bar. In the background are two barrels as tables, both painted pink and set between pink wooden vertical supports. To the left is a pink sign over another bar stall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13985-97db0-selfie_at_the_christmas_market.jpgA selfie at the Christmas market. I'm wearing my green hat and multicoloured scarf and behind me is the traditional square and a gluhwein stall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/779e2-23852-owl_biscuit_cutter.jpgAn owl-shaped biscuit cutter sitting under my mini Christmas tree. In the background is a green-streaked felt cone dressed up as a Christmas tree.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ab9b-58c68-frankfurt_christmas_mugs.jpgTwo ceramic mugs under a small Christmas tree. One is matt black, one shiny red but they both have a gold circle containing a picture of a church, a reindeer holding a scroll on the left and Santa waving a German flag on the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/441f3-9dfa4-holy_family_ornament.jpgA wooden star-shaped ornament with the Holy Family in the middle under a Christmas tree.2025-10-01T09:17:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/12/eras-train-tour-london-to-berlin-by-train-in-one-day/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34daa-14e39-london_to_berlin_in_1_day.jpgThe Eras Train Tour: London to Berlin by train in one day | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a735-db767-berlin_hbf.jpgA sign for Berlin Hauptbahnhof against the curved iron and glass roof of the station.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f941-7cefa-berlin_train_selfie.jpgA grinning selfie sitting in my nice comfy train seat on my way to Berlin.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9508-0cfd7-selfie_at_cologne.jpgA selfie at Cologne station, with the wrought iron roof behind me because I'm standing just outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f033c-7f68b-red_eurostar_at_cologne.jpgA red ex-Thalys Eurostar at the platform at Cologne station.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa4d4-16642-inside_eurostar.jpgInside the Eurostar, the view forward over my seat. The lighting is slightly yellow and you can see a few heads.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9010e-51f07-eurostar.jpgThe side of the Eurostar train as I scurried down the platform. The train is dark blue on top, white underneath and with a thin yellow stripe separating them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53ee6-6ed13-eating_a_baguette.jpgEating a torn-off piece of baguette against a shiny metal wall in the waiting room at St Pancras.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff480-8c52d-arriving_at_st_pancras.jpgArriving at St Pancras early in the morning. It doesn't look as bright as it felt at the time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b463a-0f60f-st_pancras_selfie.jpgA bleary-eyed selfie at St Pancras station. The sky through the glass ceiling is still the slight blue of early in the morning.2025-10-01T09:16:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/15/eras-train-tour-badeschiff-berlins-floating-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74139-e35c9-badeschiff_berlins_floating_pool.jpgEras Train Tour: Badeschiff, Berlin's floating pool | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39d9e-2683f-half_selfie_with_badeschiff.jpgA selfie (taken afterwards, with wet hair and only half my face visible) standing in front of the pool while two men swim in its far end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4901d-fa143-badeschiff_from_deck.jpgThe shorter end of the floating pool with the jetty stretching out to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f22c-fd7e1-badeschiff_deck.jpgTwo levels of decking leading down to a long thin pool floating in the river. There are deckchairs on each of the decks and industrial Berlin visible on the other side of the river.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86e2b-ad7ff-badeschiff_beach.jpgAn artificial beach by the river in Berlin - a sand-covered area with wooden furniture and large shady umbrellas, currently furled. On the other side of a path is a bar with a lot of greenery hanging over it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa5b5-7b6e1-bottle_selfie.jpgA selfie, with sunglasses on, sitting on a wooden bench with the underside of a wooden deck visible above me, against the brick wall of a warehouse. I've positioned the camera so it gets the neck of a glass bottle in the foreground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57164-e9596-badeschiff_gate.jpgA tall wooden gate between warehouses with the words BADESCHIFF GLASHAUS in huge white letters over the top. To the left is some construction work with a crane and a temporary fence.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8ac8-6d439-badeschiff_berlin.jpgBadeschiff, a bright blue rectangular pool in the hull of an old barge, floating in a river. The river water is noticeably darker and slightly browner than the vivid turquoise pool water.2025-10-01T09:16:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/19/liquidrom-berlins-spa-that-thinks-its-a-techno-club/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d0f2-3ccd4-liquidrom_berlins_spa_that_thinks_its_a_techno_club.jpgEras Train Tour: Liquidrom, Berlin's spa that thinks it's a techno club | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7263a-81564-post_liquidrom_selfie.jpgA selfie walking down the street after my bath, looking damp and a little pink but very content.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b336a-7df28-liquidrom_main_bath_sign.jpgA sign up on the plain concrete wall perpendicular to Liquidrom's main door, showing the main bath lit up in shades of blue, with its arches backlit and reflected in the darker blue water below.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8fccc-a65c6-tempodrom.jpgTempodrom, a music venue shaped a bit like a big white circus tent or a crown, with a sloped roof pointing up to a multi-pointed peak in the centre. The thing is sitting on top of a set of concrete steps.2025-10-01T09:16:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/22/eras-train-tour-saturday-in-berlin/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0482-aedac-saturday_in_berlin.jpgEras Train Tour: Saturday in Berlin | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a52b2-c9f26-berlin_tram.jpgA yellow Berlin tram on the opposite tracks to the platform I'm standing on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a68c6-34274-badeschiff.jpgBadeschiff, a bright blue pool in the cut-down remains of a barge, floating in the river, just visible behind decking and deckchairs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4459-2e26e-christopher_street_day_berlin.jpgPeople at Pride down the closed road in the middle of Berlin. It does look quite quiet; I guess it probably got a lot busier in the evening.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb219-cfb33-ace_bull_selfie.jpgA selfie in a park just off pride, with an enormous sculpture of a bull. I'm wearing the yellow bag with the rainbow strap and my asexual pin badge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91492-036ea-u-bahn-selfie.jpgA selfie in the U-Bahn station. There's a yellow steel pillar holding the roof up and yellow supports running along the roof. The ads and station name are framed in yellow. I am not yellow, I am definitely pink and sweaty-looking.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d898-ce4fc-checkpoint_charlie.jpgCheckpoint Charlie, a small white hut in the middle of the road with a sandbank wall in front of it. Most of the tourists visible in this picture are on the far side of the road but in just a couple of minutes, they'd be swarming across the road oblivious to cars.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5611-cbf14-reichstag_building.jpgThe Reichstag Building, a large stone classical building with a glass dome on top, barely visible behind the building's various decorative towers, pediments and other bits and pieces on the roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73afb-d2959-brandenburg_gate.jpgBrandenburg Gate, a large stone classical-style gateway topped with a green statue of four horses pulling a carriage. Below it are large gazebos, a toilet van, blacked-out fences and lots of people trying to take pictures over the top. Behind it you can see the back of a stage and festival lighting.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56629-9e326-friedrichstrasse_station.jpgFriedrichstrasse, a station in a kind of dark brown brick Art Deco style, the like of which I've never seen before.2025-10-01T09:15:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/02/eras-train-tour-sunday-in-berlin/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df290-936dd-sunday_in_berlin.jpgEras Train Tour: Sunday in Berlin | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b69bb-7d060-tempodrom.jpgTempodrom, the big white circus tent-shaped live music venue that stands above the underground Liquidrom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc732-1040d-memorial_to_the_murdered_jews.jpgThe Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a huge patch of concrete blocks of various heights, on a piece of undulating land.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0291f-f36d6-brandenburg_gate_in_the_sun.jpgBrandenburg Gate, now in the sun, unlike yesterday when it was permanently cloudy and muggy. If you look closely, there's festival fencing under the gate so you can't walk through it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ddaa4-8cb82-sailing_past_reichstag.jpgSailing down the River Spree, passing the Reichstag Building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fdbb8-92f33-boat_selfie.jpgA selfie under the closed canopy of the boat. It's pouring with rain and I'm looking up at the rain on the roof above me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9d7f-b002e-rotes_rathaus.jpgThe red brick Red Town Hall, a tower stretching up straight into the midday sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1cc67-11437-inside_friedrichswerdersche_kirche.jpgInside, the church is much lighter, all buttery yellows and orangey reds, with slim pillars and a vaulted ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae339-eab29-friedrichswerdersche_kirche.jpgFriedrichswerdersche Kirche, a red brick Gothic church with very square plain towers on the front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5eb09-1c43b-bauakademie_tower.jpgThe remains of Bauakademie, two sides of a brick tower, its two sides held together by metal bars.2025-10-01T09:15:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/03/caracalla-therme/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/entrance_selfie.jpgMe, standing outside the entrance in a blue knitted hood, dark red hoodie and pink t-shirt, with that modern/Classical facade behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/main_pool_building_by_night.jpgThe round building housing the main pool and the steam from the outdoor pools, all lit up in bright blue in the dark.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/steaming_pool.jpgRight outside the Therme is a small shallow pool of greenish water, steaming, with a statue looming over it seen on the right in this picture with the modern/Classical building behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/caracalla_therme_approach.jpgApproaching Caracalla Therme from the park. It's a glass building that looks more like an office than a spa, with grass lawns and a path running up to it and several tall arrow-like trees in front of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/an_evening_at_caracalla_therme.jpgAn evening at Caracalla Therme | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:15:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/06/a-textile-day-at-friedrichsbad-baden-baden/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a_swimwear_day_at_friedrichsbad.jpgA swimwear day at Friedrichsbad, Baden-Baden | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/great_dome_postcard.jpgThe exercise pool under the great 17m Victorian dome. Since you're not allowed to take photos, this is a photo of a postcard that I bought.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/friedrichsbad_map.jpgA map showing the various rooms and temperatures at Friedrichsbad - or rather, half of them. You can see where the other half are but presumably for clarity, they haven't labelled the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/selfie_outside_friedrichsbad.jpgA selfie outside the door. I'm wearing a dark pinkish-red hoodie and a teal knitted hood and do not look like someone arriving at a spa.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/friedrichsbad_from_outside.jpgFriedrichsbad from outside, a fairly elaborate stone Renaissance building with green domes poking out, slightly built into the hillside behind it. It absolutely does not look like a spa.2025-10-01T09:14:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/10/kisssalis-therme/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kisssalis_therme_the_one_with_the_mushrooms.jpgKissSalis Therme: the one with the mushrooms | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kisssalis_by_night.jpgKissSalis by night, without my face in the way. Now you can properly see that it's a glass building and you can make out the mushroom-like pillar holding up the ceiling, although you can't see the bottom of it in the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kisssalis_selfie.jpgA selfie outside KissSalis, wearing the same blue knitted hood and reddish hoodie I've been wearing in every picture in this series.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_kissingen_by_night.jpgThe middle of Bad Kissingen in the dark. There's a different bridge to the right, the road bridge, and opposite is the Regentenbau, illuminated in the dark.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_kissingen.jpgA view from a bridge in Bad Kissingen, looking down the river with the park on the right and the Wandelhalle on the left.2025-10-01T09:14:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/13/emser-therme/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/i_tried_emser_thermes_naked_riverside_sauna.jpgI tried Emser Therme's naked riverside sauna | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/emser_therme_across_the_river.jpgEmser Therme as seen from across the river. You can't see any people but you can see the building and a hint of the lifeguard/information box in the corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/riverside_sauna.jpgThe riverside sauna, a white and pale wood building sticking out into the river opposite a low weir. You can see a figure in a white robe on the deck.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/emser_therme_outside.jpgThe back of Emser Therme, the side that faces onto the road. The building is mostly slightly curved, with a curved glass corner and big circular windows along the long white side wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_ems_rooftop_view.jpgA view down the river from the hotel's rooftop terrace in Bad Ems. It's early enough in the morning and it's mid-February that it all looks quite cold - the sun hasn't yet risen above the mountain so although the sky is various shades of pastel pink and blue, the town itself is still pretty blue.2025-10-01T09:14:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/17/germanys-great-european-spa-towns-by-13-trains-and-4-buses/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/germanys_great_european_spa_towns_by_13_trains_and_4_buses.jpgGermany's Great European Spa Towns by 13 trains and 4 buses | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/train_selfies.jpgA selfie on the train on day one. The view out of the window is a noise-protecting wall-fence thing in pale grey, so not much in the way of scenery but I look quite happy to be on the train.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/frankfurt_u_bahn_in_the_street.jpgA teal-green U-Bahn train coming in to a street platform in Frankfurt. This is not a tram, this is an underground train and it's very much just in the street!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/koblenz_selfie.jpegA selfie on the platform at Koblenz, with my blue hood up again.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/on_the_rail_replacement_bus.jpgInside the rail replacement bus, as seen from my seat in the back. The seats are a faded reddish-pink and it's dark outside, meaning it's fairly dark inside too. I think we haven't set off yet and the inside lights will be turned down or off when we start moving.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rail_replacement_bus.jpgA rail replacement bus arriving in the dark. It's a bit blurry because it's dark and it's moving.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/upstairs_on_the_limburg_train.jpgA selfie upstairs on the train from Frankfurt to Limburg. I'm sitting right at the back of the upstairs section so the steps and the door are immediately behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/limburg_selfie.jpgA selfie on the train at Limburg, waiting for it to depart in another 12 minutes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/red_faced_frankfurt_selfie.jpgAnother selfie at Frankfurt, this one taken while hurrying. I'm still wearing the hood, which just enhances the redness of my face. It's not really from hurrying, it's more because I'm hurrying directly into the sunset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kissingen_shuttle_at_schweinfurt.jpgA two-car train parked at Schweinfurt. It's mostly white with red doors, a green stripe along the bottom and a green wedge surrounding the doors. This was one car when it left Bad Kissingen but has connected to the second car now it's at Schweinfurt.2025-10-01T09:14:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/20/is-baden-baden-past-its-best/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/is_baden_baden_past_its_best.jpgIs Baden-Baden past its best? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/river_oos.jpgThe River Oos running decorously through manicured green park, with ornate hotel buildings in the background. It's quite likely the other side of the river is exclusive to hotel guests - there were certainly a couple of locked bridges along the way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/inside_the_cathedral.jpgInside the casino building. The walls are marble, or made to look like it. There are wooden doors divided by lots of glass panels that looks almost Art Deco to me, the ceiling is fairly low and frescoed with a huge glass portion letting in natural light. Nonetheless, between the walls and the yellow-orange lights and the dark floor, the overall effect is of quite orange light.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/baden_baden_casino.jpgBaden-Baden's Casino, a white building with columns all along the front, murals above them and ornate gold-painted doors in the adjoining Kurhaus.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/augustaplatz_and_church.jpgAugustaplatz in the remains of the snow, seen from behind a hedge. The pond behind it is used for skating in really cold weather and there is a Gothic-style Stadtkirche half-hidden by bare winter trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/aston_martin_showroom.jpgAn Aston Martin Vanquish parked in the right-hand window of the Aston Martin shop. There was a Vantage in the other side, along with colour samples, besuited staff and clientele drinking wine but it felt rude to take photos of them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/baden_baden_spring_water_tap.jpgA stone sink, part of four set in a large ornate fountain in the Trinkhalle, with a very modern plain steel tap, running a constant stream of water. Behind it is a warning sticker telling you this is not drinkable, although in the 1800s, people came here specifically to drink from this tap.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/leopoldsplatz_fountain.jpgLeopoldsplatz, the main square from which the various roads and routes go off. This one is blocked from traffic by a fountain, a slab of rock with water bubbling enthusiastically out of it and pouring over the edge. The Vodafone shop immediately behind does not quite fit the vibe of this upper-class small town I've been enthusiastically describing!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/baden_baden_trinkhalle.jpgBaden-Baden Trinkhalle, a long classical-style building with pillars are all along the front and a gallery for strolling. Behind the gallery, inside the actual building, you'll find cafes and wineries and so on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/selfie_on_lichtentaler_allee.jpgA selfie on Lichtentaler Allee. I'm wearing a black jacket over my dark red hoodie and a pink t-shirt and the road behind me is barely more than a path through a nice green park - no doubt much nicer in summer when the trees are more than the sticks they were in February.2025-10-01T09:14:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/24/leisure-in-bad-kissingen/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/leisure_in_bad_kissingen.jpgLeisure in Bad Kissingen | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/train_selfie.jpgOn the train on the way to Bad Kissingen. I don't look particularly amused but I can't remember why.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kurgarten_seats.jpgThe Kurgarten not at its best in February. There are squares of grass which will have decorative plants around them later, lots of bare trees and benches everywhere. Behind the trees, you can see yet another small decorative building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_kissingen_town.jpgBad Kissingen town, with modern-ish buildings that nonetheless have little turrets and decorations attached.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/barefoot_trail.jpgThe barefoot trail, a labyrinth without hedges where every few metres the ground texture changes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kisssalis.jpgKissSalis by night. It's mostly a single-storey building but with the height of two and the entire front is glass with a roof extending beyond the building and supported by pillars.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_kissingen_tourist_information.jpgInside tourist information. The room itself is a Neo-Renaissance wood-panelled room with massive windows but the desks are light blue curves that look straight out of 1960s scifi.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kurgarten.jpgThe Kurhaur, a stone one-storey buildig with arcades along the front. There is a small section of second-storey exactly matching the downstairs perched on top. In front are gardens, probably not looking their best at this time of year.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bavarian_style_bar.jpgA yellow pub with a pointed roof and dark wood criss-crossing over the front. It looks like something lifted straight out of the Brothers Grimm.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/fire_tower.jpgThe medieval fire tower, which looks far too perfect and intact to actually be medieval. It's a round tower made of rough bricks.2025-10-01T09:14:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/27/bad-ems-is-lovely-but-very-quiet-in-winter/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_ems_is_lovely_but_its_very_quiet_in_winter.jpgBad Ems is lovely but it's very quiet in winter | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_ems_hotel.jpgThe view across the river of my hotel along with the other buildings forming a line along the riverside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/house_in_the_woods.jpgA building seen through the leafless trees on top of the mountain, along a brick road.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mountain_selfie.jpgA selfie on the edge of the trail that kind of gives a view through the leafless trees to the town below. I'm wearing sunglasses, my blue knitted hood and my red hoodie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bad_ems_lidl.jpgThe prettiest Lidl I've ever seen, housed in a red brick ex-industrial building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/emser_therme_river_sauna.jpgA view up the river. There's a weir in the middle and n the left is a small wooden structure over the river itself. This is the sauna.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/spa_water_tap.jpgA pair of taps coming out of a clear pillar with bubbling water in it. The tap and pillar are in a little well in the ground with red and blue spiral tiled mosaics on the floor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/haeckers_hotel.jpgThe large and ornate and off-yellow Häcker´s Grand Hotel, which occupies a surprising amount of the road.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/hotel_morning_view.jpgA view up the valley from the hotel roof early enough in the morning that everything's still quite blue. You can see the mountains on each side and therefore how little space there is on the river banks and you can also see that most of the buildings are quite grand Neo-Renaissance style that probably wouldn't look out of place in Budapest.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mountain_outside_window.jpgThe mountain so close to my balcony that I can't even get the balcony in it. The scrubby vegetation on it is grey-brown and so are the leafless trees.2025-10-01T09:13:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/03/31/great-german-spa-towns-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/great_german_spa_towns_on_film.jpgGreat German Spa Towns on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12_bad_ems_end_of_roll.jpgThere's a narrow strip of Bad Ems as seen from the opposite bank of the river on the far left of this photo, then something that looks like a strip of fire. Then a third of the photo is just white and then the third on the right turns yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/11_bad_ems_river.jpgA picture with reasonable lighting on the left but not so much on the right, looking down the river with bare trees poking out of a small island.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/10_bad_ems_river_sauna.jpgA view down the river at Bad Ems with the weir in the middle and a small wooden structure, which is Emser Therme's riverside sauna.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/9_bad_ems_emser_therme.jpgEmser Therme, a wood-clad building with various gentle curves and a slightly overhanging roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8_bad_ems_view.jpgThe view from my hotel's roof in Bad Ems, looking at a small town set between mountains on either side of a river.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/7_bad_kissingen_park.jpgA view of a different bit of a river from a different bridge. This one's pretty nice and bright and clear.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/6_bad_kissingen_barefoot_trail.jpgA very hazy grey-green tinted photo of a park. You can just make out the texture of the barefoot trail on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5_bad_kissingen_kurhaus.jpgThe view of the white-painted Kurhaus as seen from the other side of the river with some trees on this side and one thin bare one on the other side next to the Kurhaus.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4_bad_kissingen_church.jpgAnother church, this one less ornate and Gothic and a lot less silhouetted against the sky. It's all a bit yellow.2025-10-01T09:13:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/02/27/gdansk-and-making-videos-gdansk-vlog/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f763b-4d688-gdanskvideo.jpgGdansk and making videos: my first travel vlog! | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:13:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/08/first-impressions-of-gdansk/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77acd-50e5a-first_impressions_of_gdansk.jpgFirst impressions of Gdańsk | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbc7a-3b02d-waiting_at_the_wrong_station.jpgMe carrying nothing but a Ryanair-friendly small green backpack, standing on the platform of the wrong station.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47bf9-54ef2-gdansk_river_by_night.jpgBrick warehouses along the edge of the river, lit up in yellow lights, reflect in the deep blue water reflecting the deep blue evening sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71636-8f0e8-gdansk_red_room_ceiling.jpgThe ceiling of the Red Room, all paintings and 3D frames and bits of gold filling up any tiny gap.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2b51-a9ace-gdansk_main_street.jpgThe main tourist street of Gdansk, lined with pastel Hanseatic buildings and dominated by the Town Hall's tall thin tower.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a55cf-3a1dc-st_marys_basilica.jpgAn enormous brick church. From this end, it's quite cliff-like but round the sides, there's a bit more Gothic to it. The sky is white and if it's not actually raining, it's because it's only just stopped.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f173e-8d519-gdansk_gate.jpgThe end of Gdansk's main tourist street, with coloured Hanseatic buildings each side and an elaborate stone gate at the end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54b9f-4a0ba-gdansk_wheel_selfie.jpgA selfie on the big wheel in Gdansk. I'm in a cabin, it's dark outside and you can see the city lights through the rain-streaked windows.2025-10-01T09:13:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/11/a-pirate-ship-trip-at-sopot/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17aae-0532f-a_pirate_ship_trip_at_sopot.jpgA pirate ship trip at Sopot | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d10a2-3dc5e-sopot_beach.jpgThe beach at Sopot, an expanse of golden sand (bit beige in November) stretching out around a curved bay.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85b67-5f5e6-hot_chocolate_on_the_pier.jpgHot chocolate in a tall sundae glass with a mound of cream on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5b83d-89472-pirate_ship_selfie.jpgMe on the deck of the ship with the hood tied tightly around my head although I haven't done up my fleecy jacket for some reason. I'm wearing my sunglasses and don't look quite as frozen as I do in most of the pictures (this is the least overexposed of a very bad bunch).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fa81-bdeee-pirate_ship_rail.jpgLooking forward from a rear deck of the pirate ship with a good amount of sea on the right. The railings are bright red and blue and the rail around the top is gold. There's a toy cannon or maybe telescope bolted to the rail which doesn't add to the realism of it all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b62cc-2f180-sea_views.jpgThe (rather grey) view back to land from out at sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6c12-054e0-sopot_pirate_ship.jpgA colourful pirate ship tied up alongside the port. There are no sails on her three masts and the railings are red and blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/494cc-4a008-sopot_crooked_house.jpgThe Crooked House, a yellow building with a glass centre but there are no straight lines - it kind of looks like it's been put between its two neighbours and squashed hard out of shape.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59493-63d1e-sopot_buildings.jpgA square in Sopot with an interesting yellow and orange building with a tower along one side of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6930f-4fdae-train_selfie.jpgA slightly-overlit and slightly out-of-focus selfie on the train on the way to Sopot. I'm sitting in a deserted carriage with no seats opposite wearing a bulky but not very warm red checked jacket.2025-10-01T09:12:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/05/eras-train-tour-berlin-to-poznan/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efce2-b5156-berlin_to_poznan.jpgEras Train Tour: Berlin to Poznań | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50a29-c3012-balcony_selfie.jpgA selfie on the balcony, where I'm somewhat silhouetted and out of focus because the focus is on the background. The sky is slightly pink with the first hint of sunset, there's a glass tubular station below me, industrial stuff behind it and a vast expanse of green stretching into the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f54d7-c4329-feeding_the_ducks.jpgDucks and pigeons gathering at the concrete edge of the duckpond for an evening snack of tourist birdseed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a215c-781bc-poznan_town_hall.jpgPoznań's elaborate, rather wedding cake-like town hall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14ae2-35d6f-poznan_square_corner.jpgA corner of the colourful square, framed by slender branches.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d89b2-741bf-fountain_selfie.jpgA selfie at a fountain which is like an arch of glass panels over a walkway. I've just walked through it and am very happy to have cooled off.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67f65-a9fd0-chips_in_poznan.jpgChips in a small glass on a plate with a red napkin, a glass of Sprite, a small cactus and a big lightbulb on the fence separating my cafe from the next one. Behind it and behind the umbrellas, you can see the pretty buildings and the top of the castle's tower.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9560-c8e95-poznan_stay_rynek.jpgThe old market square in Poznań, all tall warehouse-style colourful houses and a cobbled square. There are the umbrellas of pavement cafes visible around the edges of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f2c1-7597f-park_opposite_apartments.jpgThe park opposite the apartment, a green leafy place with trees and a grass bank which leads down to an offscreen pond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eaa23-7e191-poznan_train_compartment.jpgThe train compartment, showing nice comfy blue seats and a curtain we could pull across the door.2025-10-01T09:12:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/09/eras-train-tour-poznan-to-wroclaw/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad681-83127-poznan_to_wroclaw.jpgEras Train Tour: Poznań to Wrocław | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb4d7-bfe2e-stary_rynek_wroclaw.jpgOld Market Square, Wroclaw, lots of yellow and green and pink buildings glowing golden in the evening sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/099eb-cb711-st_elizabeths_stained_glass.jpgOne of my favourite windows. At the bottom is a tiny church and the rest of the window is a riot of flame with angles in the top corner. I don't read Latin but I think it says something about construction being the glory of God.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39a9c-fcb6d-zabka.jpgA Zabka mini convenience store, with a green sign. These are everywhere in Polish cities.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5910d-5ee9f-inside_the_apartment_building.jpgInside the apartment, outside my door. It's dark and there are staircases going in every direction.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1d5a-8c8d8-wroclaw_station_selfie.jpgSelfie outside Wrocław station, which is a yellow castle-like building.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d782-37564-on_the_train.jpgA selfie looking out of the train window, pretending I don't know I'm holding up my own camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bdffd-faefd-sitting_in_the_park.jpgSitting in the park, a green pond visible between evergreen branches. There's a tower block visible behind the trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/425c0-82406-golden_chapel_with_lights_on.jpgThe Golden Chapel with the lights on. Now everything is gold and gleaming and you can see all the details.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67c56-68527-golden_chapel_with_lights_off.jpgThe Golden Chapel. It has golden walls and a domed ceiling and rounded arches and overlit stained glass windows.2025-10-01T09:12:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/12/eras-train-tour-wednesday-in-wroclaw/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c985b-ec023-wednesday_in_wroclaw.jpgEras Train Tour: Wednesday in Wrocław | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2588a-7bb59-fire_performer_in_square.jpgA fire performer, holding up a ball of flame on a rope, surrounded by crowds in the half-darkness of the square.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14547-b9623-drink_in_the_square.jpgA pink can of something fizzy in apple & watermelon flavour held up against the out of focus background of the colourful square.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/052e5-81cf9-exploding_fountain.jpgAn old-fashioned water pump in the cobbled square spraying out water from the top. Pump and water are silhouetted by the low sun behind them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16e83-d9035-stary_rynek_wroclaw-1.jpgColourful houses along the side of Wroclaw's old market square. There are a lot of people milling around in the square, far more than in Poznan.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a818-a646c-st_john_selfie.jpgA selfie in front of the tall brick Gothic facade of the cathedral. I'm wearing sunglasses, a pink and orange t-shirt and I look pink and sweaty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/086bd-d672c-st_john_stained_glass_window.jpgA stained glass window made up of thousands of tiny pieces, many of them blue, and four figures along the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d69f6-b5d60-church_of_the_holy_cross.jpgThe Church of the Holy Cross, another brick Gothic church, this one quite short in length but tall in height, mainly because there's a second church right underneath it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08c2a-5f24c-inside_catholic_church.jpgInside the Catholic Church as seen from the door - the place is all white with pinkish brick pillars up to a plain vaulted ceiling. In the distance is an amazing red stained glass window.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6106-1f789-wroclaw_cathedral_island.jpgAn island on the other side of the river with trees around the edge and church roofs and towers visible behind them.2025-10-01T09:11:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/16/eras-train-tour-wroclaw-to-lodz/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fff41-8cf26-wroclaw_to_lodz.jpgEras Train Tour: Wrocław to Łódź | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc9a4-5e682-piotrkowska_lodz.jpgPiotrkowska, the longest street in Łódź, probably in Poland and probably beyond that. It's a street of mostly 19th century decorative houses, a stark contrast to the rest of Łódź, which seems to vary between red brick industrial and plain dismal industrial.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47bb0-d7b7f-selfie_at_lodz_fabryczna.jpgA selfie outside the magnificent glass Łódź Fabryczna station. I'm exactly as tired as I look.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9e5e-11c53-eating_a_pretzel.jpgMe making a slightly ridiculous face at the camera as I hold a pretzel the size of my head up to the camera. It's got a bite taken out of it because I didn't think to take a photo until I'd started eating it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/478ec-5bec2-raclawice_panorama.jpgRacławice Panorama, a tall round cake-like building with no windows, supported by tall buttresses that stick out, making it look a bit like a spiky crown. One side is completely covered in greenery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ac9e-3bf5e-st_johns_cathedral.jpgWrocław's cathedral. If you look closely, you can see a join along the side of it, a kind of fold, where the two ends of the church didn't quite meet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26fdd-4a395-university_quarter.jpgA corner of Wrocław where an old yellow university building of an architectural style I can't identify meets a modern glass building across a cobbled street.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e200b-34acd-st_elizabeths_church.jpgThe end of St Elizabeth's Church, looking up at the small bell tower and the red and green checked tiled roof.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e274-d1d43-plac_solny.jpgPlac Solny, the Salt Square off Stary Rynek in Wrocław. It's a smaller square but more of the same tall colourful warehouse-like buildings.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d45a2-eb143-electric_buggies_and_town_hall.jpgA couple of electric buggies in the gap between the two squares. Behind them is the Gothic town hall.2025-10-01T09:11:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/19/eras-train-tour-lodz-to-warsaw/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3083c-a547e-lodz_to_warsaw.jpgEras Train Tour: Łódź to Warsaw | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ac85-31130-evening_warsaw_hotel_view.jpgThe view from my Warsaw hotel window as the sky turns the mid-blue of evening. In the foreground are a lot of apartment buildings but there are trees and countryside and a power station if you look beyond them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/306c4-973c0-warsaw_bus_selfie.jpgA selfie on the bus in Warsaw, leaning forwards over a railing you can't see.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b7d1-fe5ef-fabryczna_station.jpgLooking down an escalator at Łódź Fabryczna towards my train. There are three trains at various platforms under a modern wrought iron roof, all red and grey but the train on the right, my train, is particularly red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e378f-fde7d-neon_angel_selfie.jpgA selfie with yellow neon angel halo and wings on the side of the same bar as the flamingos. The neon lights aren't switched on but they work just fine as a photo in daylight.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f5a1-99265-off_lodz.jpgOFF, another redeveloped brick factory, this time turned into a hipster arty food & boutiques area.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/418ad-8f7a9-giant_flamingos.jpgPink flamingo statues probably 12 or 15 feet tall in the yard of a pop-up bar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5783-4878a-view_down_piotrkowska.jpgA view down Piotrkowska. The most prominent building in this photo is a bank but there are small trees, pavement cafes and elsewhere, more decorative buildings. The road itself is absolutely flat grey brick with only a shallow gutter separating road from pedestrian walkway.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5714-6a858-manufaktura_panorama.jpgA panoramic view of the Manufaktura complex, showing red brick buildings of various shapes and sizes everywhere. To the right is the glass shopping centre built onto the red brick factory.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f92f-6d62d-manufacturing_process_map.jpgA map showing the manufacturing process around the factory complex.2025-10-01T09:10:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/23/eras-train-tour-saturday-in-warsaw-and-eras/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7230-d911f-saturday_in_warsaw.jpgEras Train Tour: Saturday in Warsaw (and ERAS!) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4011-f6161-costume_predictions.jpgA scribbled list of costume predictions with ticks against most of them and crosses against two.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df1ea-2dd9f-tram_selfie.jpgA selfie on the tram on the way home and now you can see my Eras-coloured earrings, my bright blue eyeliner and the bad neckline of the silver dress.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ab9e-90bfd-eras_folklore.jpgTaylor on the diamond, waving the enormous sleeves of the yellow Folklore dress, which I correctly predicted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bbd41-97a66-eras_karma.jpgThe diamond in the centre of the stage during Karma, at the end. All the dancers and Taylor are wearing a rainbow of tinsel jackets.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1ab6-e0e9f-eras_tour_stage.jpgMy view down to the Eras tour stage from most of the way up the stadium. It's not full yet because the show hasn't started and won't for a while.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4272-8e0c2-silver_dress_selfie.jpgA selfie outside the stadium in my silver sequin dress, which is just about catching the sunlight.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2426f-f2815-eras_wristband_and_bracelets.jpgMy hand held up in front of the stadium to show off my light-up tour wristband, my friendship bracelets and my Eras nails, Taylor Swift to 1989 (Reputation to Midnights is on the other hand).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df035-97d63-palace_of_culture_selfie.jpgA selfie outside the Palace of Culture and Science, a huge Soviet yellowish stone skyscraper. It's closer to Art Deco than modern glass skyscrapers and it's only about 50 storeys.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb119-6ff3f-warsaw_uprising_ceremony.jpgA ceremony with soldiers in camouflage standing by the Warsaw Uprising Memorial.2025-10-01T09:10:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/03/eras-train-tour-sunday-in-warsaw/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81b89-b3175-warsaw_old_press.jpgThe front page of the Warsaw Old Press, a fake newspaper with a picture of me in pride of place, above an article in Polish about tourism in Warsaw.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4c9c-12799-sunday_in_warsaw.jpgEras Train Tour: Sunday in Warsaw | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cedf2-db526-warsaw_hotel_view.jpgThe view from my hotel window. It's pretty industrial - there's a car dealership downstairs, surrounded by residential tower blocks. From this angle, you can't see the trees stretching away into the distance because this is pointing almost towards Warsaw's centre.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49ad6-ab204-eras_mural_selfie.jpgA selfie with the Eras mural, which is on the side of a small apartment building behind me. It features the words Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour vertically down the right hand side, with Warszawa just visible around the edge of the building. THe main part of the mural is a big painting of Taylor Swift in her Anthology pose and then there are squares painted in the Eras colours around her.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79a5a-8d060-walking_by_the_river.jpgWalking along the river. The other bank is all trees with the national stadium rising out of it on the left and an area of sandy beach towards the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4d5a-15ab5-giant_bubbles.jpgGiant bubbles being blown across the park, with great streaks of gold and pink and green and blue in them. There are a few children in the edges of the picture because it's impossible to get pictures of bubbles without them but I've smudged their faces away and turned them into the creepy faceless people from Doctor Who season two.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22d5e-7ae1c-warsaw_mermaid_selfie.jpgA selfie with the Warsaw Mermaid statue in the middle of a fountain. I'm wearing a light blue t-shirt and a navy bucket hat with the brim folded back. The Mermaid is holding a round shield and a sword and has a length of red and white ribbon hanging from her.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25d7f-c6710-warsaw_uprising_monument.jpgThe Warsaw Uprising Monument - larger than lifesize soldiers emerging from walls, with big white panels above it all that I think is meant to look like they've pushed up through the floor.2025-10-01T09:10:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/07/eras-train-tour-monday-in-warsaw/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f50d-03357-monday_in_warsaw.jpgEras Train Tour: Monday in Warsaw | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e34db-3575e-polish_mug_vs_normal_mug.jpgMe pretending to drink from a normal mug and me pretending to drink from the Polish mug, which covers most of my face and is covered in colourful flowers on a black background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ba11-53f04-selfie_on_train_to_airport.jpgA last selfie on a train, this one on the way to the airport. I look a little damp and am sitting with my head on my hand, wearing my Eras t-shirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c412-9ad28-st_lukasz_stained_glass_window.jpgA round stained glass window with decorative edging surrounding a serious-looking bearded saint holding up a confused-looking cow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/841d5-46225-castle_square.jpgAn almost empty cobbled square, wet from the rain, with tall colourful houses along the edge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa48f-cd046-warsaw_mermaid_selfie-1.jpgYet another selfie with the Warsaw Mermaid statue, this time back in my raincoat and without a single soul visible in the background because it's a rainy Monday lunchtime.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35ae1-08421-city_view_north.jpgAnother view over the city, this time on urban sprawl and cloud. The national stadium is visible in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e10a5-df6c2-palace_of_culture_coin.jpgA very yellow and shiny gold souvenir medallion with an engraving of the Palace of Culture on it, lying in the palm of my hand, probably taken on the train.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd9c3-1fa62-top_of_palace_selfie.jpgA selfie at the top of the skyscraper, next to one of the meshed-off windows. Now I'm just wearing a t-shirt and I'm freezing (it's my Eras tour t-shirt!).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67bc1-b393e-city_views.jpgA view from the 30th floor over various fairly modern skyscrapers in an assortment of interesting shapes.2025-10-01T09:10:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/26/the-eras-train-tour-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/eras_train_tour_on_film.jpgThe Eras Train Tour on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/palace_of_culture_and_science.jpgWarsaw's Palace of Culture & Science, a 60s yellow stone Stalinist skyscraper towering over the city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/warsaw_national_stadium.jpgWarsaw National Stadium across the river, a kind of red wicker basket looming above the city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/warsaw_main_square.jpgThe main square in Warsaw. It's a lot busier than either Poznan or Wroclaw but the square is also smaller and tighter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wroclaw_cathedral_island.jpgThe cathedral island in Wroclaw as seen from the other side of the river. Most of the churches are red brick, sticking out of dark green trees against a blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wroclaw_main_square.jpgThe main square in Wroclaw, similar to the one in Poznan but bigger and grander.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/poznan_rainbow_art.jpgThere are some more modern buildings right in the central of the square with a rainbow of ribbons filling the gaps between them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/poznan_main_square_2.jpgThe main square in Poznan - one side of a square made up of tall, thin colourful houses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/berlin_hauptbahnhof.jpgThe more modern buildings around the Hauptbahnhof as seen from the river. The glass buildings, blue sky and orange edge to the footpath above the river give it a proper 60s retro-futuristic vibe.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/berlin_cathedral_from_boat.jpgBerlin Cathedral seen between much more modern buildings from the boat on the river approaching the cathedral.2025-10-01T09:09:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/30/russia-on-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1144c-ce918-russia_on_film.pngRussia 2019: Russia on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/90669-ede39-russiaonfilm.pngRussia on film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/90906-68b18-51386920085_fe29ddb4dc_o.jpgEkaterinburg Church on the Blood on filmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a872c-f6c1b-51386160718_d2ba608c3e_o.jpgLake Semyonovskoye on filmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0599-1fa68-51386652314_436ce33954_o.jpgSt Petersburg Admiralty on filmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c75e-29a46-51386652339_396b08eba2_o.jpgChurch of the Saviour on Spilled Blood on filmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcca0-66218-51385155567_dd48afb5ee_o.jpgPeter & Paul Cathedral on filmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/303dc-089b5-51385155422_34e3be2e97_o.jpgViews over Moscow on filmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53e6c-6122b-51386160903_3786096476_o.jpgThe Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on filmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9df56-3f6c0-51386920015_5f66e60a79_o.jpgRed Square on film2025-10-01T09:06:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/10/24/moscow-cathedrals-and-parks/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/942d6-9ef7c-other_things_i_did_in_moscow.pngRussia 201(: Other things I did in Moscow | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:06:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/10/28/sapsan-high-speed-train/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89d45-37e7c-to_st_petersburg_on_bullet_train.pngRussia 2019: To St Petersburg on the bullet train | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:05:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/11/18/peter-paul-fortress-my-first-day-in-st-petersburg/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a90a-1e556-visiting_peter_and_paul_fortress.pngRussia 2019: visiting the Peter & Paul Fortress | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:05:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/11/21/a-boat-trip-around-st-petersburg/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdf82-d56b0-boat_trip_on_neva_river.pngRussia 2019: A boat trip on the Neva River | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e816-459e1-boat-trip.jpgRussia 2019: a boat trip on the Neva River | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a780e-fcc41-48795758901_1afbd66b8f_k.jpgSt Petersburg skyline slightly silhouetted as the sun starts to sinkSt Petersburg skyline slightly silhouetted as the sun starts to sinkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdc33-c7250-48795900392_080fa6bd55_k.jpgThe Cruiser Aurora as seen from the Neva RiverThe Cruiser Aurora as seen from the Neva Riverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e149a-89e42-48795297983_2a45041118_k.jpgThe green and pleasant northern parts of St Petersburg's northern islandsThe green and pleasant northern parts of St Petersburg's northern islandshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec111-a1c81-48795297513_b734f2cb52_k.jpgJetskiers on the Neva RiverJetskiers on the Neva Riverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5540-bbf66-48795798802_6b4c17923b_k.jpgThe beach on the very easternmost edge of the Baltic SeaThe beach on the very easternmost edge of the Baltic Seahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f853-e9921-48795304788_43078ac363_k.jpgSpace-age Krestovsky Stadium from the boat tripSpace-age Krestovsky Stadium from the boat triphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ee02-456b1-48795313613_dce1b0cf82_k.jpgKrestovsky Stadium from the boat tripKrestovsky Stadium from the boat triphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4af94-34a22-48795676646_4ae563a604_k.jpgThe beach on the Niva River under the walls of the Peter & Paul FortressThe beach on the Niva River under the walls of the Peter & Paul Fortress2025-10-01T09:05:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/12/02/great-churches-in-st-petersburg/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3945e-1b903-great_churches_in_st_petersburg.pngRussia 2019: Great churches in St Petersburg | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86099-1f063-stpchurches.jpgRussia 2019: Great churches in St Petersburg | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b0cc-6096c-48795705256_2bac2f834f_k.jpgThe Hermitage from the colonnades of St Isaac's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0de2d-bd47b-48795337373_782446329e_k.jpgAdmiralty & Peter & Paul Tower from the colonnades of St Isaac's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05c20-0f25e-48795703141_a254c579f6_k.jpgSemi-silhouetted selfie from the colonnades of St Isaac's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb0cd-6f8b2-48795228488_abbbcd69ce_k.jpgThe final ascent to the Colonnades of St Isaac's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71ac4-d31da-48795240258_569bdfcd0c_k.jpgInterior of St Isaac's Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdd70-f0a69-48795750846_31443e71c6_k.jpgExterior of St Isaac's Cathedral, St Petersburghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e2c0-b5a00-48795660597_9e0114e032_k.jpgTourists inside the Church on the Spilled Bloodhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1714-46182-48795530056_aa1aed3a86_k.jpgHigh and much-decorated interior of the Church on Spilled Blood2025-10-01T09:05:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/12/05/a-day-at-the-hermitage/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5fa60-0d92f-a_day_at_the_hermitage.pngRussia 2019: A day at the Hermitage | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6f63-a9a19-hermitage.jpgRussia 2019: a day at the Hermitage | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5153c-57670-48795743367_a7d749d0a0_k.jpgPalace Square panorama, St PetersburgWinter Palace on the left, General Staff Building on the righthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1d0c-b0eda-48795384123_7e66b201a2_k.jpgEgyptian collection in the HermitageI'm starting to wonder if this was less exciting because it's not goldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50f38-d63f4-48795799111_ead6134685_k.jpgMilitary rehearsals in Palace SquareImagine trying to rehearse your marching with this many tourists around youhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97073-4581e-48795495298_2e1785f5fd_k.jpgField Marshals' Hall in the HermitageEverything is so goldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/118be-5cc2c-48795973922_ffa042d178_k.jpgThe Small Italian Skylight Room in the HermitageItalian renaissance arthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88e9e-67175-48795985852_2eacd527d3_k.jpgSelfie in St George's Hall, the large throne room in the HermitageI need this. I match this.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/602cd-6bda9-48795865892_07119cf566_k.jpgThe Malachite Room in the HermitageThe Malachite Room is not quite as malachitey as the Gold Room is gold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80bad-e9a9e-48795950647_c8ad5ef3aa_k.jpgThe Gold Room in the HermitageSo, so gold.2025-10-01T09:04:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/12/16/options-in-murmansk/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/484d4-77292-finding_options_in_murmansk.pngRussia 2019: Finding options in Murmansk | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eeccf-9007f-optionsmurmansk.jpgRussia 2019: Finding options in Murmansk | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3aa61-229f2-48846893187_8c19e17754_k.jpgBathroom in my Murmansk apartmentThere's an actual bath in my bathroom!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3067-31c2b-48846701566_4c5e887382_k.jpgKitchen in my Murmansk apartmentSmall but very functional kitchen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c4c0-fd530-48846344773_60d1745d90_k.jpgBedroom in my Murmansk apartmentThis is my bedroom. Yep.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53cc1-734a0-48846702976_15a3ef8e28_k.jpgLiving room in my Murmansk apartmentThis is my living room. The other side of the sofa pulls out to make a bed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87dfc-19874-48846900362_884677ba95_k.jpgMy landing in my apartment building in MurmanskThis is my landing, My door is the one on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1188f-1f788-48846704121_bc681c22fd_k.jpgDowntown Murmansk from outside the front of my apartmentDowntown Murmanskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecab7-285d4-48846698836_9b34752b27_k.jpgThe back door of my apartment in MurmanskI'm literally at the door and I can't get inhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94b7a-5c291-48846348923_e7a4d2a8be_k.jpgAzimut Hotel MurmanskIf you need someone who speaks English in Murmansk, this is the place to come2025-10-01T09:04:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/16/stay-at-home-storytelling-russia-scrapbook-moscow-pages/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ddb19-e0dc1-moscow_pages_of_russia_scrapbook.pngRussia 2019: The Moscow pages of my Russian scrapbook | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21323-3e73b-p1030939.jpgThe first page of my Russia scrapbook, featuring my boarding pass (with important bits blurred out), my folded Aeroexpress ticket and a bit of journalling in red pen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aacef-7193f-moscowscrapbook.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: The Moscow scrapbook pages | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d780-4f1da-p1030978.jpgMoscow page of my Russia scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7742-75210-p1030976.jpgMoscow page of my Russia scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da440-0e19b-p1030975.jpgMoscow page of my Russia scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9eede-0400b-p1030974.jpgMoscow page of my Russia scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3024-23f40-p1030973.jpgMoscow page of my Russia scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04b2d-923a5-p1030972.jpgMoscow page of my Russia scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9be78-94087-p1030971.jpgMoscow page of my Russia scrapbook2025-10-01T09:03:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/25/stay-at-home-storytelling-too-many-photos-in-a-travel-scrapbook/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5379a-15a76-how_to_get_too_many_photos_in_a_scrapbook.pngRussia 2019: How to get too many photos in a scrapbook | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53e30-6a557-toomanyphotos.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: how to get too many photos in a scrapbook | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7e5b-8f790-p1040956.jpgSpending record half-unfolded.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ef5f-a3ac4-p1040957.jpgSample receipt from my Russia scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22078-1ddcb-p1040955.jpgLayered stuff at the back of my scrapbook.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0fd03-f3de1-p1040954.jpgMoscow city map poking out of an opaque shopping bag with a Russian doll on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10a25-bbbf8-p1040953.jpgJournalling inside the handmade perfect bound minibookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7ea9-8b378-p1040952.jpgHandmade perfect bound minibook poking out of a transparent plastic bag stuck down on a page.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20826-3edb0-p1040951.jpgExtra page made from glitter cardstockhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/963fb-76285-p1040950.jpgScrapbook pocket containing bits.2025-10-01T09:03:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/08/05/how-to-get-a-russian-visa-in-the-uk/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a66d8-fdfb8-my_russian_visa.pngMy Russian visa, with the traditional unflattering photo and all sensitive details blacked out.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af534-2b164-how_to_get_russian_visa_in_the_uk.pngRussia 2019: How to get a Russian visa in the UK | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:03:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/30/russia-2019-blog-post-one-of-many/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1af6d-9b534-so_i_went_to_russia.pngRussia 2019: So, I went to Russia... | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:02:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/10/07/exploring-the-moscow-metro/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82010-cde50-exploring_the_moscow_metro.pngRussia 2019: Exploring the Moscow Metro | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:02:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/10/10/21835/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f08ab-60148-red_square_and_st_basils.pngRussia 2019: Red Square and St Basil's | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:02:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/10/21/the-day-i-was-incarcerated-in-the-kremlin/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fcf85-b2990-incarcerated_in_kremlin.pngRussia 2019: the day I was incarcerated in the Kremlin | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T09:01:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/12/19/up-by-the-lake-in-murmansk/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/106cf-f133b-up_by_the_lake_in_murmansk.pngRussia 2019: Up by the lake in Murmansk | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c82d-d4c6c-lakemurmansk.jpgRussia 2019: Up by the lake in Murmansk | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7c29-24de2-48846356248_29c90d66be_k.jpgMurmansk lake from the eastThe lake and the woods from another anglehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4bd1-bbf08-48846719661_19369ca873_k.jpgMe by the lake in MurmanskThis is the photo my new friend insisted on takinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c7d2-feb0e-48846907947_073b47fffc_k.jpgFriendly local in MurmanskThis is the lady who became my friend although I took the photo because of the apples she's carryinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/468fc-2ae33-48846386498_86bd5b8b6d_k.jpgSelfie in the wild parkland around the lakeBest selfie I took on the Russia triphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bafbc-7eb27-48846737676_526fffe833_k.jpgMurmansk's Alyosha MonumentAlyosha is so tall that it's hard to get all of him in a single photohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d06e8-023ea-48795423053_9e6e14112c_k.jpgMurmansk ice bathers' hut in summerPleasant in summer but imagine swimming here in winterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb396-93698-48795421273_df0dca24bb_k.jpgLake Semyonovskoye, above MurmanskIsn't this the sort of scene you don't expect to see in Murmansk?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d634-a89ec-48846704121_bc681c22fd_k-1.jpgDowntown MurmanskSee that church at the top? The lake is by the church.2025-10-01T09:01:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/06/ekaterinburg-religion-romanovs/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b8db-31db1-ekaterinburg_religion_and_romanovs.pngRussia 2019: Ekaterinburg: Religion & Romanovs | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6754-e6c7e-ekaterinburg.jpgEkaterinburg: Religions & Romanovs | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ed36-b4492-48847260991_3670fd44f3_k.jpgEkaterinburg: Romanov Death Site, the Church on the Bloodhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b334a-73d26-48847454272_83762b71b0_k.jpgPhotos of the last RomanovsThis was all recent enough that there are colour photos - and videos! - of these people.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62e19-7ae34-48847261621_85dac5e478_k.jpgEkaterinburg: Romanov Death Site, the Church on the Blood2025-10-01T09:01:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/09/trans-siberian-railway-101/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a9f0-250bf-trans-siberian_railway_101.pngRussia 2019: Trans-Siberian Railway 101 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7645f-72104-trans-sib.jpgTrans-Siberian Railway 101 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/076ad-460be-48846856253_3e2f72a233_k.jpgView from my bunk on the trainThe top bunk is a bit of a tight fithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9270a-6dee5-48846854098_4a875a2ff6_k.jpgMy train from Ekaterinburg to Perm, parked at Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71322-90020-48847411637_dcf73c8666_k.jpgOlga's husband in his bunkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29872-6d6bf-48847215821_113188cea2_k.jpgBad selfie in my bunk on the trainThere isn't a bad photo of me in existence...https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3272b-24190-48847411987_a2b2191601_k.jpgThird class carriage on a long-distance Russian train2025-10-01T09:00:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/01/13/perm-fighter-jets-fallen-leaves/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c627-7f4c4-perm_fighter_jets_and_fallen_leaves.pngRussia 2019: Perm: fighter jets & fallen leaves | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ca41-0b0fc-perm.jpgPerm: Jets & fallen leaves | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6597d-77330-48847432841_5e8572a8b5_k.jpgSelfie by the river in Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c0ff-f567e-48846831438_587d0d3d27_k.jpgRussian fighter jet circling over Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51b11-378e9-48847378167_87892d1caf_k.jpgHouses on the other side of the Kama River in Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6916-e472b-48847189471_175c72b5d5_k.jpgThe Kama River in Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5bdf7-6be86-48847601242_6abfd7f637_k.jpgLion enclosure in Perm Zoohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bb8f-4d297-48847369677_cffabd7bdb_k.jpgThe green tourist line, Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ea6e-35aa8-48847404622_2eef4e9ded_k.jpgThe land train in Gorkogo Park, Permhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fd79-e5818-48847407012_f5033859a0_k.jpgGloriously luxurious hotel room in PermMy last bed was a bunk on a long-distance train2025-10-01T09:00:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/02/10/red-square-by-night/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e574-82e19-red_square_by_night.pngRussia 2019: Red Square by night | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41400-b0971-redsquarebynight.jpgRussia 2019: Red Square by night | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3866-1354f-48847221223_c2ebbee716_k.jpgPanorama of Red Square by daySorry about the blurry people in this panorama.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22fdd-5e55a-48847705447_c3d9376541_k.jpgNorth end of Red Square by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9fad-9911b-48847515571_ea7b057fc4_k.jpgThe Kremlin and Lenin's tomb by nightLook how light it is on the opposite side of the square!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20f29-ce85f-48847512371_6f28ea8232_k.jpgSt Basil's Cathedral illuminated at nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6c4f-7c87e-48847517606_ced583874b_k.jpgRed Square illuminated at nightThose lights on GUM are more blinding than this photo can show.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5e05-0f918-48847729427_7c38c7eac2_k.jpgKremlin glimpse from my hotel windowKremlin glimpse from my hotel window2025-10-01T09:00:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/07/09/how-much-did-my-three-weeks-in-russia-cost/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27090-68ef3-how_much_did_my_three_weeks_in_russia_cost.pngRussia 2019: How much did my three weeks in Russia cost? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ae8b-3b97a-russiacost.jpgRussia 2019: How much did Russia cost? | iamapolarbear.com2025-10-01T08:59:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/11/19/what-i-took-to-russia/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/768bc-7275b-packing_for_russia_on_hand_luggage_only.pngRussia 2019: Packing for Russia on hand luggage only | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f661d-6d5ea-russiapacking.pngPacking for Russia: hand luggage only | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ddc4b-d3bed-49287844327_2a5b44c850_o.jpgWearing my long round-necked black t-shirthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c972a-7da71-48846719661_19369ca873_k.jpgWearing my black pocket t-shirt & hoodiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b16aa-6b9ba-48794375128_53bb05586e_k.jpgWearing my red pocket t-shirt, hat and hiking trousershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef0c2-2700d-48847825247_c37dfe04f0_k.jpgAll packed and carrying all my luggagehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c61f-ab14b-48794964797_05e1675330_k.jpgAll the smaller bits of my Russia packing spread on a hotel bed2025-10-01T08:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/23/overcoming-the-russian-language-barrier/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f4ff-10721-overcoming_the_russian_language_barrier.pngRussia 2019: overcoming the Russian language barrier | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/353a2-62833-russianlaugagebarrier.pngOvercoming the Russian language barrier | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27830-b3142-45077891194_dc5cb2d5e0_k.jpgBilingual sign on the Kyiv metroBilingual sign on the Kyiv metrohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3797d-28fbd-48784717002_3156ce0fbd_k.jpg"Sushi" and "pizza", two words I learnt from Duolingo's alphabet module"Sushi" and "pizza", two words I learnt from Duolingo's alphabet modulehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2eead-b9b28-48846348923_e7a4d2a8be_k.jpgThe Azimut Hotel in Murmansk"The big hotel across the road"https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd167-4f038-48784188813_c3a4c8c208_k.jpgKFC poster at the station2025-10-01T08:58:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/02/05/how-i-learned-to-love-paris/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/how_i_learned_to_love_paris.jpgHow I learned to love Paris | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/925d6-a878b-loveparis.pngHow I learnt to love Paris title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cabcf-12010-paris5.jpgLooking at the Eiffel Tower, 2018https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed085-4ed9e-paris4.jpgWaffles at Paris Trocadero 2002https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00ea1-051c4-paris3.jpgOn the roof of Galeries Lafayette in 2002https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59458-862cd-paris1.jpgMe in Paris in 2004You're just going to have to take my word for this being Paris in the summer of 2004.2025-09-19T11:21:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/02/08/i-went-up-the-eiffel-tower-in-the-dark/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/i_went_up_the_eiffel_tower_in_the_dark.jpgI went up the Eiffel Tower... in the dark! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f76a5-a7794-eiffeltower.jpgEiffel Tower in the dark header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93700-4362a-et15.jpgThe Eiffel Tower by night from Trocadero Gardenshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60b2e-f6c31-et14.jpgView from inside the Eiffel Tower's north legView from inside the Eiffel Tower's north leghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1f76-50a3c-et13.jpgLooking straight down the glass floor of the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a500-f238f-et12.jpgParis by night from the first floor of the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9706b-1a0af-et11.jpgParis by night from the first floor of the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00882-315ab-et10.jpgGlass floor on the first floor of the Eiffel Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0936-ba5f9-et9.jpgParisian macaronshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43837-e6af1-et8.jpgParis by night from the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower2025-09-19T11:19:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/02/22/on-top-of-the-arc-de-triomphe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/on_top_of_the_arc_de_triomphe.jpgOn top of the Arc de Triomphe | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d838-9ce75-arc.jpgI went up the Arc de Triomphe title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9b16-e4c97-arc20.jpgArc de Triomphe up closehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd84b-4c24f-arc19.jpgArc de Triomphe up closehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1489f-eb19f-arc18-1.jpgThe view from the camera under the Arc de Triomphehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff365-02617-arc17.jpgCamera under the Arc de Triomphehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e8f2-1f87f-arc16.jpgCamera under the Arc de Triomphehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c6bd-4a7c8-arc15.jpgArc de Triomphe spiral stairshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd3a3-2d3e4-arc14.jpgThe roof of the Arc de Triomphehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9293-f0b38-arc13.jpgMe on top of the Arc de Triomphe2025-09-19T11:17:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/21/what-is-the-best-solid-conditioner-bar/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb051-57594-what_is_the_best_solid_conditioner_bar.jpgWhat is the best solid conditioner bar? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2a58-0d648-54079045977_72f01f348b_k.jpgA pile of conditioner bars in various shapes, sizes and colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49b75-9bb6d-my_solid_haircare_bag.jpgFour pictures. From top left going clockwise - a small orange nylon drawstring bag, a round Lush tin, a square Lush tin, a grey mat made up of thousands of squiggles of plastic strands.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8cbb-c8208-alter_native_solid_conditioner_bar.jpgThe Alter/Native conditoiner bar. The top picture is of a cardboard box in shades of reddish-brown and blue (it's the shampoo bar box but it's identical to the conditioner box, which I've lost). Below is the bar itself, which is an off-white rectangular bar worn into odd shapes by a lot of use.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9450b-0e623-ethique_solid_conditioner_bar.jpgThe Ethique conditioner bar, a small green heart-shaped bar in the lower picture. In the top picture is a darker green square paper box which contains four different heart-shaped solid bars as samples.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac200-edcda-lush_solid_conditioner_bar.jpgAn oval yellow-gold conditioner bar in the palm of my hand. It looks like it's made of compressed yellow chips of various shades from banana to amber.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/106f2-f32fa-kit.sch_solid_conditioner_bar.jpgThe Kit.Sch conditioner bar. Above is the box, an off-brown with coconut oil in foiled gold letters. Below is a slightly orange-tinted bar in the shape of several concentric u-shapes, like a rainbow folded exactly in half and pressed tightly together.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6215f-41d03-kinkind_solid_conditioner_bar.jpgThe KinKind conditioner bar - in the top picture is the orange-beige box with its name in big dark brown letters and in the lower picture is an oval white bar with sheer square sides.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1551e-eaa49-faith_in_nature_solid_conditioner_bar.jpgTwo pictures of the Faith In Nature conditioner bar. In the top one, it is in the box, a cardboard box with green and hot pink leaves drawn cartoon-style on it. In the bottom picture is a slightly rounded rectangular bar with the Faith in Nature logo stamped into it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1a1ea-83337-kit.sch_conditioner_bar.jpgThe Kit.Sch conditioner bar. Above is the box, an off-brown with coconut oil in foiled gold letters. Below is a slightly orange-tinted bar in the shape of several concentric u-shapes, like a rainbow folded exactly in half and pressed tightly together.2026-03-16T15:19:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/22/the-icelandic-eruption-is-happening/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e169-d389d-eruptionhappening.pngThe Icelandic eruption is happening! | iamapolarbear.com2025-07-16T14:59:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/04/iceland-is-erupting-again/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bcda7-b92ee-icelanderuptingagain.pngIceland is erupting again! | iamapolarbear.com2025-07-16T14:59:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/19/volcano-special-sundhnukagigar/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/780d9-b7ffe-volcano_special.pngVolcano special: Sundhnúkagígar | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6abf5-f8363-closure_notice.pngA screenshot from the safetravel.is website, where a page on the new eruption is mostly blacked out and all you can see clearly is a red pop-up box asking you to stay away.2025-07-16T14:59:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/21/icelands-having-another-eruption/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fagradalsfjall_lava.jpgA valley filled with fairly solid but still steaming lava. The valley itself is now quite shallow and the mountain sides are grey-green.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/closeup_of_eruption-2.jpgA close-up (taken with a zoom lens) of lava dancing in the crater of a tiny newborn volcano.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/closeup_of_eruption-1.jpgcloseup_of_eruptionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/closeup_of_eruption.jpgcloseup_of_eruption2025-07-16T14:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/14/how-i-started-solo-female-travelling/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/how_i_started_solo_female_travelling.jpgHow I started solo female travelling | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dogsledding_in_svalbard.jpgMe, in a lot of warm layers, some of them reflective, posing on the back of an empty dogsled in a circle of torchlight in the November darkness.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/in_stocks_at_trakai_castle.jpgMe in the stocks at Trakai Castle, wearing jeans and the sheepskin mittens I bought three years earlier for my Finland trip.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/helsinki_seafront.jpgHelsinki seafront, as seen from a boat entering the harbour as the sun begins to set in the winter afternoon.There isn't a single picture of me from this trip.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lugano_boat_group.jpgMe with my Anglophone triplets (and one of their mums) on a boat on the lake at Lugano, with a beautiful lumpy mountain behind us.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/paris_waffle_photo.jpgA faded photo, in a frame with 3D aliens and spaceships on it, of my friends at the Trocadero in Paris eating waffles. I've only just realised I'm not in the photo which means I was the one taking it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/italy_2000.jpgA picture of me in a dark blue top and black fingerless gloves posing with my hands each side of my face. This is a film photo from the spring of 2000 so I have red eyes and a bit of light leak around the edge.We were children! I can't believe we did this!2025-07-14T12:00:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/07/07/an-iceland-itinerary-for-people-who-get-facebook-to-do-all-their-research/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/an_iceland_itinerary_for_people_who_get_facebook_to_do_all_their_research.jpgAn Iceland Itinerary for people who get Facebook to do all their research | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/arnarstapi.jpgArnarstapi, a small village with a little white house making the focal point for two mountains behind it, one a grey-brown dusty pyramid and one a snow-covered volcano.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/snowmobiling.jpgMe in a black snowsuit and black helmet with black visor, sitting on a red snowmobilie on a background of snow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sky_lagoon.jpgThe Sky Lagoon, with just enough mist hanging over it that you can't tell where it ends. To the leftt, it's actually an infinity effect out to sea; to the right, cliffs form the back of the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lava_master_playing_with_lava.jpgA white-hot stream of lava on a steel slide, the only illumination in the room. The Lava Master is holding up a trickle of it on the end of a long steel pole.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/icebergs_in_jokulsarlon.jpgJökulsárló as seen from a hillock. The water is vast and flat and very blue and there are chunks of ice floating around in it - icebergs of various colours, decorations, shapes and sizes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/seljavallalaug_selfie.jpgA selfie in the slightly green, slightly opaque water of Seljavallalaug. The green-covered mountain behind it forms the back wall, there's a little white hut for changing and behind that are more green mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/thingvellir.jpgA view across Þingvellir from the viewpoint. To the left are low black cliffs and then the rest is a wide green pasture until it meets the mountains on the horizon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/stokkur_erupting.jpgStrokkur erupting so far it goes off the top of the vertical photo. Lots of tourists are gathered in a circle around the geysir.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/blue_lagoon_selfie.jpgA selfie in the Blue Lagoon, the water much the same colour as the blue sky above me and a heavy mist sitting over the water.2025-07-07T11:18:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/26/what-to-do-in-reykjavik-when-you-have-an-early-flight/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/what_to_do_in_reykjavik_when_you_have_an_early_flight.jpgWhat to do in Reykjavik when you have an early flight | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/icelandic_books.jpgA pile of Icelandic books, including sagas, crime and a mini picture book of the 2021 eruption, all in a neat pile on top of an Iceland map with another map as the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/hallgrimskirkja_views.jpgViews across snowy Reykjavik and the bay to where snow-covered Esja gleams in the winter sun, as seen from the top of Hallgrimskirkja's tower.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/viking_dress_up.jpgMe wearing a red Viking-style tunic over my modern hiking trousers and boots, brandishing a sword two-thirds my own height.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/lava_show.jpgGlowing lava slides down a stainless steel slide into the darkened theatre of the Lava Show while a Lava Master in goggles pokes it with a steel pole.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sundhollin.jpgSundhollin, a big white Art Deco pool housing Reykjavik's oldest swimming pool. On the balcony out the front are two hot tubs hidden behind frosted glass balconies.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sky_lagoon_sauna.jpgInside the Sky Lagoon sauna which has a massive floor-to-ceiling window forming the seaward wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/blue_lagoon_selfie.jpgA selfie taken from above in the Blue Lagoon. The water is an opaque whiteish blue-green and it's very misty.2025-06-25T19:39:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/06/05/stupid-questions-you-were-afraid-to-ask-the-first-time-you-went-to-iceland-summer-edition/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/stupid_questions_you_were_afraid_to_ask_about_iceland_summer.jpgStupid questions you were afraid to ask the first time you went to Iceland (summer edition) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/passport_control_at_keflavik.jpgPassport control at Keflavik - a row of booths all flashing CLOSED above them plus hundreds of those shiny new machines that every airport seems to have still in their plastic wrappers. It's deserted because it's all still closed off and all the passengers on my plain are queueing for four booths off to the left of the photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/highlands_road.jpgA road in the Highlands, a kind of grey desert, dotted with small boulders and nothing discernable as a road.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/diamond_beach_without_many_diamonds.jpgA few small chunks of ice lying on a beach made of black sand, with an overexposed river flowing past behind them. This is the famous Diamond Beach, where the "diamond" content varies hugely from that advertised by social media.This was what it looked like the day I was there. Not exactly bejewelled.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/almost_behind_seljalandsfoss.jpgA view from the path that leads behind Seljalandsfoss, showing the waterfall like a big piece of white lace falling down between the open air and the cave, with the plains looking unusually bright green "behind" (in front of) it all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/gullfoss_from_above.jpgA view across the massive Gullfoss waterfall as seen from the viewpoint at the top, main car park, level. There's a path down below leading to a rock sticking out into the middle of the waterfall and you need to walk down metal steps to get to that path, unless you park at the lower car park.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/sky_lagoon_sunset.jpgThe Sky Lagoon at sunset, with an explosion of pastel blues, pinks and yellows reflecting on the water. In the foreground, two glasses of pink wine are almost silhouetted against the cliff edge that forms the inside of the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/swimming_in_the_blue_lagoon.jpgMe swimming in the Blue Lagoon, which is almost exactly the blue of the sky above it, with enough haze coming off the hot water to blur the line between the two. I also have a blurred line but mine is improperly washed-off algae mask along my hairline.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10pm_in_iceland_in_july.jpgA lake in the north of Iceland at 10pm on July 31st 2016. Although there's quite a thick layer of clouds, you can see the sky behind and it's the pale pink/pale yellow of early sunset.This is 10pm on a cloudy evening on July 31st. It's not going to get dark.2025-06-04T16:16:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/05/29/dont-be-a-grockle-how-to-be-a-good-tourist-in-the-west-country/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/how_not_to_be_a_grockle.jpgDon't be a grockle: how to be a good tourist in the West Country | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/saunton_sands_selfie.jpgA selfie on the beach at Saunton. My hair is a much more unnatural shade of red than usual and I'm wearing a blue fleece. The beach is vast behind me and just wet enough to look a bit like glass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dorset_car_park.jpgAn almost completely empty car park in Dorset in July. Admittedly, it's not quite 9am and it's a grey morning but it's going to get better later on.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ice_cream_in_cornwall.jpgAn ice cream from a local ice cream shop by the cove in Port Isaac.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bude_at_high_tide.jpgBude at high tide, the huge beach completely obliterated by the tide.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sup_at_sea.jpgMe sitting on a stand-up paddleboard out on a beautiful turquoise sea. I'm wearing a buoyancy aid because I'm neither an idiot nor a grockle.2025-05-29T08:54:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/28/travel-library-steeple-chasing-by-peter-ross/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/steeple_chasing_peter_ross.jpgThe cover of Steeple Chasing by Peter Ross on my tablet. It has a largely green and yellow woodcut scene of hills and trees and a big church in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/steeple_chasing_by_peter_ross.jpgTravel Library: Steeple Chasing by Peter Ross | iamapolarbear.com2025-04-03T14:16:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/05/27/how-to-cope-with-emetophobia-on-a-plane/2025-04-03T14:09:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/02/what-i-thought-of-my-new-walking-boots/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2595-09c94-newbootreivew.jpgNew boot review title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fe44-2a1c7-p1050445.jpgMammut GTX Women's bootshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4321e-c3b66-p1050442.jpgMammut GTX Women's bootshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ec98-50159-p1050448.jpgMammut GTX Women's bootshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8065d-faca0-p1050446.jpgMammut GTX Women's boot soleshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e028-32e82-p1050444.jpgMammut GTX Women's bootshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b019-b2a51-boots1.jpgMammut Women's GTX boots2025-04-02T16:29:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/12/07/solid-shampoo-conditioner/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5dfc8-dfc65-solidshampoo.pngUseful Travel Items: solid shampoo & conditioner | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5428-7dfac-50600464402_1db25b9d47_k.jpgLush solid shampoo & conditioner barshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0b65-9a92e-50599545133_b11222b4a7_k.jpgAlter/Native solid shampoo & conditioner barshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/569fa-959a5-50599526168_0a33023613_k.jpgEthique solid shampoo & conditioner bars trial pack2025-04-02T16:28:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/17/crocs-are-the-best-glamping-shoes/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7546-bbe54-crocs.pngUseful Travel Items: Crocs are the best glamping shoe | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67ba3-1664e-51877143333_0840cced7b_c.jpgMy Crocs confirmation email, with my order number rubbed out.Evidence!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b822c-f9250-51873480959_233292a512_k.jpgMy red Crocs on the ground at the bottom of the steps leading up to the hot tub. I'm in the hot tub, leaning over the edge to take the photo of them (you can't see me; I'm behind the camera).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bbfb3-5a95f-51868376830_ae6a65729f_k.jpgMe, in the same oversized jeans and red t-shirt, sitting in a wooden chair outside the shepherd's hut. My feet are propped up on the rusty lid of my covered fire pit, wearing the red Crocs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4da0-86026-51867734871_899c9a4c39_k.jpgMe, sitting on the steps of a green shepherd's hut in the sun. I'm wearing a red t-shirt and blue jeans which are both big and baggy and unflattering, with red Crocs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f30e-8cacc-51868393110_2977226494_k.jpgMe, in a navy fleece and black trousers and red Crocs, crouched by the hot tub, watching how my log fire is getting on.My camera has been a bit sticky lately and I didn't realise the lens wasn't entirely uncovered when I took these photos.2025-04-02T16:28:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/07/useful-travel-items-the-mini-passport-bag/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/791cb-f5a7d-mini_passport_bag.jpgUseful Travel Items: the mini passport bag | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f5c6-7ee39-front_of_the_passport_bag.jpgThe front of the bag. There's a flap in the navy fabric folded down over the navy part of the front and you can just see the yellow lower front.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0486-dc437-wearing_my_passport_bag.jpgMe, wearing my big dark green Eldhestar t-shirt and the finished bag which has a matching yellow webbing strap.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12123-91c74-back_of_the_passport_bag.jpgThe back of the bag. It's in dark blue fabric patterned with hexagons and bees. Near the top, there's a pale blue zip so I can put things in the back. If you look carefully, there are tiny bee charms attached to the zip pulls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2dbcd-bae85-inside_the_passport_bag.jpgInside my bag. A zip encloses the lot. The middle pocket is the yellow flowery fabric and then on each sides there's the actual bag insides, which are lined in glittery navy blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11466-1e01f-bottom_of_bag.jpgThe bottom corner of the bag, showing two pouches, both in yellow with blue flowers and bees and the back in a dark blue fabric.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ffec1-b676d-all_the_pieces_of_my_passport_bag.jpgAll the pieces of the bag ready to be put together. They're all stubby rectangles in various blue and yellow bee fabrics, except the liners which are glittery navy blue. They're all laid out on my desk with the front on top, the back underneath and the middle at the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/55123-94f1c-first_pieces_of_passport_bag.jpgI only took two photos of the process. This is two pieces of yellow mid-fabric sewn good sides together down the long edges and a piece of pale blue fabric sewn down one of the short edges.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49eb4-3fe31-sides_of_original_bag.jpgThe side/bottom of the bag showing how it's two rectangular bags sewn back to back.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31e4f-a5496-fat_quarter_bag_options.jpgA pile of fat quarters folded into square. There's a pile of blue and yellow bee fabric, a pile of rainbows and unicorns, a pile of orange and blue diggers and cogs and on top, a pile of blue fabric with dinosaurs, palm trees and coordinating blue geometric shapes. I opted for the bee fabric.2025-04-02T16:28:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/09/samsung-galaxy-tab-s6-lite-review-is-it-a-good-travel-laptop-replacement/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc832-79425-samsung_galaxy_tab_s6_lite_review.jpgSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite review: is it a good travel laptop | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5a4e-1f26b-lock_screen.jpgHolding the tablet up. The pen is stuck by magnets to the right side and the screen shows the lock screen, with the factory background of a sort of rainbow-coloured floating blob.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1994d-df3ab-tablet_in_its_case.jpgMy tablet, lying on my desk, in its case. The case is leather-effect, folded over to enclose tablet, removal magnetic keyboard and S-pen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5809-c74eb-watching_tv_on_my_tablet.jpgA close up of me sitting holding the tablet. I'm actually at my desk but if I wasn't wearing the same clothes as in all the pictures, you might think I'm on a plane. My elbows are tucked in, I'm holding the tablet horizontally in both hands and an episode of Tough Boats in Egypt is on the screen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7df81-67eaa-writing_on_the_tablet.jpgThe camera is positioned above my head looking down at me sitting at my desk. I'm holding my tablet in my hands and writing on its screen with the S-pen, which looks like a slim black pen. I'm wearing a yellow jumper under the green dungarees you'll have seen several times lately and my hair is plaited.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4422-2a0e7-tablet_dashboard.jpgMy tablet, in its case so it stands up like a laptop. The keyboard is illuminated underneath in bright blue and on the screen are widgets showing the time and date, the weather, the next two weeks of my calendar and what Notion pages I've opened recently.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad05a-c4f07-tablet_on_my_desk.jpgMe sitting at my desk wearing a yellow jumper. In the middle is a black laptop on a white plastic stand. To the right, from my POV, is a second screen. To the left is my tablet, standing up in its case. I'm fiddling with it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6102c-e9cd7-tablet_in_the_hotel.jpgMe lying sprawled on a bed with blue covers. I'm wearing green dungarees covered in garden tools and plants and I've got my tablet in laptop mode.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17b0c-4647e-2022-11-01_09-47-08_copy_1000x7507623327788110547257.jpg2022-11-01_09-47-08_copy_1000x75076233277881105472572025-04-02T16:28:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/09/which-gopro-mount-should-i-get-for-travel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9eca-89ba8-gopro_on_handler.jpgMy GoPro on the Handler, held up to the camera in front of a tiled wall. It's a waterproof camera on a mount designed for water. Take the photo in the bathroom!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fcb10-07549-gopro_on_gorillapod_on_ladder.jpgMy GoPro Hero 8 Black attached to a small Gorillapod with a tripod adaptor. The tripod's ball-joint legs are wrapped around the side of a ladder leaning against a wall on my landing. It's counting down from a three second timer photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2840e-ed9e2-gopro_mount_for_travel.jpgWhich GoPro mount should I get for travel? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9dd2-89f49-paragliding_with_long_remote_selfie_stick.jpgA paragliding selfie taken from a GoPro on a long selfie stick with remote control. I'm wearing pink trousers and red goggles and hanging in mid-air above a town and a mountain range. Behind me is my pilot, in a green jacket, holding onto the ropes of the canopy that's keeping us at this height.Extra-long selfie stick with remote control for paragliding selfies.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9ca6-be8b0-horseriding_with_chest_harness.jpgIt's a wet day with the cloud touching the horizon behind me. I'm sitting on a small bedraggled brown horse, wearing a bright orange rubbery waterproof suit and a helmet, wearing my GoPro on a chest harness.Horseriding using the chest mount.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe38d-f4f5c-selfie_with_gopro_head_marks.jpgAfter taking the camera off. I'm very happy, now with land in the background, but there are three or four lines of Ws across my forehead where the grip on the back of the head mount has left marks.... but this is what happens when you take it off.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13d33-21864-kayaking_with_gopro_on_head.jpgSelfie taken on my phone through a misty waterproof case showing me wearing a GoPro on my head, along with an orange buoyancy aid and a navy & hot pink sailing jacket. The day is cloudy and the sea is a kind of blueish grey.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a986a-99d56-selfie_with_handler.jpgA selfie on a wet day where brown-grassed mountains are almost hidden by low cloud. I'm taking a selfie with my hiking guide using my GoPro and Handler.My "proper" camera hated the rain so I filmed the mountain hike on this day using my GoPro and Handler.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/449ed-46f03-sea_swimming_with_handler.jpgSea swimming with the Handler mount. I'm swimming in a greenish-blue sea reflecting the bright blue sky overhead, with an orange tow float behind me and my right arm held out to take the photos.2025-04-02T16:27:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/09/27-uniqlo-down-jacket-vs-icelandic-winter/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38155-5ad9f-down_jacket.jpg£27 Uniqlo down jacket vs Icelandic winter | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a51b-99c47-me_at_thorufoss.jpgMe, silhouetted against a low winter sun, wearing the jacket in a gorgeous snow-covered landscape with a waterfall behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c666-18823-bits_and_pieces.jpgThe jacket, top left, stuffed into its bag among the miscellaneous stuff I took to Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5451a-ffddf-evening_walk_selfie.jpgWearing my down jacket on my evening walk. I'm wearing a bright pink t-shirt underneath, my green #tomhat brioche beanie and my usual plaits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/776ad-e539d-selfie_in_the_ice_cave.jpgA selfie inside an ice cave wearing my big down jacket. The light is blue and darker than is ideal for a selfie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5ead-734ef-selfie_by_tjornin.jpgA timer selfie by the side of a lake, in a snowy park. I'm wearing a colourful long scarf and matching hat but I'm also wearing my black down jacket.2025-04-02T16:27:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/02/17/i-own-a-heated-jacket-do-i-like-it/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea4d8-4a326-heatedjacket.jpgI own a heated jacket: do I like it? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/474f1-77541-49435630722_e988a69f85_k.jpgHeated coat in Londonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e948-1c9b5-49326849426_b5280ce984_k.jpgFull-length photo of heated coat hiking in Switzerlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54ea4-098c0-49327164172_b433b07358_k.jpgHeated coat in the snow in Switzerlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25f9b-a1ca2-49434869563_cff8529262_k.jpgWearing my heated coat (in red hot mode) in LondonCoat in London in hottest (red) mode2025-04-02T16:26:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/10/15/osprey-farpoint-40-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3231f-ed9da-farpoint40.jpgOsprey Farpoint 40 review title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71192-9f609-farpoint407.jpgOsprey Farpoint 40The front of the bag, with compression straps covering pocketshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48c14-c2b19-farpoint406.jpgOsprey Farpoint 40Inside the main compartmenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/858d8-c4c88-farpoint405.jpgOsprey Farpoint 40Inside the middle laptop pockethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7ef4-8f27d-farpoint404.jpgOsprey Farpoint 40Inside the small front pockethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be2b0-9af30-farpoint403.jpgOsprey Farpoint 40Shoulder straps out, covering flap rolled awayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/079e8-2e7a7-farpoint402.jpgOsprey Farpoint 40The back of the bag with shoulder straps hidden away. Note shoulder strap, top and side carrying handles.2025-04-02T16:26:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/23/why-i-like-and-how-i-use-35mm-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/why_i_like_and_how_i_use_35mm_film.jpgWhy I like and how I use 35mm film | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ihagee_exakta.jpgHolding up the last camera, another old-fashioned black & chrome one, this one with a fold-out waist-level viewfinder folded up on top like a little tower so I can look through it while holding it at eye level.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/miranda_sensorex.jpgNow holding up a much larger, much heavier and much visibly older camera, with a black and chrome body and a large removable lens. I'm holding down the shutter button with my right forefinger; it's on the front right next to the lens.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/kodak_m35.jpgMe again, this time holding out a yellow plastic film camera in front of me. It has a black switch for sliding the flash on or off.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/olympus_trip_md3.jpgMe in a yellow hoodie holding up a black 90s point-and-shoot film camera. The picture was taken on my phone yesterday and yet has a weird blueish tinge that almost makes it look like it was also taken on film.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dubrovnik_selfie.jpgA selfie on the seaward side of Dubrovnik. I'm wearing a pink hat straw hat and a pink flowery dress and the sea behind and below me is vivid turquoise.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/wroclaw_square.jpgThe market square in Wrocław, with all its tall ornate merchant buildings. The picture definitely has a yellow-orange tinge that wasn't there in real life.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/suomenlinna.jpgThe southern point of Suomenlinna, where the sea meets the island and the massive walls of the fortress.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/badeschiff_selfie.jpgA selfie with the usual film graininess taken with Berlin's Badeschiff in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/miranda_timer_selfie.jpgA timer selfie on the concrete between the garages and the allotments because there's a low wall to put the camera on. I'm wearing a midi-length fleece skirt in dark grey with lighter grey pebble-circles on it and a black down jacket. It's an experiment, not a photoshoot.2025-03-24T17:14:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/27/what-i-wear-when-im-travelling/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/what_i_wear_when_im_travelling.jpgWhat I wear when I'm travelling | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/baby_g_at_vok.jpgMy black & pink Baby G watch in the pool at Vök Baths. I'm actually taking a photo of the nice blue branded Vök Baths electronic wristband but the watch comes with it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/baby_g.jpgMy black Baby G watch in the greenish waters of the Forest Lagoon. I'm actually taking a photo of the blue wristband that the Forest Lagoon uses on account of it being the old ones from the Blue Lagoon before they upgraded to nice soft silicone.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dubrovnik_dress_and_hat.jpgA selfie in the streets of Dubrovnik. I'm wearing a short dress covered in big bold pink flowers and an enormous pink straw hat with a floppy brim.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/unworn_hiking_boots.jpgMy mountain boots while I sit on the floor of Gatwick Airport. They're dark grey with pink laces and loops and they're pristine because they've never done any serious hiking - this was June 2018 so they don't look like that anymore.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/lava_field_selfie.jpgA timer selfie on a lava field. I'm wearing my bucket hat, sunglasses, black Solo crop top with a brown and black checked shirt open over it, my hiking trousers unzipped to shorts and my sandals. This is Iceland and it's a rare really hot day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hverir_ootd.jpgA selfie taken using the back of the car as a tripod. I'm wearing my bucket hat, sunglasses, black Solo crop top, my hiking trousers zipped off into shorts and grey hiking boots.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hoodie_in_mtskheta.jpgA selfie down by a fairly wide river in Mtskheta, Georgia, wearing my red pocket hoodie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/down_jacket_in_helsinki.jpgMe standing in front of a rusty old gun emplacement, wearing my down jacket with sandals because I'm cold but also hot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rainbow_top.jpgIn a cafe in Budapest, with a bottle of Fanta and a straw, wearing my bright rainbow-striped top.2025-02-27T10:06:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/13/why-you-should-learn-some-first-aid-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/why_you_should_learn_some_first_aid.jpgWhy you should learn some first aid | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chickens.jpgTwo chickens. A colourful cockerel is exiting the coop while a fluffy white one is entering, so that you can't see its head. Neither is shrieking.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/taylor_swift_controlling_the_crowd.jpgTaylor Swift on the reputation tour, wearing a sequinned mini dress in purple-blue, standing on stage on the edge of a fountain, microphone held up before her, dancers standing behind her. She's controlling the crowd, both the ones swirling around her during This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things and the tens of thousands of people screaming in Wembley stadium.Am I (out of desperation) using Taylor Swift as an example of someone controlling a crowd? Yes, I am.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/brownie_first_aid_badge.jpgA rubber duck wearing a blue neckerchief and a Brownie promise badge, sitting on two Skills Builder badge cards. The one on the left is called Lie back and recover and is about teaching the recovery position. The one on the right is called DR ABC and is about responding to an emergency.2025-02-13T10:13:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/20/how-to-spend-a-day-at-landmannalaugar/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/how_to_spend_a_day_at_landmannalaugar.jpgHow to spend a day at Landmannalaugar | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hot_water_coming_in.jpgA steaming hot stream flowing into the pool from next to the lava field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/changing_bench.jpgThe changing bench, a flimsy wooden structure, seen from the pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/me_in_the_pool.jpgMe, in a bright orange and hot pink swimsuit, sitting in the pool. The water is a bit murky and slightly blue and behind me is the start of a lava field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/green_canyon.jpgA yellowish-beige gravel plain running along the edge of a lava field to a grey-green mountain streaked with a little orange that turns to a big block of dark green rock at the canyon entrance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/laugavegur_trail.jpgA dirt track running across a moss-green field and up and over moss-green hills towards the mountains in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/green_grass_and_blue_sky_at_landmannalaugar_pool.jpgA meadow of green grass and white flowers in the foreground, yellow and green striped mountains in the distance and a blue sky over it all. There's also a row of cars and tents between meadow and mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cars_at_landmannalaugar.jpgA lot of cars parked behind the campsite at Landmannalaugar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mountain_mall.jpgThe Mountain Mall, two dark green American school buses with a little ladder sticking out of the back. You can't actually see the second one because of the angle the first is at.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tent_weighed_down_at_landmannalaugar.jpgMy little yellow tent, with its patch of grass just sticking out underneath it. It's got far too many guy ropes and they're far too long and there are rocks on every corner of the tent and every peg to make sure it holds up against Landmannalaugar's winds.2025-02-10T15:51:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/06/bath-roman-baths-how-to-actually-bathe-like-a-roman/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bath_roman_baths_how_to_actually_bathe_like_a_roman.jpgBath Roman Baths: how to actually bathe like a Roman | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/roman_bath_selfie.jpgA selfie with the main bathing pool. I'm wearing a yellow jumper and my hair is wet from spending the morning in the Thermae Spa.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/roman_vessels.jpgA collection of Roman cups, bowls and pots, either used around the Bath or thrown into the Spring as an offering.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/curse_tablet_translations.jpgA panel showing sketches of various curse tablets with explanations of what they say on them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/roman_drain.jpgWater pouring out of the Roman drain, a brick half-arch with the bottom half filled with thick orange mineral deposits. The water pours over the edge and into a channel that takes it away from the bath complex and into the river. I can feel the heat coming off this picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/pediment_gorgon_head.jpgA carved stone male head with either snakes encircling his face or a lot of wild hair. The pediment is broken but there are enough pieces remaining to see that he was surrounded by two wreaths.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/roman_gym.jpgThe projection of a Roman man leaping on what looks like the world's shortest running track, next to a column telling visitors about gym activities here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mens_cold_bath.jpgThe men's cold bath, with some water in it. There are steep steps down from the opposite side and presumably the bath would have been filled a lot more than this.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/intact_hypocaust.jpgThe intact hypocaust - lots of stacks of reddish tiles which would once have held up a floor, with steam and hot flowing freely between the stacks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/womens_hot_room.jpgThe remains of the hot room at the women's end of the complex, with white and red panelling clearly added fairly recently. The Roman floor and hypocaust is enhanced by a projection showing women lounging, being massaged and scraped etc.2025-02-06T10:30:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/02/03/bathing-like-a-roman-how-good-is-bath-thermae-spa/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bathing_like_a_roman_how_good_is_bath_thermae_spa.jpgBathing like a Roman: how good is Bath Thermae Spa? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/inside_cross_bath.jpgInside the Cross Bath, which is a yellow stone building with a glass panel allowing you to look in from outside. The pool is oval, bright blue and open to the sky. There's a glass ball set into the end of the pool and this dances as the Cross Spring comes up underneath it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/phone_pouch.jpgA grey pouch with a green circle at the top of the two flaps that open for insertion of phone. This is currently locked and I took it in the old-fashioned way with my camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rooftop_pool_from_abbey_tower.jpgThe view from the Abbey tower. Towards the middle of the picture is a splash of bright blue - this is the rooftop pool.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/thermae_front.jpgThe frontage of Thermae Spa, a yellow stone Georgian-style building with columns holding up a small roof over the entrance.2025-02-03T11:34:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/30/things-you-shouldnt-do-in-iceland-without-a-professional-guide/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/things_you_shouldnt_do_in_iceland_without_a_professiona_guide.jpgThings you shouldn't do in Iceland without a professional guide | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/divers_in_drysuits.jpgDivers in drysuits at the top of the stairs down into the fissure. They're all wearing drysuits, it's a very grey, cold-looking day, you can't see but the wind is howling and it is August 20th.Iceland on August 20th 2022https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/divers_in_silfra.jpgDivers in Silfra, one floating on his back with flippers sticking up, the others snorkelling along and looking down. Even from well above the water, you can see the shades of turquoise, blue and navy in the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/highland_road_in_january-1.jpgA road across the Highlands as seen through the windscreen of our big jeep. Immediately in front of us is just snow. The only evidence that this is a road is a sign, usually some six feet high, now barely poking out of the snow, warning of a double bend in the road and an advised limit of 40kph as you go round them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/expedition_coach_driving_into_a_river.jpgThe Asjka expedition coach teetering on the edge of the road, about to drive straight into a river.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/police_mountain_check.jpgA police 4x4 in a pumice desert with a volcano in the background, as seen through the front window of our jeep. Its occupants are checking that our driver has all the paperwork to be driving tourists around the Highlands (he does).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cave_exploring.jpgA group, dressed in orange boiler suits with reflective stripes across, reflecting white in the camera's flash, exploring a lava cave. In the foreground, a tourist in a helmet is sticking her hand up into a feature on the low ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glacier_tongue_height.jpgThe tongue of a glacier, fading out as it reaches its own terminal moraine. Look closely and you'll see people like little dots in front of it, giving you an idea of how big the glacier is, even right down here.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glacier_axe_pose.jpgMe posing on a glacier, which is also covered in black ash from the Eyjafjallajojull eruption two years earlier. I'm holding my axe as if I'm trying to smash it down into something but I'm clearly not pulling it back far enough and am just posing.2025-01-30T09:46:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2025/01/27/i-tried-a-sensory-deprivation-tank/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/i_tried_a_sensory_deprivation_tank.jpgI tried a sensory deprivation tank | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/flotation_tank_selfie-1.jpgA selfie with the tank. You can tell by my blue face that the room lighting is still blue but now the tank is lit with yellowish-white light, which still doesn't really show that the water is also yellowish - but it is!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/the_flotation_tank.jpgThe tank, a kind of space-age curved white plastic thing with a raised lid. The outside is dimly lit in blue but the inside of the tank is lit in a pinkish-orange light which disguises the fact that the water, which half-fills the tank, is slightly yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/limitless_float_southampton.jpgA small industrial unit just wide enough for a roller door to a loading bay and a single door with a vertical row of windows. It has a big number 65 over the whole thing and a smaller Limitless Float logo over the door.2025-01-27T11:24:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/30/2024-in-review-and-plans-for-2025/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024_in_review_and_plans_for_2025.jpg2024 in review & plans for 2025 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/daily_walk_selfie.jpgA selfie in a yellow hoodie and sunglasses down a shaded winter country lane.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/christmas_veg.jpgA dish of roasted carrots and parsnips (I grew the parsnips). Behind it is a plate of stuffing balls, turkey, gammon and pigs in blankets.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/with_catherine_at_tcas.jpgA selfie in a bar at the TCAs with Catherine, who's wearing a leafprinted dress. I'm wearing a sequinned blazer mini dress but you can't see much of it between the hair and the lighting - great blazes of pink across the picture.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_at_boat_club.jpgA selfie in a blue kayak. I'm wearing an orange and grey buoyancy aid, an orange and blue towline and a long-sleeved navy swimsuit underneath.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_on_brownsea.jpgA selfie on the beach just as sunset turns my face golden-pink. It's chilly enough that I'm wearing my down jacket but you can make out my Brownsea Island neckerchief and pink t-shirt underneath.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_in_southampton.jpgA timer selfie (probably using a bin as tripod) of me leaning over the railings around the Westfield shopping centre walkway as if I'm leaning on the rails of the imaginary cruise ship's deck.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_in_iceland.jpgA selfie in colourful knitwear and a yellow hoodie against a snowy scene and dark blue sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_in_budapest.jpgA selfie in a rainbow-striped top from a balloon overlooking the park in Budapest.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/selfie_in_warsaw.jpgA selfie in Warsaw in a pale blue t-shirt and a navy bucket hat in front of a Taylor Swift mural on the side of an apartment building.2024-12-30T10:58:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/26/what-i-got-for-christmas/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tomato_earrings.jpgA pair of hoop earrings with wood & resin tomatoes hanging from them, lying on a pink cotton bag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/life_on_svalbard.jpgA large hardback coffee table book called Life on Svalbard by Cecilia Blomdahl. A figure, probably Cecilia, wearing a yellow coat, is sitting on the side of a snowy mountain overlooking a small settlement while the Northern Lights arc overhead.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/church_going.jpgChurch Going by Andrew Ziminski, a hardback book with a cartoon of various church architecture in bright colours on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tiny_churches.jpgTiny Churches by Dixe Wills, a hardback book with the cover of the end of a church on it. The stained glass window is actually on the cover of the book itself which shows the altar and the inside of the church.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ships_of_heaven.jpgShips of Heaven by Christopher Somerville, a paperback book with a view across a field towards a cathedral in shades of blue and yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/thermal_top.jpgA bright blue long-sleeved thermal top with a slightly scooped neck.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/comfy_socks.jpgA pair of socks folded in half so you can see the green grippy stars on the bottom of one and the green stars and half of the word JOY on the other (the other half of JOY is on the side of the sock that's upside down).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/soap_leaves.jpgSoap leaves, like little sheets of paper, inside a mint-green oval case with a face like a cute little bear on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/what_i_got_for_christmas.jpgWhat I got for Christmas | iamapolarbear.com2024-12-26T15:26:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/23/travel-library-frigid-women-by-sue-victoria-riches/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/frigid_women_by_sue_and_victoria_riches.jpgTravel Library: Frigid Women by Sue & Victoria Riches | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/frigid_women_book.jpgThe cover of Frigid Women by Sue & Victoria Riches, displayed on my phone, held up against a background of snow. The book has the title in a black box at the bottom, the publisher in a red bar above that and then the majority of it is a scene of ice hillocks and two or three people with sledges making their way between them.2024-12-23T11:12:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/12/12/a-daycation-at-the-nici-bournemouth-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a_daycation_at_the_nici_bournemouth.jpgA Daycation at… The Nici, Bournemouth | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/changing_room_selfie.jpgA selfie in my robe in the empty off-white changing rooms.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/nici_lobby.jpgThe Nici lobby, which has a white hex-tiled floor, a white Christmas tree and views towards South Beach Restaurant, via an outer room with marbled bucket armchairs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/on_the_bournemouth_big_wheel.jpgMe, making a ridiculous face, somewhere near the top of the Bournemouth viewing wheel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chocolate_mess_pudding.jpgMy pudding, a square of something that looks a bit like chocolate mousse on a biscuit base, with an oval of beige ice cream next to it and some chocolate flakes and a wedge of honeycomb sticking out of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/in_south_beach_restaurant.jpgOur table in South Beach Restaurant. There are orange napkins and gold cutlery, wine glasses and water glasses. My sister, face unseen but wearing a pink and white dress, is studying the menu.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/old_harry_rocks_restaurant.jpgOld Harry Rocks restaurant, raised up above the outside pool. On the deck outside is a massive multi-coloured pizza oven.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/in_the_pool.jpgMy sister lounging in the water, which is gorgeously green-blue, very clear, showing off tiny tiles and with the sun glinting on it despite it being November.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/outdoor_pool.jpgThe Nici's outdoor pool, a long off-blue rectangle stretching away from the steps leading to the restaurant. At the end of the pool are some trees and beyond that, the sea and the low winter sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/changing_cubicles.jpgThe changing cubicles at the Nici, two small off-white rooms with full-wall mirrors and a little round padded chair holding the door open.2024-12-08T17:48:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/25/how-to-visit-the-icelandic-volcano-without-annoying-ice-sar/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/inside_the_volcano-1.jpgA photo taken from somewhere inside a volcano's empty magma chamber, looking up at the tiny hole in the ceiling where I descended in a window washer's basket. It's all a bit more greyish-yellowish than I might expect but otherwise looks exactly like you'd imagine the inside of a volcano to look.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/closeup_of_lava_lake.jpgAn extreme close-up of orange lava splashing around in a black volcanic crater. It's actually taken from around 400m away with my good zoom lens.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tourists_on_last_years_lava.jpgTourists walking on the half-made path towards the 2022 eruption, which is seen on the horizon as a haze of smoke. In the foreground, on the right-hand side, is a tongue of year-old lava with plenty of tourists walking around on top of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/laugavegur_snowstorm.jpgA photo taken in Iceland on June 25th 2018. It's a group of people hiking in the mountains while a white-out snowstorm brews behind them. In the foreground, you can see snowflakes swirling. In an hour, this picture will just be whiteness with no features at all.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/safetravel_is_alerts.jpgA screenshot from the safetravel.is website. There's a big red bar across the top to warn that there's an eruption going on and a red box with travel alerts.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/building_the_path.jpgTwo tourists pausing to take a photo of the signpost before heading off on the path that's literally still being made - there's a digger on the other side pulling a big pile of gravel together.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/volcano_tour_group.jpgA tour group walking along the bath as seen from above. Most of them are wearing fluorescent orange vests.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/volcano_selfie.jpgA selfie with a very small volcano behind me. There's orange lava bubbling in the crater and a cloud of blueish smoke coming off it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/how_to_visit_the_icelandic_volcano_without_annoying_ice-sar.jpgHow to visit the Icelandic volcano without annoying ICE-SAR | iamapolarbear.com2024-12-07T11:23:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/home/2024-12-06T07:01:19+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/contact-2/2024-12-06T07:01:17+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/blog-2/2024-12-06T07:01:16+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/08/a-reintroduction-to-me/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f681-f71c7-a_reintroduction_to_me.jpgA reintroduction to me! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06461-24f38-mtskheta_selfie.jpgA selfie down by the river in Mtskheta. I'm wearing a burgundy hoodie with a red t-shirt and the sun is right behind me. There are mountains on the other side of the river, which is kind of brown but otherwise very beautiful.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b096-85e79-volcano_selfie.jpgA very happy selfie with a comically tiny live volcano in Iceland in the summer of 2022 - I walked 14km across the mountains and back to see this and it was the most exciting day of my life.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3454-55ec0-hurtigruten_selfie.jpgA selfie with the prow of the Hurtigruten boat I travelled from Harstad to Tromsø on in February 2017. You can make out the city behind us and I'm wearing a long-tailed hat in red and black stripes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16630-c9a95-blue_lagoon_selfie.jpgA serene and idyllic selfie in the Blue Lagoon, where it's hard to see where the water ends and the sky begins or even whether this is a handheld selfie or the camera is propped on the side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8990e-cfe62-me_in_the_snow.jpgA photo of me out in a snowy landscape with a snow-covered mountain behind me. I'm dressed all in semi-waterproof black with a helmet on and actually, I've just climbed out of a lava cave.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ffb69-28559-kayak_selfie.jpgA selfie out at sea, with white chalk stacks behind me. My kayak is a long thin green sea kayak and I' wearing a red buoyancy aid and a white helmet. It's sunny and I look very pleased.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61431-9c554-report_celebration_day.jpgA celebratory day when we published the first report of a huge series. I'm taking a selfie in front of my boss's laptop; he's holding his thumb out behind me. It's not my unusually hairy arm at a really weird angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43f99-30e98-minotaur_selfie.jpgA selfie with a minotaur. It's hiding behind the cable car in Tbilisi. As you may be able to tell by the blue-ish light, this was quite early in the morning. I'm wearing a neon rainbow stripy hat and have my trademark plaits in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1e61-d8f45-tbilisi_by_night.jpgTbilisi by night from up by the Mother of Georgia. The city is illuminated with particular bright spots being the big cathedral, the Peace Bridge and a hotel/restaurant complex on the edge of the old town.2024-11-02T12:55:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/11/04/chocolate-wars-swiss-chocolate-vs-norwegian-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5b8cb-2ed4e-freia_milk_chocolate.jpgThree squares of chocolate, debossed with the Freia crane logo, lying on the yellow packet. The Freia logo is bright red and the details about the chocolate are bright blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a97c-b370c-lindt_excellence.jpgA square of Lindt Excellence chocolate lying on top of its blue and white box, with the letters of its name shining in gold foil.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab3fd-98d78-swiss_vs_norwegian_chocolate.pngChocolate Wars: Swiss chocolate vs Norwegian chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3a1f-bd7a8-lindt_vs_freia.jpgA square of Lindt chocolate lying on its blue and white box, next to three squares of Freia, lying on its yellow package.2024-10-21T13:32:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/28/travel-library-the-salt-path-by-raynor-winn/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25a6a-ea95a-old_harry_paragraph.jpgThe top half of the second page of chapter 19, about Studland and Old Harry, lying on top of the map with Studland and Old Harry visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5a89-7b79b-salt_path_map_page.jpgThe Salt Path, still lying on top of my Purbeck map but now open to the page with a map of the South West across a double page spread, various locations marked with dots along the 630 mile route.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11ef3-abff2-the_salt_path.jpgA paperback copy of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, lying on a map of the Isle of Purbeck. The book has a grey-green linoprint of a steep hill and the sea and dancing birds and dolphins.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d34f4-2b11d-the_salt_path_by_raynor_winn.jpgTravel Library: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn | iamapolarbear.com2024-10-28T17:39:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/24/one-day-in-reykjavik-my-itinerary-vs-chat-gpts/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1e6f-a45cd-one_day_in_reykjavik.jpgIceland Itineraries: one day in Reykjavik, mine vs Chat GPT's | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9a30-63044-secret_lagoon_timer_selfie.jpgA timer selfie in the Secret Lagoon, hanging on a pool noodle, refraction making my legs under the water look freakishly long.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8d26-7e19f-ice_climbing.jpgMe, wearing crampons and wielding ice axes climbing a wall of blue streaked ice.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/308f3-943a5-whales_of_iceland.jpgThe blue-lit warehouse of Whales of Iceland, with various fibreglass whales suspended form the ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1942-cb220-tjornin.jpgTjornin, the pond in Reykjavik, mostly frozen and with various waterfowl standing on the ice.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92c2c-781d5-house_of_collections.jpgThe House of Collections, a big white ornate house in downtown Reykjavik.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0ad3-f745c-skolavordustigur.jpgLooking up Skólavörðustígur, the rainbow street, towards Hallgrimskirkja.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a12d8-63bad-kaldi_bar.jpgA glass of Coca-Cola on a table lit by a candle in a dimly-lit bar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5e34-97164-dill_entrance.jpgThe unassuming entrance to Dill, a pair of double glass doors under the same cover as the cheap supermarket next door.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d48f6-56b41-sundhollin.jpgSundhollin, a big white Art Deco building in downtown Reykjavik.2024-10-20T17:12:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/10/18/new-video-tbilisi-sulphur-baths/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/209e8-20ad0-tbilisi_sulphur_baths.pngNew video: Tbilisi sulphur baths | iamapolarbear.com2024-10-20T12:21:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/07/new-video-first-impressions-of-tbilisi/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adf86-cf6d4-first_impressions_of_tbilisi.pngNew video: First impressions of Tbilisi | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ee43-45b99-tbilisi_at_last.pngNew video: Tbilisi at last!! | iamapolarbear.com2024-10-18T11:00:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/02/new-video-a-weekend-in-larnaca/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be9d7-2e8a0-a_weekend_in_larnaca_v2.pngNew video: A weekend in Larnaca | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/683c8-97530-a_weekend_in_larnaca.pngNew video: A weekend in Larnaca (A week in Tbilisi part 1) | iamapolarbear.com2024-10-18T11:00:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/09/new-video-how-to-get-to-tbilisi/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c5a0-25b28-how_to_get_to_tbilisi_v2.pngNew video: How to get to Tbilisi | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5890a-c2708-how_to_get_to_tbilisi.pngNew video: How to get to Tbilisi | iamapolarbear.com2024-10-18T10:59:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/08/my-norwegian-learning-resources/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e1aa-d50c8-norwegianresources.jpgMy Norwegian language resources | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1097a-5a517-50909435727_4d2eb22f28_h.jpgHarry Potter og de Vises Steinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba7e5-12e9f-p1110863.jpgMy European and Scandinavian phrasebookshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c4ff-de2db-p1110866.jpgInside the Short Stories in Norwegian bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e789c-c4c5e-p1110865.jpgShort Stories in Norwegian bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9a8d-fe50d-p1110868.jpgInside the Norwegian verb bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a64d0-a2d9a-p1110867.jpgNorwegian Verbs bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/935f6-057ef-p1110870.jpgInside the Norwegian Tutor bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95826-93a60-p1110869.jpgNorwegian Tutor grammar bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e731e-acbdc-p1110872.jpgInside the Complete Norwegian book2024-10-07T11:56:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/16/i-learned-finnish-for-a-month-and-heres-what-happened/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/007b0-2c889-finnish.pngI learned Finnish for a month (and here's what happened) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/179b0-6fdc6-51438900396_defcf6f353_k.jpgThe Finnish verb To Be in the present tense and in question formhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ba3f-6e24f-51436313723_8b1155de78_c.jpgScribbled Finnish noteshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f8a7-076a0-duolingo.pngFinnish progress on Duolingo2024-10-07T11:53:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/11/a-review-of-my-russian-evening-course/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/390ee-3ecfb-russiancourse.pngA review of my Russian evening course | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a198-e620a-img_25245437.jpegRuslan Russian 1 course book and workbook. They're both blue books with a picture of St Basil's Cathedral on the front. The difference between the two is in the small text below the title.When you're buying these, they look so identical that you don't know for certain that you've ordered the right thing until it arrives.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac0ed-3e160-russiannotion.jpgTwo side-by-side screenshots of my Russian Notion pages. On the left is my index of class pages. On the right is part of my page from lesson 11.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/343d2-f09c5-img_2535.jpegA page from my textbook with the vocab from the "my family" chapter covered in my how-to-pronounce notes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0ea5-ef902-img_2534.jpegMy notes from lesson 11 on prepositional case, present and past tenses. It's written in a mix of English and Russian handwriting and scribbles in Russian printing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78393-d7606-img_2533.jpegMy week 10 Russian homework. Two pages of neater handwriting - a translation on one side and answers to a set of questions on the other.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88d87-3a20d-img_2532.jpegMy Russian homework from lesson 2. A page of letters repeated over and over, and a page of words repeated over and over.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d24c-dc301-img_2536.jpegA page from my Russian textbook showing printed letters vs the handwritten version and with words showing the letters in use.Look at that T!2024-10-07T11:52:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/26/how-much-finnish-have-i-learned-in-six-months/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c247-8f40a-how_much_finnish_have_i_learned.jpgHow much Finnish have I learned in six months? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0de7c-88500-learning_cases.jpgA page from the textbook with an exercise where I have to practice the cases to turn words into "in [place]" and "from [place]".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d04ca-47547-finnish_numbers.jpgPart of a page from the textbook showing the numbers from 1 to 20 with some questions underneath to make you understand how the number words are formed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46ae5-3d384-finnish_flashcards.jpgA collection of flashcards. Most of them are hole-punch in a corner and joined by a ring so they're fanned out in a circle. You can see cards showing numbers, colours, lists of food words and an explanation of some of the cases.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb6fc-4d4dd-teach_yourself_complete_finnish_book.jpgTeach Yourself Complete Finnish. A textbook with the title in a big red box occupying the top third. The rest is mostly taken up by a picture of Helsinki's white cathedral by night with various encouraging words about what the book can do for you dotted around.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09518-462a7-i_love_you_so_much.jpgA screenshot from Duolingo showing me having translated the phrase "I love you so much!" using blocks of pre-existing words into Finnish.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/096ab-0c290-53_day_streak.jpgA Duolingo screenshot showing a 53 day streak and most of November coloured in orange to show I did a lesson that day. a few days are in blue but my streak was saved by streak freezes on those days.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8ff4-e74f1-duolingo_new_path.jpgDuolingo's new learning path. A line of circles wiggles its way down the screen. All the ones in the top half are gold and marked with a tick. The lower ones are grey because I haven't done them yet.2024-10-07T11:50:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/23/weaving-a-fleece-mat-on-a-peg-loom/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4110a-31e49-weaving_a_fleece_mat_on_a_peg_loom.jpgWeaving a fleece mat on a peg loom | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1a83-c2046-dogs_on_a_large_mat.jpgDogs on and around a large white fleece mat, its surface felted with age and use.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6218-e8e18-catherines_mat.jpgCatherine's mat, in the process of being tied off the loom. It has a stripe of curly fleece towards the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/638bb-5082e-finished_fleece_mat.jpgA selfie holding up my finished mat. It's very fluffy and has striped of white and dark brown.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4c99-cda08-weaving_onto_the_warps.jpgThe weaving now slid down the pegs and onto the warps, the navy yarn tied on the bottom of the pegs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f8e1-2e514-full_peg_loom.jpgThe loom with woven fleece now covering the entire height of the pegs. It's mostly white but there are two wide stripes of dark greyish brown in there.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcef4-5977d-starting_to_weave.jpgStarting to weave - maybe four layers of raw fleece woven around the pegs of the loom. There are now lengths of navy yarn tied onto each of the string loops and these are tied together in bundles to keep them out of the way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7e4a-b3d1f-peg_looms.jpgPeg looms on a table - pieces of solid rectangular wood with vertical wooden dowels placed in holes along the top and string tied in a loop to the bottom of each.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/830a9-46fa5-dog_on_fleece.jpgA medium-small black dog sleeping on a pile of raw fresh fleece in the sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2e70-cfc7a-outside_classroom.jpgThe outside classroom, a wooden building with a pointed roof and a veranda. The double door at the end is open and there is a lot of raw fleece on a tarp outside it.2024-10-07T11:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/30/travel-library-moderate-becoming-good-later-by-toby-and-katie-carr/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9530-bb9c0-moderate_becoming_good_later_book.jpgModerate Becoming Good Later now lying in my kayaking bag, surrounded by wetsuit, neoprene socks, the corner of my buoyancy aid and a couple of towels.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13baa-b4c35-wight_chapter.jpgThe book open at the Wight chapter, with maps of the shipping forecast area, Toby's particular routes mapped out and on the right-hand side is the chapter text.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/686d5-93bb1-shipping_forecast_map.jpgThe book open to the page showing a map of the 31 shipping forecast areas.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d139b-9326a-moderate_becoming_good_later.jpgModerate Becoming Good Later, a book with a picture of a white kayak surging out into the sea towards a lighthouse. The book is lying on my buoyancy aid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e17e9-86bdb-moderate_becoming_good_later.pngTravel Library: Moderate Becoming Good Later by Toby and Katie Carr | iamapolarbear.com2024-09-30T14:15:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/18/how-to-be-a-good-tourist-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9cae3-237c4-myvatn_campsite.jpgA small yellow tent on a campsite in the north of Iceland. The sky is very blue, there's a lake behind the tent and in the distance is a triangular mountain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/716de-2d4a7-how_to_be_a_good_tourist_in_iceland.jpgHow to be a good tourist in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66e00-99715-cairns_on_the_rocks.jpgStacks of rocks left lying on an interesting bit of cliff that's been folded and cracked and folded again and has now curved to become as much beach as cliff.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea606-96ce4-car_in_lava_field.jpgA small black Hyundai i10 parked next a very rough lichen-covered lava field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3308f-b6c5c-puffins_on_a_clifftop.jpgA gaggle of puffins wandering around in the grass on top of a cliff.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38813-7854f-4x4_in_a_river.jpgA 4x4 with a trailer and a roofbox driving through a river.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4760f-6a07f-names_on_cave_wall.jpgNames written in the slime and light plant growth on the wall of a cave.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4af51-33415-highlands_by_askja.jpgAn expanse of pumice-covered Highlands, at the foot of Askja, a volcano with clouds sitting on its top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23de8-3c7c8-tour_guide_at_thingvellir.jpgA favourite tour guide, once winner of "reddest hair in Iceland" at Þingvellir talking about conversion to Christianity. She's wearing a Thor's hammer pendant upside down on her forehead and a knitted green cardigan.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0653-b2ffb-swimming_in_vok_baths.jpgMe swimming in the bar pool at Vok Baths, under a blue sky.2024-09-30T10:31:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/09/26/chocolate-wars-greek-vs-finnish-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e946d-9de39-greek_vs_finnish_chocolate.jpgChocolate Wars: Greek vs Finnish Chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ac65-8e29b-lacta_and_fazer_chocolate.jpgThe two bars of chocolate lying next to each other with their chocolate lying on top next to each other. It's very obvious that Lacta is a lot paler than Fazer and the pieces are much smaller.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f3e2-5d938-karl_fazer_chocolate.jpgA strip of Karl Fazer chocolate lying on top of its semi-matt dark blue package.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13f22-01c4a-lacta_chocolate.jpgA close-up of Lacta's red and white "knitted" package with four squares of slightly pale chocolate on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b782c-4b3ee-lacta_and_karl_fazer.jpgA bar of Lacta and a bar of Karl Fazer lying together on a white sheet. The Lacta is in a slightly Christmassy red and white package and the Karl Fazer in a deep blue.2024-09-23T17:10:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/29/travel-library-a-chip-shop-in-poznan-by-ben-aitken/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5db0-464c7-chip_shop_in_poznan.jpgA Chop Shop in Poznan in Poznan. The book has a row of colourful merchant houses on the front cover and my hand is holding the book up in front of those very houses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa51c-41e22-travel_library_a_chip_shop_in_poznan.jpgTravel Library: A Chip Shop in Poznan by Ben Aitken | iamapolarbear.com2026-02-08T21:10:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/26/chocolate-contests-german-vs-polish-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28ede-2954f-german_vs_polish_chocolate.jpgChocolate Contests: German vs Polish chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51cf1-81ace-ritter_chocolate.jpgThe Ritter bar on its own, chocolate lying on the packet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0f69-a13f6-wedel_chocolate.jpgThe Wedel bar on its own, chocolate lying on the packet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6dc24-698e3-ritter_and_wedel.jpgBoth bars lying on my map, this time with a stick of their chocolate lying on top of the packet. Even from here you can see that the Wedel is darker.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9e60-aca6f-ritter_packet.jpgA packet of Ritter lying on the German part of my map. It's a square bar, light blue, with a picture of a milk churn and two (presumably hideously oversized) squares of chocolate lying next to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2273-b1c46-wedel_packet.jpgA bar of Wedel chocolate lying on the Polish area of my Europe map. The bar is a rich dark-royal blue with the name emblazoned in white. The right-hand end and the frill on the left side are bright light blue, which I assume changes colour according to the flavour. There's a picture of a square of chocolate splashing into a puddle of milk.2024-08-22T13:28:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/29/travel-library-im-mostly-here-to-enjoy-myself-by-glynnis-macnicol/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5bd8-5a384-im_mostly_here_to_enjoy_myself-1.jpgTravel Library: I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself by Glynnis MacNicol | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f838-c1873-chapter1.jpgThe first page of the first chapter of I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself, a bit closer up than the previous picture and now the mini model Eiffel Tower is sitting on the tablet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa896-aed9d-im_mostly_here_to_enjoy_myself.jpgThe cover of I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself, the title in huge bright yellow letters over an oil painting, displayed on my tablet, next to a map of the Paris metro and some mini models of landmarks.2024-07-25T10:30:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/08/01/why-you-should-use-a-tour-guide/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae16b-c998f-why_you_should_use_a_tour_guide.jpgWhy you should use a tour guide | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c3bd-8a565-sami_lavu.jpgA Sami lavu, a pyramid-shaped tent, in the snow with the Northern Lights apparently bursting out from behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a36b-91ba0-vik_beach.jpgThe grey sand beach at Vik, with a green mossy mountain descending into the water and jagged pinnacles sticking up out of the water. No restaurants in sight.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02b7f-8af36-gdansk_post_office.jpgGdansk post office, a much bigger and more spectacular building than any you'll find in the UK.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/282bd-bf13d-gediminas_tower.jpgGediminas Tower, a short squat three-storey brick tower on a hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9945-9012d-tbilisi_tour_guide.jpgTour guide Lela outside a restaurant in Tbilisi introducing us to the Georgian language and alphabet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22bf4-fb269-guidebook_and_tent.jpgThe tiny porch of my tent with a pair of boots, an enamel mug and a guidebook in it. Behind the tent is a row of long low inland lava cliffs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22d28-c9403-thingvellir_view.jpgThe view over the National Park from the Þingvellir viewpoint. The rift valley is very green, the sky is bright blue for once and there are mountains all around the horizon.2024-07-25T09:50:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/07/25/chocolate-wars-british-vs-swiss-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cebd2-8f144-british_vs_swiss_chocolate.jpgChocolate Wars: British chocolate vs Swiss chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/440c7-a520e-dairy_milk_and_excellence.jpgA chunk of Lindt Excellence on its cardboard box next to a strip of Dairy Milk on its packaging. The Dairy Milk is a little darker and the Lindt square is two and a half times the size of the Dairy Milk chunks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f342-18c18-lindt_excellence.jpgA thin snappable square of Lindt chocolate lying on top of its cardboard box, with its name in shiny gold foil letters.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a0ea-d94e5-dairy_milk.jpgA bar of Dairy Milk chocolate with three squares lying on top of the purple packaging.2024-07-23T11:29:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/27/travel-library-the-rhine-by-ben-coates/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6dfab-6c051-the_rhine_by_ben_coates-1.jpgTravel Library: The Rhine by Ben Coates | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4552-53895-the_rhine_first_chapter.jpgThe book now open to the first page of the first real chapter, about the Rhine delta in the Netherlands, now lying next to the Netherlands on my paper map.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ada87-00341-the_rhine_map.jpgThe Rhine on my tablet, open to the sketch map before the book gets started, still lying on my paper map.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ddafb-54ca9-the_rhine_by_ben_coates.jpgCover of The Rhine by Ben Coates on my tablet, lying on a map of Europe folded to roughly the German Rhine area.2024-06-27T14:05:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/06/24/chocolate-wars-greek-chocolate-vs-norwegian-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/735ee-c48ff-greek_vs_norwegian_chocolate.jpgChocolate Wars: Greek vs Norwegian chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ce84-0899d-lacta_chocolate_vs_freia_chocolate.jpgFreia and Lacta chocolates sit pressed up against each other, a chunk of each bar lying on top of its packaging.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acec4-04d42-lacta_vs_freia.jpgGreek Lacta chocolate, in a red and white package, vs Norwegian Freia chocolate, in yellow. Freia is longer and the package looks a little less elegant.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a729d-5cff1-freia_chocolate.jpgThree chunks of Freia chocolate with cranes embossed on them, lying on top of the packaging, which is yellow and shiny plastic.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d521-a98b1-lacta_chocolate.jpgFour squares of Lacta chocolate lying on top of its own packaging, which is red and white and shiny plasticky.2024-06-24T10:17:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/01/04/swedish-chocolate-vs-norwegian-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/583d4-983ff-chocolate25-1.jpgchocolate25https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59e34-746e7-chocolate24-1.jpgchocolate242024-06-24T09:54:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/12/06/how-do-the-lockers-work-at-the-blue-lagoon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9dcc4-153d0-buying_drinks_blue_lagoon.jpgMy arm sticking out of the Blue Lagoon, grey silicon wristband visible, holding up a reusable plastic glass of blue raspberry slushie with a paper straw sticking out of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ebc3-e7ff5-locking_the_locker.jpgA slightly blurry photo of the same grey silicon wristband being held to the digital panel in the middle of the lockers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16db8-dd878-blue_lagoon_wristband.jpgMy arm sticking out of the Blue Lagoon on a misty day, wearing a wide grey silicon bracelet with an oval shape on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6149-c8175-bluelagonnlockers.pngHow do the lockers work at the Blue Lagoon? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39b1d-b3432-bluelagoonlockers.pnghow do the blue lagoon lockers work title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49023-f0e1e-36222946086_0febcbdad8_k.jpgUnlocking Blue Lagoon lockersUnlocking locker no 55https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb44d-8a748-36222944936_02e79b94ef_k.jpgBlue Lagoon lockers bracelet lockingHold your bracelet to the countdown on the panelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86ecf-45f2c-36222940956_59d290f5c7_k.jpghow do Blue Lagoon lockers workAll lockers controlled by that black panel in the middle2024-06-03T15:43:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/03/21/the-a-z-of-iceland-f-for-fontana/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6881f-f34b7-fontana.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: F for Fontana | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19812-dca04-43996955701_70976d936a_k.jpgSelfie in the dark at Laugarvatn Fontanahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e0cd-c89e6-33339960526_56f6a4740b_k.jpgSelfie in Laugarvatn Fontanahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d538-cdcb9-43948431662_a2b6869942_k.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f9c5-db277-32537815184_286c4e1123_k.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana - Viskahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5142c-4165e-33380602445_7d1ec875e7_k.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana - Sælahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a133d-de44a-33380591545_308ad51a4e_k.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana lakehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c993e-1a213-32537813724_c384d9d850_k.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana2024-06-03T15:43:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/27/the-icelandic-guidebook-the-blue-lagoon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20bcf-c3166-tigbluelagoon.pngThe Icelandic Guidebook: The Blue Lagoon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f624e-1923b-33837075156_c47333e305_k.jpgBlue Lagoon/Svartsengi cooling poolOne of the cooling poolshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28536-b6c83-34044470131_96af949459_k.jpgSvartengi from the Blue LagoonThe geothermal power station next door.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef0fb-ebf18-29062079687_9616251bdb_k.jpgTimer selfie on camera while keeping phone in waterproof case out of the waterTimer selfie on camera while keeping phone in waterproof case out of the waterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e94f5-ae274-33332925924_d80a66eae0_k.jpgView from the edge of the Blue Lagoon, showing blue water set among low lava mountains.View across the shallow side of the Blue Lagoonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8462-19efd-34134816436_8fb73f1937_k.jpgThe main building as seen from the blue water of the Blue LagoonThe main building as seen from the waterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e57a-cca35-37428916952_e6364f9a6e_k.jpgMisty selfie in the Blue LagoonThe camera case is starting to mist up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae864-3e69b-36222944936_02e79b94ef_k.jpgUsing the Blue Lagoon wristband to lock my lockerLocking the lockerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91c13-7085f-36222934846_faaaa612f0_k.jpgTimer selfie in the changing roomTimer selfie in the changing roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a3d7-3e723-36222953866_79fbba1dbc_k.jpgBlue Lagoon Bar - the indoor cafeThe indoor cafe2024-06-03T15:43:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/08/a-twilight-spa-at-aqua-sana-longleat-forest-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14112-79989-twilightspa.pngA Twilight Spa at Aqua Sana Longleat | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3afa5-3d55d-lf-pool-text-image2-1200x530-1.jpegThe central outdoor circular pool, glowing blue under a pale evening sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b98d-1b548-forest-cavern-sign-post-900x500-1.jpegThe Forest Cavern, a room which looks like six stone heated reclining benches have been dropped into a cave, complete with very realistic plant-draped hole in the ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8249d-87697-hot-springs-sign-post-900x500-1.jpegTwo outdoor hot tubs with wooden decorative outsides like giant barrels, glow blue and steam in the dark evening chill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7811-eef39-alpine-steam-sign-post-900x500-1.jpegThe Alpine steam room, a white-tiled room lit in green and blue with a tiled bench around the edge of the walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3c55-3c6d8-lava-volcano-sign-post-900x500-1.jpegLava Sauna: a dark sauna lit in red lights. The wooden benches glow red, as does the wall decoration, lots of red, black and transparent rocks behind a pane of glass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a2b5-0d5c4-52271825606_0962b6240c_k.jpgSelfie outside Aqua Sana's Classical style facade. My hair is wet and in two plaits and I'm wearing a colourful flowery dress. I look distinctly damp.2024-06-03T15:41:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/10/what-is-the-best-geothermal-spa-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50a2b-2b2a2-whatisthebestgeothermalspa.pngWhat is the best geothermal spa in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8464e-dd473-skaylagoon.jpgSky Lagoon. A yellow-white sunset reflects on the water, turning it orange and purple. In the distance is a cliff over which a waterfall tumbles. There are people leaning on the wall at the edge of the infinity pool but from this angle, you can't quite see the fjord beyond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43d07-16d20-secretlagoon.jpgSecret Lagoon. A pool surrounded by hillocks and trees and its own geysers, all a lot more rustic-looking than the others. There is heavy cloud but a hint of sun is reflecting on the rippled water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73cf4-4474d-myvatnnaturebaths.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths. A vast blue lagoon with underwater steps stretches out. Beyond, you can see a lake shining on the horizon and mountains beyond even that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a81b9-f2eba-krauma.jpgKrauma. From a shallow black hotpot, bathers are seen in other black hotpots, most of them deeper. Behind is a square black building. It's cloudy with a hint of blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/095da-08c71-fontana.jpgFontana. A long shallow blue-tiled pool occupies the left-hand side. On the right is a pool full of boulders. Behind that, a small swimming pool and visible and behind the lot is a lake ringed with mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/943ae-8fe83-bluelagoon.jpgThe Blue Lagoon. Incredibly blue water, sunshine, mountains in the background and wooden steps in the foreground, where several people are entering and leaving. There is steam on the water in the distance and the sun is reflecting on the wet decking.2024-06-03T15:41:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/08/a-winter-spa-evening/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0a13-ddda9-a_winter_spa_evening.jpgA winter spa evening | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e396e-c74fd-forest_glade_steam_room.jpgA steam room with a forest and sunset mural on the wall. There are no benches but stools with acrylic tops meant to look like tree stumps. Overhead, the ceiling is another mass of twinkly LEDs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3365b-f15ab-forest_nesting.jpgForest nesting - a dark room full of double/triple egg chair-style beds. Overhead, a circle in the ceiling is lit with hundreds of tiny twinkly LEDs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f170-a1100-in_the_hot_tub.jpgA selfie in the hot tub. The edges are tiled, the water is lit in bright blue and there's a weird white sculpture behind me. It's meant for hanging robes and towels but looks like some kind of freakish horror-show hands.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/218d0-b6b46-selfie_in_the_forest_cavern.jpgA selfie taken lying back on a stone bench in a green-lit room that looks like a cave. The camera is held at the angle that I'm lying back at, so it's all tilted backwards.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14592-584d3-volcanic_spa.jpgInside the Volcanic spa. The benches have red LED lights underneath them. The wall is glass and you can just about see across to the Nordic spa, where the benches are lit in white. The impression is that it's quite dark outside the sauna.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b758e-44ac1-central_pool.jpgThe central pool, tiled in bright blue and lit by underwater lights. It's surrounded by glass walls which have fake foliage trailing from them. Above is the open sky and the full moon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/16e6d-50545-salt_steam_room.jpgThe very-strongly scented salt steam room. The walls are wooden, there's a red light in the ceiling, which rotates through to green). There are glass panels with bamboo decorations in the wall, lit in green. Underneath the benches are ropes of LED lights in purply-blue. The reality is a lot less garish than the photo, which is misty because there's a lot of steam in this room.2024-06-03T15:41:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/13/best-geothermal-pool-while-blue-lagoon-closed/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19a68-68b3b-best_geothermal_lagoon_while_blue_lagoon_closed-1.pngWhich is the best geothermal lagoon to visit in Iceland while the Blue Lagoon is closed? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d03ae-b5116-best_geothermal_lagoon_while_blue_lagoon_closed.pngWhich is the best geothermal lagoon to visit in Iceland while the Blue Lagoon is closed? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/279e1-45253-ultimate_best_geothermal_lagoons.jpgThe ultimate best geothermal lagoons in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d88f-95456-laugarvatn_fontana.jpgLaugarvatn Fontana: the complex seen from the turf roof. You can see the small pool, the pier into the lake and the black lava pool, plus the lake and mountain view.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e523-7fa3f-sky_lagoon.jpgThe Sky Lagoon: greenish water in between high basalt cliffs. In the distance, you can make out that the water just ends and over there, it overlooks Reykjavik Bay, creating an infinity effect.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea076-b0ecc-krauma.jpgKrauma: as seen from the path up to the door. The complex is part-sheltered behind two earth walls but one black hotpot pokes out between them and you can make out a couple of other pools and the relaxing building behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e837f-761e3-secret_lagoon.jpgThe Secret Lagoon: Me, floating on a pool noodle with my feet pointing at the camera. The pool is a large but reasonably shallow pool with grass on three sides and a long white building on the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ffce-fef99-blue_lagoon.jpgThe Blue Lagoon. Blue water exactly the colour of the blue sky above. There's a line of black lava rocks separating water from sky and a heavy haze hanging over it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7921f-ee1c4-hvammsvik.jpgHvammsvik. A steaming pool ringed with rocks. Over the edge of the rocks you can see the fjord and beyond that, the fjord is edged with steep snowy mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c91ab-39eb8-vok_baths.jpgVok Baths: Me sitting on the edge of one of the floating infinity pools, overlooking the lake.2024-06-03T15:39:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/27/chocolate-wars-british-vs-finnish-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61aff-14ac9-british_vs_finnish_chocolate_.pngChocolate Wars: British vs Finnish chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cb51-d1283-dairy_milk.jpgDairy Milk in a purple shiny-matt wrapper, with its name in big square white letters. Three squares of chocolate are lying on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b758d-8619e-karl_fazer.jpgKarl Fazer. It's in a deep blue shiny yet matt wrapper, with its name in curly gold letters. Lying across it is a strip of four square of chocolate with bevelled edges.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/55e26-ef82d-dairy_milk_vs_karl_fazer.jpgDairy Milk in its purple wrapper with Karl Fazer in its blue wrapper. There is a stick of each lying on top.2024-05-22T16:39:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/16/rnli-200-how-the-rnli-build-a-lifeboat/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e79f6-58e53-how_the_rnli_build_a_lifeboat.jpgRNLI 200: how the RNLI build a lifeboat | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8bed2-d24eb-shannon_class_in_repairs.jpgA Shannon-class lifeboat sitting in one of the bays waiting to be weighed and have its engines and/or jets fixed.A Shannon waiting to find out why it's lost speed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04a43-a709b-severn-class_refit.jpgA large Severn-class lifeboat being refitted. It's been completed stripped out and I think it's now having things put back in.A Severn-class being refitted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/084d4-390ce-lifeboats_outside.jpgAn assortment of lifeboats outside, including Shannon-class 13-22, a smallish Mersey-class and a couple of large Severn-classes.Lifeboats outside, including a Shannon, presumably waiting for repairs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c8af-0dbf5-inside_alc_building_b.jpgInside the ALC Building B. Along the back are floor-to-ceiling blue shutters. Towards the right is a Shannon in for repairs and to the left, you can see a Severn-class being refitted.Inside the ALC Building B.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ac81-16582-stage_5_shannon.jpgA Shannon at stage 5. Now it's all in one piece but it's still being finished. A lot of it is covered in plastic and it has frames around its windows.A Shannon at stage 5, about six weeks from completion.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89721-da61e-shannon_stage_4.jpgA Shannon at stage 4. To the left is the hull, having its electricals fitted. To the right is the wheelhouse, also being fitted out. Later, these two halves will be stuck together.This is one lifeboat but still in two halves.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fab2a-e4c33-alc_painting_area.jpgThe far end of the ALC building with two large blue doors. Behind the doors are the painting areas.These big doors at the end are where the boats go to be painted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9db7-2c9cc-stage_2_shannon_hull.jpgA Shannon in stage 2. It's the inside of the bottom of the lifeboat, all filled with green tape and off-green square-marked material and it's having its bulkheads and engine compartments put in.A Shannon in stage 2, having all its structural innards put in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40e75-d2b62-shannon_hull_being_moulded.jpgA Shannon hull being moulded - I have no idea how much of this picture is the mould and how much is the lifeboat-in-process. It's in a well which can be covered so it can be "baked".Shannon hull in its mould.2024-05-15T21:12:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/05/13/rnli-200-take-a-discovery-tour-of-the-rnli-college-in-poole/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c8f1-4bf8d-discovery_tour_of_rnli_college.jpgRNLI 200: A Discovery Tour of the RNLI College in Poole | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93754-db312-rnli_alc.jpgThe RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat Centre, a pair of tall light grey buildings with slightly curved roofs, joined by a roof. Inside, there are enormous bright blue doors on each side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/569f1-87c2b-view_from_the_rnli_college.jpgThe view from the cafe at the RNLI College, overlooking the side of the ALC and various lifeboats moored on the harbour next to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0caeb-f586f-ship_on_fire.jpgA better view of what's going on outside the simulator - two ships rammed together at the bow in a right-angle, and on fire.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1a1a1-79e18-driving_the_lifeboat_simulator.jpgThe arms of the other volunteer driving the lifeboat, this time with the screens on. Outside, there's a not-brilliant-quality CGI scene of a container ship in rough seas.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fffe5-a7b5d-in_the_lifeboat_simulator.jpgMe, in a black hoodie and rainbow-striped jeans, sitting at the helm of a lifeboat simulator, only with the screens and most of the lights turned off, so it doesn't actually look like I'm sitting in a lifeboat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/562c5-640bb-rnli_training_pool.jpgThe RNLI training pool, with a few inflatable lifeboats on the side and an escape pod.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a35d9-7426d-engine_room.jpgThe engine room. The red and black thing nearest the camera is a Shannon engine and the grey thing is a waterjet block.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96fc2-0f5bb-hydraulics_room.jpgA spotlessly clean room with workstations on wheels. On each workstation is a vertical grid on which you can hang hydraulic components.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91c13-f719e-rnli_college.jpgThe RNLI College, a building in wide grey and red brick stripes. Most of the windows are circular and there's a glass stairwell running up the outside.2024-05-13T13:30:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/29/travel-library-epic-continent-by-nicholas-jubber/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6587-475fc-epic_continent_by_nicholas_jubber-1.jpgEpic Continent by Nicholas Jubber, a paperback book with a yellowish cover showing a boat sailing over a blue sea, lying on my map of Europe, mostly over the Balkan region.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a81d2-eaed4-epic_continent_by_nicholas_jubber.jpgTravel Library: Epic Continent by Nicholas Jubber | iamapolarbear.com2024-04-29T20:17:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/25/chocolate-wars-greek-vs-swiss-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f482b-f704c-greek_vs_swiss_chocolate.jpgGreek vs Swiss chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20ec8-c302b-lindta_and_lacta_chocolate_together.jpgA piece of each of Lindt & Lacta chocolate sitting on top of their packaging next to each other so you can see that the Lacta is a much lighter colour than Lindt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5ecc-cfd06-lindt_chocolate_close_up.jpgA square of thin Lindt chocolate lying on top of its cardboard box.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/debbb-8077b-lacta_chocolate_close_up.jpgFour small oblongs of Lacta chocolate in one block lying on top of the red wrapper.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9409-8cae7-lacta_and_lindt_chocolate.jpgA bar of Greek Lacta chocolate, in a red plastic wrapper, next to Swiss Lindt Excellence, in a blue and white cardboard box.2024-04-25T14:00:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/22/a-day-out-at-old-trakai-castle/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db8c2-bb440-cobbled_trakai_street.jpgA cobbled street in Trakai, with slightly more modern-looking buildings along the sides than in the previous picture. It's pretty deserted.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8e8d-40286-me_in_the_stocks.jpgMe in the stocks, with my little Primark sheepskin mittens flapping.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3c25-ddbb2-a_day_out_at_old_trakai_castle.jpgA day out at Old Trakai Castle | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4ec9-f2687-inside_trakai_castle.jpgInside Trakai Island Castle, its walls and castles and walkways visible and with snow piled on them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff4f3-fcbb3-trakai_island_castle.jpgTrakai Island Castle, a red brick castle built on an island. I'm standing on the mainland at the start of a wooden footbridge that stretches across the frozen lake to the gate of the castle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3405-83251-ice_sailing_at_trakai.jpgA sailing boat out on the very frozen lake. In a still photo, you can't see how quickly it was zooming around on the ice.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8435c-2ca3c-me_in_a_cafe.jpgMe, in a red checked shirt, sitting in a cafe in Trakai, under a wall covered in fish and a kind of grassy thing to make it look like you're in a seagrass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/586f9-96f74-trakai_streets.jpgA slightly snowy street in Trakai, with colourful wooden - or wood clad - houses down each side.2024-04-22T15:01:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/04/18/a-spring-trip-to-vilnius/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c6cb-ec585-a_spring_trip_to_vilnius.jpgA spring trip to Vilnius | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1aa66-0b4e4-vilnius_old_town_square.jpgA cobbled square in Vilnius' Old Town, with interesting buildings along the side. Are they Baroque? I don't know but they're pretty.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31717-76475-amber_necklaces.jpgThree very different styles of amber necklace, laid out on a white towel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f216-c5660-vingis_park.jpgA snow-covered park with a few trees in it. Behind the trees, you can see the fairly good-looking townhouses of Vilnius.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06dee-c1e99-gediminas_tower.jpgGediminas' Tower, a dumpy three-store brick tower on top of a hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35a16-3d013-vilnius_cathedral.jpgVilnius Cathedral, a mostly rectangular white building with colonnades down the side, a low dome over a greyer building attached to one end and a free-standing bell tower a few metres away at the other end. It's very much not Gothic. I don't know what it is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b04c-81483-vilnius_hotel_room.jpgMy hotel room in Vilnius. It's dark - the carpet is a dark greyish blue, there's a kind of brown khaki-style cover on the bed, dark wood in the wall where the bed touches, a dark wardrobe right up by the camera and it's not all that light outside either.2024-04-18T10:29:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/28/travel-library-local-by-alastair-humphreys/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fedae-f85e1-exploring_my_local_map.jpgMe and my dad sitting in the woods, after a struggle up a very steep, very muddy hill during our explorations of our own local map.Exploring our own local map. It was muddy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30df2-fb825-local_by_alastair_humphreys.jpgTravel Library: Local by Alastair Humphreys | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0dfe1-de02c-local-by-al-humphreys.jpgLocal by Alastair Humphreys, the cover shown on my tablet, lying on a map of Dartmoor.2024-03-28T15:24:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/12/new-video-a-quick-weekend-on-paradise-island/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f140e-7bfd9-a_quick_weekend_on_paradise_island.pngA quick weekend on Paradise Island | iamapolarbear.com2024-03-13T09:25:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/05/new-video-princetown-branch-railway-hike-dartmoor-june-2021/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9698f-a52d2-princetown_railway_hike.pngNew video: Princetown railway hike | iamapolarbear.com2024-03-04T09:24:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/03/04/somebody-feed-phil-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a0be-3728b-somebody_feed_phil_in_iceland.jpgSomebody Feed Phil in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0a94-e8780-hlemmur_ticket_desk.jpghlemmur_ticket_deskHlemmur when it was a primary-colour bus station rather than a sophisticated food hall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e470c-4764b-dress_up_at_saga_museum.jpgDressing up at the Saga Museum. I'm wearing a red Viking tunic and waving a large sword.Dressing up as a Viking at the Saga Museumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5067-94187-inside_hlemmur_bus_station.jpgInside Hlemmur when it was a bus station, with the Strætó bus logo and various bits of yarnbombing work hanging from every surface you could hang a piece of knitted or crocheted art.Hlemmur back when it was a primary-colours bus station rather than a sophisticated food court.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/edaad-c0775-fontana_and_hot_spring.jpgLooking from Fontana's turf roof over the spa, with the big hot spring and boiling sands a couple of hundred metres further down the lake shore.Fontana spa and hot springhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70683-333c9-bonus_and_dill.jpgUninspiring glass doors at the ground floor with a low ceiling. On the right is a cheap supermarket with huge purple letters giving its opening hours. On the left is Iceland's premier restaurant, so subtle you can't tell it's there.Dill, on the right, is so subtle you could walk past it even if you know it's therehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8265-0cc4a-grandi_across_the_harbour.jpgLooking across the Old Harbour to the industrial buildings in shades of white and teal now housing an assortment of restaurants and museums.Industrial-gentrified Grandi across the Old Harbouhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d6a2-3949c-blue_lagoon_mud_mask.jpgMe, laughing the Blue Lagoon, with a white mud mask on my face. The mist from the hot water hitting the cold air is blurring out the background a bit but you can see the bright baby blue of the water really well.Mud mask time in the Blue Lagoonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34a8a-70ecd-snorkellers_in_silfra.jpgSilfra, a fissure flooded with dark blue water, shining against the green banks under a bright sun. A line of snorkellers are swimming slowly up the middle.Silfra at its best on a summer dayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e29e6-44621-inside_harpa.jpgInside Harpa, where huge walls made up of hexagonal glass panels tower right up to the ceiling two floors up. An artfully wonky staircase runs up the side next to the glass.Inside Harpa2024-03-02T12:20:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/27/new-video-hvammsvik-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d27b2-3ba5c-hvammsvik.jpgNew video :Hvammsvík - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-02-26T15:24:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/12/travel-library-kvachi-by-mikheil-javakhishvili/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01f8c-1360a-kvachi_by_mikheil_javakhishvili.jpgTravel LIbrary: Kvachi by Mikheil Javakhishvili | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8679d-fa854-kvachi_among_georgian_souvenirs.jpgKvachi lying on my desk surrounded by a Georgian bread bag and little pile of money, with my kisa glove and enamel jewellery on the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/889bd-ec015-kvachi_paperback.jpgKvachi, a large paperback showing a scan of the spine on the front cover. The whole book is mostly white with the title in red down the "spine". I'm holding it in my hand to give you an idea of how huge it is.2024-02-12T15:04:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/05/laugardalslaug-is-the-best-swimming-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb218-64e17-laugardalslaug_is_the_best_pool_in_iceland.jpgLaugardalslaug is the best swimming pool in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ea26-844c5-sundhollin_outside.jpgSundhöllin, a pool complex in a big white Art Deco building in the heart of downtown Reykjavik.Sundhöllin in downtown Reykjavikhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9f60-a4bbe-laugardalslaug_from_across_the_road.jpgLaugardalslaug from across the road; a big blue and white stadium side towering over a pool that you can't see from here, with a hot dog kiosk right outside.2024-02-12T12:38:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/29/travel-library-adventure-revolution-by-belinda-kirk/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba96f-f4640-why_adventure_matters.jpegWhy Adventure Matters - a glimpse of the first page of one of the chapters. I've got a yellow-beige filter on to make it easier to read.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e4fd-31a86-adventure_revolution_book.jpegAdventure Revolution, under the title Adventure Mind, on my tablet, lying on a map and surrounded by compass, rocks, mini wooden elephant etc.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e84ab-0d63e-adventure_revolution_by_belinda_kirk.pngTravel Library: Adventure Revolution by Belinda Kirk | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-26T15:21:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/01/adventure-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a61a-626b6-rangers_uma_cards.jpegA rainbow of Ranger Unit Meeting Activity cards featuring all six themes but especially the Skills for my Future one, with the DIY cards fanned out on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/445d9-a460c-adventure_is_in_the_eye_of_the_beholder.jpgAdventure is in the eye of the beholder | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f51dd-e5f5e-camping_locally.jpgcamping_locallyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51a83-57611-night_kayak.jpgA night kayak adventure. You can see the chalk cliffs fairly well by the dim twilight and you can make out a bright green sea kayak stretching out in front of me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82290-bdf7f-dogsledding_on_svalbard.jpgdogsledding_on_svalbardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/721a5-2ded2-walking_home_selfie.jpegA selfie somewhere even I don't recognise on the way to or from Rangers a couple of weeks ago. There's a brick wall and a wooden post next to me and I'm wearing my Misfit scarf and hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/137f3-d6bd0-archery_golds.jpgA close-up of an archery target showing four arrows with blue and pink fletchings, all stuck in the gold. This is me practicing while I waited for my pupils to turn up to a taster session and I was very proud of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/07e89-27947-boat_club_sunset_selfie.jpgMe in a blue kayak taking a selfie straight into the sunset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6f0d-17a4d-swildons_hole_caving_photoshoot.jpgA very old photo of me in a cave. It's all a bit brown and a bit dark but there I am in a red and blue suit, smiling at a pile of bags on a rock shelf.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c98ad-964e3-old_winchester_hill_selfie.jpgMe, looking pretty damp, on top of Old Winchester Hill, the highest point in the first couple of days of the South Downs Way.2024-01-23T11:44:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10ce3-1e838-icelandic_guidebook.pngIcelandic Guidebook headerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8f3d-80efd-useful_iceland_maps.pngUseful Iceland Maps headerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78dbc-0cba9-laugavegur_diaries.pngLaugavegur Diaries headerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/207ef-66543-the_volcano_adventures.pngThe Volcano Adventures headerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4b5f-4f9e2-a_z_of_iceland.pngThe A-Z of Iceland headerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8c31-7b00c-iceland_itineraries.pngIceland Itineraries headerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2bef7-38689-all_iceland_blogs.pngAll the Iceland blogs headerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1d2a-57abb-volcanoadventures.jpgThe Volcano Adventures: click here to see all my volcano blog posts. Small image with my brand colours down the left side, a picture of dark flooded volcanic crater, with the title in yellow letters.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4f90-45b1f-laugavegur.jpgThe Laugavegur Diaries: click here to see all my Laugavegur Trail blog posts. Small image with my brand colours down the left side, a picture of a river and small waterfall tumbling among green and black mountains, with the title in yellow letters.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b695-ad393-blogs.jpgIceland blogs: click here to see all my Iceland blog posts. Small image with my brand colours down the left side, a picture of me on a fresh lava field, with the title in yellow letters.2024-01-18T12:55:26+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/20/new-video-the-forest-lagoon-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/090b7-e5010-forest_lagoon.jpgNew video: The Forest Lagoon - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-18T09:42:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/23/new-video-krauma-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6ae3-13186-krauma.jpgNew video: Krauma - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-12T13:10:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/06/iceland-on-tv-over-christmas/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed95c-4a512-icelandontv.pngIceland on TV over Christmas | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7b740-c2318-36223238806_582f128893_k-1.jpg36223238806_582f128893_k (1)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf82f-bedb8-36098111572_c3bee1456b_k.jpgA note I saw in the gift shop in Hallgrimskirkja in December 2011. It says "if the shop is closed and you want to go up to the tower, please put the fee in the barrel and then you can take the lift by the entrance up to the 8 floor. Thank you!"https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/781d0-7743d-29320155818_85fc9b4988_k-2.jpgThe black sand beach at Vik. The sand is actually a dark grey, as are several jagged pinnacles sticking 70 metres out of the sea. To the right is a rocky headland, its steep slopes covered in luminous green grass and moss.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e008-dec18-36036122570_f4e0bf687b_k.jpgMe, ice-climbing on the Solheimajokull glacier. I'm near the top of the wall, my toe crampons dug into the ice, trying to get an ice axe into the ice to give my right hand a secure hold. I look higher than I actually am, which is about eight feet off the ground.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5de3a-4327e-33376546816_f66fb857c5_k-1.jpgA selfie, taken with the timer and my camera in a waterproof pouch balancing on a rock. I'm floating on my back in the steaming waters of Myvatn Nature Baths. Behind me, the grey mountains loom over the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3322-c5da6-33837627056_d56c01db2c_k.jpgThingvallavatn, Iceland's second largest lake, as seen from the top of a lava cliff. The lake is broken up by low islands to the left and stretches off into the distance to the right. It is surrounded by low mountains, which are blue with mist.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60ffc-75459-33035329434_cd0d0403d1_k.jpgCamping in windy conditions at Landmannalaugar. My tent is a tiny one-man yellow one, weighed down by rocks, on a campsite that looks like bare rock and overlooked by a dark looming mountain with a patch of snow on the top.2024-01-11T10:38:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/13/new-video-sky-lagoon-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1f95-5a2f8-sky_lagoon.jpgNew video: Sky Lagoon - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-09T10:53:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/02/06/new-video-vok-baths-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/91cff-dfaa2-vok_baths.jpgNew video: Vök Baths - is this the best geothemal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-09T10:49:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/30/new-video-geosea-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f0c1-a655c-geosea.jpgNew video: Geosea - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-08T15:09:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/16/new-video-secret-lagoon-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bbb55-7068a-secret_lagoon.jpgNew video: Secret Lagoon - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-08T12:19:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/09/new-video-laugarvatn-fontana-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2e1fc-7f6a7-laugarvatn_fontana.jpgNew video: Laugarvatn Fontana - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-08T12:14:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/01/a-reintroduction-for-2024/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f7c5-52ece-a_reintroduction_for_2024.jpgA reintroduction for 2024 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c48b-c0ff4-ice_skating_selfie.jpgA selfie taken while ice skating. I'm wearing a red and black striped hat with a long tail and a burgundy t-shirt and hoodie.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6082a-5aeb2-sea_kayaking_selfie.jpgA selfie in a bright green sea kayak out at sea on a sunny day. I'm wearing a white helmet and a red buoyancy aid and there are chalk sea stacks behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94a40-9ea4a-girlguiding_swiss_train_selfie.jpgA selfie in my navy Girlguiding polo shirt and striped international neckerchief. I'm on a train on my way across Switzerland for a week at world centre Our Chalet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fab17-6395a-outside_inside_the_volcano.jpgMe, in harness and helmet, standing on top of a small volcano with a green-grey lava field behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85ef3-685c5-arriving_in_tromso.jpgA selfie as the light dies away on the dockside in Tromso, having just got off the Hurtigruten coastal boat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/203f9-e7ae8-at_sky_lagoon.jpgMe in Iceland's Sky Lagoon by the infinity edge with a pale yellow and blue sunset behind mehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/480c1-b8e76-camping_in_a_dress.jpgcamping_in_a_dresshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75b9e-f6c01-profile_pic_in_the_woods.jpgMe in the woods, wearing a yellow jumper and blue raincoat. The whole picture is in my branding colours. As usual, my hair is in plaits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63265-e0d29-me_at_my_desk.jpgMe sitting at my desk back when the shelves were less cluttered. I have red hair in plaits and I'm wearing a yellow hoodie with matching neon yellow nails.2024-01-01T19:50:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/08/how-to-manage-school-trips-with-arfid/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95b33-c363e-how_to_manage_school_trips_with_arfid.jpgHow to manage school trips with ARFID | iamapolarbear.com2024-01-01T19:08:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2024/01/02/new-video-myvatn-nature-baths-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74d8d-aeedd-myvatn_nature_baths.pngNew video: Myvatn Nature Baths - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2023-12-29T15:12:42+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/28/2023-in-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa909-9566d-2023_in_review.png2023 in review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51df5-38a20-iceland_in_summer_video_thumbnail.pngThe thumbnail for my hour and a quarter vlog of driving around Iceland this summer, mostly featuring the view across the lake from the campsite at Myvatn with my little yellow tent in the corner.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43e0a-7c427-geocaching_at_rebel_meet_up.jpgMe, in the maroon t-shirt and blue/maroon/pink striped neckerchief of the Rebel Badge Club, searching for ducks in a park in Reading on a sunny Saturday morning.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9deaa-d83a9-cardboard_box_oven.jpgA cardboard box lined with tin foil placed over a disposable barbecue. An impressive amount of smoke is billowing from the top and the cardboard, incredibly, is not on fire.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/211c0-3e8bc-kayaking_at_sunset.jpgMe in a lime-green sea kayak at sunset during my overnight on-the-water adventure.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/90523-718ea-icebreaker_selfie.jpgA selfie in a yellow jumper and bucket hat, sitting opposite Finland's entire icebreaker fleet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2721-7b8fe-tjornin_in_february.jpgA selfie by the unfrozen corner of Reykjavik's frozen Tjornin pond in February. I'm wearing a handmade matching scarf & hat in a yarn that's simultanously pastel and neon rainbow colours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06962-de7c0-glass_sculpting.jpgMe, in denim dungarees and a bright pink t-shirt, pulling at a glob of glass with a pair of overgrown tweezers, shaping it into a kind of explosion.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97e01-92e12-camp_wildfire_patrol_point.jpgA 35mm film photo of me holding up a a plastic disc. It's the first photo of the roll and the sky is partly cut off. I'm wearing a yellow-green t-shirt and a bottle-green neckerchief. I wish I had my patrol shirt and my headdress on but alas, I took them off to jump off the trapeze and haven't put them back on yet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b583b-3957c-boat_club_selfie.jpgMe, in my kayaking kit, on the edge of the harbour on a grey day, nonetheless looking triumphant. I haven't actually been out on the water yet...2023-12-27T23:24:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/08/i-want-to-do-the-laugavegur-trail-again-and-how-ill-do-it-differently/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/55d46-7e5ac-42287911915_a9ea305ce0_k.jpgGuesthouse room the night before the hikehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61a9a-98a53-laugadifferent.pngHow I'll do the Laugavegur Trail differently | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fec7d-09aae-43142243522_8a4618d796_k.jpgDay four of the Laugavegur trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2e3d-7ede0-p1050490.jpgLaugavegur 2018 scrapbookLaugavegur 2018 scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bde9-71951-daythreegps.pngLaugavegur day three GPS trackLaugavegur day three GPS trackhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db7ca-fd0f9-img_1525.jpgThe group on day three, me visible in the middleThe group on day three, me visible in the middlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1853-d343c-29288633117_6afb54368d_k.jpgMy big bag that went in the carMy big bag that went in the carhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5ad1-815f4-49760178858_4f3efcc556_k-1.jpgCooking pasta on my stove in the gardenCooking pasta on my stove in the gardenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f711-45a51-28053407838_217d98d1f8_k.jpgCelebrating reaching the highest point on DartmoorCelebrating reaching the highest point on Dartmoorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0dc11-62947-28322981337_5b01137798_k.jpgMy mountain boots at Gatwick AirportMy mountain boots at Gatwick Airport2023-12-27T22:51:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/26/new-video-the-blue-lagoon-is-this-the-best-geothermal-pool-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58f89-15827-the_blue_lagoon.jpgNew video: The Blue Lagoon - is this the best geothermal pool in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.com2023-12-26T14:28:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/25/iceland-itineraries-my-favourite-places/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6be1d-f530b-my_favourite_places.jpgIceland Itineraries: My Favourite Places | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d538b-1cda8-blue_lagoon.jpgThe famous blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, with a mountain in front. Between the lagoon and the mountain is the geothermal power station that provides the famous water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b303-cee3c-landmannalaugar.jpgMe lying in a gravel field looking at the camera. Behind me are yellow striped mountains with thick dark green moss growing on them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfb54-767fa-sun_voyager.jpgA gleaming stainless steel stylised Viking ship sits on the shore, looking out towards a turquoise blue bay with a mountain range on the other side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7f75-39112-lava_show_reykjavik.jpgIn a darkened theatre, lava flows down a steel slide, illuminating the room in orange although it glows white itself. A man with a steel pole has scooped up some lava which is dangling from the pole like thick custard.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff4d1-552c9-timer_selfie_in_hvammsvik.jpgA (non-wonky!) timer selfie sitting in the hot pool at Hvammsvik, with a row of snowy mountains behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e9524-38e02-settlement_centre.jpgA skull, possible a horse's although it has big fangs, draped in a mangy fur of some kind and made especially creepy by a greenish light shone on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2f3e-261dd-grabrok.jpgA dark red crater, covered in grey-green moss with a wooden boardwalk running across the rim and down into the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed583-e12f8-godafoss.jpggodafosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ca80-3749f-askja_and_viti.jpgA steep muddy-sided crater flooded with milk-like water on the edge of a much bigger lake in a flooded caldera, its waters navy blue with mountain-like sides containing it opposite.2023-12-24T15:49:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/19/new-video-iceland-in-summer/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67268-932d3-iceland_in_summer.pngNew video: Iceland in summer | iamapolarbear.com2023-12-19T11:38:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/18/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-z-is-for-zeal/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2fd0a-60a7f-z_is_for_zeal.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: Z is for Zeal | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dfd96-4051d-volcano_selfie.jpgMe in a green t-shirt standing, slightly lopsided, on the side of a small extinct volcano.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/901da-2f50a-paddleboarding_with_rangers.jpgMe on a paddleboard with one foot stuck out awkwardly.This one is here because it's the evening I took my Rangers kayaking & paddleboarding. I'm sure you can see why they're not in this photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dbf96-7f203-me_at_neuchatel_station.jpgMe during my year abroad, standing on the platform at Neuchatel station clutching a baguette.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a968-2568f-reindeer_sledding.jpgMe in a blue padded snowsuit holding a rope loosely attached to a reindeer who just does not care.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf0bc-eb103-me_at_ljotipollur.jpgMe in a green-grey t-shirt standing on the edge of a crater with reddish rocks around the edge and flooded with bright blue water.2023-12-18T15:11:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/04/outtakes-or-mistakes-ive-made-when-travelling/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dad5f-b0abc-outtakes.jpgOuttakes! Mistakes I've made when travelling | Blogmas 2022 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a213f-cc223-49103522083_acdfba11e6_k.jpgA glass ball a couple of inches in diameter held up to the camera. Inside it, you can see the tall Gothic-shaped red and blue stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle's upper chapel.One of the most expensive photos I've ever taken.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7e24-bd2c5-38919962115_fcea37a12a_k.jpgA white metro train with mint-green accents arriving at Trocadero station under Paris. It's all very well-lit and very clean-looking.The Paris metro looks much cleaner than the Tube, doesn't it?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/234bd-9d754-48846698836_9b34752b27_k.jpgThe back of my apartment building in Murmansk, a yellow building which is dark grey on the ground floor. Behind the building is a narrow road for accessing the apartments behind and behind the road is a patch of trees with a children's playground.I sat here for so long...https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27a43-9e603-33838286876_a14f394b35_k-1.jpgA small pile of bags next to a smaller patch of grass. Half an hour ago, my tent was pitched here. In ten minutes, it will be again.It's a small tent.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4077f-e521e-52045514726_e6a14ee65a_k.jpgDua Lipa on stage in Liverpool. I'm actually at the far end of the arena but this is a good close-up photo with a good zoom. Dua is wearing a neon pink catsuit with matching opera-length gloves. Even at this distance, you can see how the suit is actually lacy.The things you can achieve with a good zoom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/636ab-30a19-46308851332_ca900fca91_o.jpgMy sister and I pretending to fall off a beam at ADAM Lookout. My hair is confined in plaits, as usual. Hers, which is fairly long and fairly thick, quite a lot darker than mine and a touch more reddish-purple, is loose. It's far too much hair to not brush for six days.This is enough hair that you need to brush it while you're away, yes?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/428d6-92bc2-49151946611_9e34712eea_k.jpgSelfie on a bright-painted fake pirate ship in north Poland in November, wearing a furry hat, a hoodie with the hood up and a slightly thicker button-up fleece shacket/hoodie. I'm as cold as I look.This. Was. Freezing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3311e-53e6a-47938439636_9f501885aa_k.jpgThousands of people crammed into a square between the shops and the dish of the Trevi Fountain.No ATMs in Romehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4a21-6aa7b-48336818136_62c72d4d5b_k.jpgMy room in Malta. The walls are bare and white and look like they're painted over bare rock. There's a wardrobe and you can see the corner of the bed. Bright curtains cover a window which makes the room quite light in daytime but the light visible above the wardrobe is pretty inadequate in the evening.Funnily enough, I didn't take a photo of the sockets.2023-12-12T15:53:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/22/light-attaching-to-a-girl-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63052-75082-light_attaching_to_a_girl_review.jpgLight Attaching to a Girl review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fcd1b-883e6-light_attaching_to_a_girl.jpgLight Attaching to a Girl review | iamapolarbear.com2023-12-12T15:16:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/04/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-y-is-for-y-not/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01444-4dc54-y_is_for_y_not.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: Y is for Y Not? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/567a5-570d7-kayaking_jokulsarlon.jpgMe, all in red warm & waterproof clothes, sitting in a red kayak on a teal glacier lagoon. The cloud is low, casting some great light on the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce959-22653-arctic_circle_selfie.jpgA selfie on a painted line proclaiming Arctic Circle. I'm wearing a purple padded jacket and a black and red striped hat, the green strap of my backpack is visible and my hair is dark red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29342-bc99c-paragliding_over_mayrhofen.jpgMe doing a tandem paraglide over a snowy mountain and a snowy pine forest. I'm weraing bright pink ski trousers that match my pink mask. My snowboarding instructor and paragliding pilot is wearing a lime green jacket. The combination of hot pink, lime green and white mountain works surprisingly well.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93d0a-4dbe5-axe_on_a_glacier.jpgA picture of me holding up an ice axe on a glacier. I'm all in black, with an orange hat and wearing a climbing harness.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70a17-01a16-selfie_at_azure_window.jpgA selfie on a dusty bit of land by the sea in Malta. I'm wearing my grey-green Taylor Swift t-shirt which makes me merge into the grey-green-orange background a bit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4cad-f2d19-frame_at_engstligenfelle.jpgA picture of me in a frame at the bottom of a frozen mountain.2023-12-04T14:18:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/21/video-finding-seljavallalaug/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4dc1-be4cc-finding_seljavallalaug.jpgNew video: Finding Seljavallalaug | iamapolarbear.com2023-11-30T10:20:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/12/new-video-st-agnes-tin-tabernacle-shepherds-hut-tour/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b704-6a50c-st_agnes_tour.pngNew video: St Agnes tin tabernacle tour | iamapolarbear.com2023-11-29T14:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/27/an-iceland-itinerary-what-to-see-and-do-in-iceland-according-to-youtube/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f09c9-396a5-iceland_according_to_youtube.jpgIceland Itineraries: Iceland According to YouTube | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a247-96d6e-dettifoss.jpgDettifoss, a huge waterfall falling into a canyon and out of frame. It still manages to dwarf both banks and the line of tourists taking photos of it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb7a2-e5563-seydisfjordur.jpgSeyðisfjörður, a pretty town on the edge of a fjord and surrounded on both sides by steep mountains. This photo is taken from the edge of the river mouth, which has opened up here to look like an oversized duckpond.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df32a-2c42b-jokulsarlon.jpgJökulsárlón, the glacier lagoon, with a dramatic cloud over it, and striped blue, white and black icebergs floating in the dark blue water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7d7ed-c6acb-fjadrargljufur.jpgFjaðrárgljúfur, a canyon with steep sides that weaves its way alongside a shallow river. In this picture, it's a bit dark because a heavy mist is blocking out the sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d577b-893c1-seljavallalaug.jpgSeljavallalaug, an outdoor pool full of green water surrounded by green mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c475-63a97-reynisfjara.jpgReynisfjara in autumn 2012, before the tourists really found it. A huge cliff of basalt columns descends to a black beach. Out at sea is a rocky pinnacle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d7a6-48e77-thingvellir_in_summer.jpgÞingvellir rift valley as seen from the top of the clifftop viewpoint.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22707-b3428-campervan_in_the_wild.jpgA small panel van campervan parked on the side of a road in Iceland which has been cut into the side of a shallow-sloped mountain, covered in yellow-green moss.2023-11-27T15:07:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/23/what-i-carry-on-a-day-hike-on-dartmoor/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94a0c-bdbf8-what_i_carry_on_dartmoor.jpgWhat I carry on a day hike on Dartmoor | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58990-e81e4-sunglasses-selfie.jpgA selfie from Dartmoor with Haytor in the background. I'm wearing my prescription polarised sunglasses. You can also see the blue base layer that I'm wearing in just about every hiking photo on this post.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bcc38-65bf1-navigation_equipment.jpgMy map case (ignore that the route cards inside are for the South Downs Way!), OS map (OL28, Dartmoor) and compass, which is attached to a set of pacing beads and a piece of paracord bracelet. My tiny emergency headtorch has ended up in the wrong photo, it's on top of the map case.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04fec-2d915-waterproof_jacket_in_iceland.jpgMe, wearing my waterproof jacket, in a red crater in Iceland. The jacket is unzipped and I'm holding my arms out which shoes off the jacket quite nicely.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01dc0-d75eb-waterproof_jacket.jpgMe, in Iceland with a background of steaming lava, wearing my blue waterproof jacket. The pockets are really bulgy because I've stuffed them full of camera things.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c940e-c7f1b-emergency_kit.jpgemergency_kithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68b7a-126f6-soft_shell_selfie.jpgA selfie (actually taken in Wales) wearing the blue softshell.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5b8e0-6fdf8-green_fleece_and_trigpoint.jpgMe leaning on a trigpoint wearing a green zip-up microfleece. It has a lighter green zip and edging and fits nicely.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa729-d6db2-bag_pockets.jpgTwo boxy rectangular pouches of green nylon attached to the hip belt of my bag. They're both a bit wrinkly because they don't hold their own shape but they're quite voluminous which makes them useful.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcd8d-1441f-bag_badges.jpgA close-up of the bag on the moor showing the front pocket and three pin badges pinned to it.2023-11-23T15:13:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/20/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-x-is-for-xenophilia/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65552-5390a-x_is_for_xenophilia.pngThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: X is for Xenophilia | iamapolarbear.com2023-11-20T15:38:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/05/video-my-girlguiding-journey/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b720-b6bfd-my_girlguiding_journey.pngNew video: My Girlguiding story | iamapolarbear.com2023-11-08T12:40:35+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/06/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-w-is-for-worries/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9977b-7ce6d-w_is_for_worries.pngThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: W is for Worries | iamapolarbear.com2023-11-06T15:35:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/07/video-mountains-glaciers-iceland-vlog-%f0%9f%87%ae%f0%9f%87%b8/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef7e6-34be3-mountains_and_glaciers.pngNew video: Mountains and glaciers | iamapolarbear.com2023-11-05T18:18:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/12/travel-library-do-your-best-how-to-be-a-scout-by-bear-grylls/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f71c-fbdab-how_to_be_a_scout-1.jpgTravel Library: How To Be A Scout by Bear Grylls | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e25c-bc946-how_to_tie_a_friendship_knot.jpgA chapter with an illustration showing how to tie a friendship knot. My international neckerchief is lying next to the tablet, with its carved wooden woggle and friendship knot lying on the tablet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38dfe-f934e-what_is_a_scout.jpgA close-up of a sub-chapter titled What Is A Scout? My miniature adult Promise badge and a WAGGGS member badge are lying on the tablet next to the title.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbf10-60778-why_its_good_to_get_up_early.jpgA close-up of the first paragraph of a sub-chapter on Why It's Good To Get Up Early.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d35e8-632a9-how_to_be_an_adventurer.jpgMy tablet showing the chapter title page How To Be An Adventurer. The tablet is surrounded by an OS map, a firesteel, a curved spoon-carving knife and a compass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06279-68ecc-how_to_be_a_scout.jpgThe green and gold cover of How To Be A Scout displayed on the screen of my tablet, which is wearing my international neckerchief, a red scarf with blue and white borders, tied in a friendship knot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88d73-a5328-the_guide_handbook.jpgMy copy of the 90s The Guide Handbook, a squarish paperback book lying on my red checked woollen camp blanket among my 90s Guide badges.2023-10-30T17:05:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/06/twelve-weeks-of-newness/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/382a3-d5575-12_weeks_of_newness.pngTwelve Weeks of Newness | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d2e8-367c5-local_rebel_fencing_meet.jpegSix people in fencing jackets, standing under a tree holding plastic swords towards the camera. You can tell how hot it is from the fact that the sun has turned the green grass in front of us to glorious blazing golden yellow which is messing up the camera a bit.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee352-715ce-campfire_in_a_tin.jpegAn excellent little campfire lit in a Quality Street tin on a concrete slab on woodchips.No photos of the meeting or parents, obviously, but here's the campfire in a tin we lit at Rangers before they arrived.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49edb-cfb35-apple_and_cinnamon_turnovers.jpgA clear plastic box from Tesco, sitting on my tiny camping table, containing two large triangular apple & cinnamon turnovers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68196-625c4-gel_toenails.jpegMy foot in the grass. It has fairly distinct sandal tanlines by now and sparkly purple toes although you can't really get the holographic effect until you see them in motion - which I'm not sharing on the internet!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05309-86a74-korvapuusti_and_coke.jpgAn enormous cinnamon roll and glass of Coke on a table outside Helsinki's big tourist sauna.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9147-ef20c-potatoes_and_veg_garden.jpegTo the right is a stack of four triangular plant trays/pots. This is the new home of my potatoes. Behind them are green patio planters with various veg coming up and at the front is a large pale blue pot that currently contains nothing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8123b-4989f-kayaking_with_guides.jpgMy Guides returning from sea, silhouetted against an orange sunset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53a19-ae26a-bay_of_bones.jpgA wall of bones in the Paris Catacombs, mostly skulls held in place with long leg bones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01c95-f0c18-view_from_my_seat.jpgThe view of the stage at Paris's Opera Bastille from my seat in the middle gallery.2023-10-30T16:35:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/02/how-to-make-a-norwegian-troll-for-your-christmas-tree/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f06e3-86572-how_to_make_a_troll.jpgHow to make a Norwegian troll for your Christmas tree | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05d81-fa6d7-finished_nisse_in_plan.jpgThe completed nisse standing in my spider plant because I don't have a Christmas tree handy right now. The nisse is wearing a lovely little red felt robe and pointy hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ba7c-b027f-nisse_with_hanging_loop.jpgThe nisse lying on my white desk with a length of plaited thread next to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/634b4-75a93-nisse_with_hat_on.jpgThe nisse now with the hat on its head. You can see how the back has been sewn up by blanket stitch and it actually looks very neat and cute.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0270e-82647-nisse_with_hat_template.jpgThe nisse lying on the red felt with a paper cone next to it. This is the template for the hat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c81b9-d5486-nisse_with_robe_on.jpgThe nisse now wearing its completed robe. The head is on the neck but the pipecleaner is sticking out the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ec11-3b1e4-robe_on_headless_skeleton.jpgThe robe on the skeleton with the pipecleaner neck sticking out. It's not been sewn yet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc81c-33ffb-robe_drawn_on_felt.jpgThe felt folded over and the robe drawn onto it so that the neck and shoulders are on the fold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/084db-4bf2a-robe_drawn_round_skeleton.jpgThe skeleton with beads pushed on as hands and feet. It's lying on a piece of paper and I've sketched a robe around it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7828-ab871-pipecleaner_skeleton.jpgThe pipecleaner cut into pieces and twisted together into the shape of a stick person.2023-10-30T16:25:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/28/video-iceland-in-february-iceland-winter-vlog-%f0%9f%87%ae%f0%9f%87%b8/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/380d2-47ae6-iceland_in_february.jpgNew video: Iceland in February | iamapolarbear.com2023-10-29T14:00:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/14/video-kayaking-jokulsarlon-iceland-vlog-%f0%9f%87%ae%f0%9f%87%b8/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53f2b-215ca-kayaking_on_jokulsarlon.jpgNew video: Kayaking on Jökulsárlón | iamapolarbear.com2023-10-29T13:52:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/11/02/year-abroad-an-expedition-to-appenzell-and-st-gallen/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ccdc1-43bbf-st_gallen_and_appenzell.jpgYear Abroad: Expedition to Appenzell & St Gallen | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7acd-954a9-train_selfie.jpgA selfie taken, MySpace-style, from above, making my face much narrower at the bottom than the top. I've deliberately taken off my glasses and if you look closely, you'll see that although my eyes are vaguely green, my right one is slightly bluer than the left, which is slightly browner. I'm wearing a red t-shirt and you can make out the green and blue seats of the long white Swiss trains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/213b0-fc71d-st_gallen_bear.jpgAn art trail bear on its hind legs with its front legs in the air. It's a plain brown bear only its stomach has been painted as if it's been unzipped to show scenes from St Gallen inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33ef0-399bf-st_gallen_cathedral_exterior.jpgThe exterior of St Gallen Cathedral as seen from low down and close up. It has two towers on its west end and a more elaborate shorter round-topped tower in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ade6d-78260-abbey_library_slippers.jpgFour rows of grey felt slippers lined up against the wall on a tiled floor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2202b-cf787-st_gallen_cathedral_ceiling.jpgThe ceiling of St Gallen Cathedral. Most of the dome is filled with a fresco in muted colours, surrounded by arches in pink and gold, with green corners and plaques. You can also see the organ pipes, which are decorated in gold.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0df4e-391e3-inside_st_gallen_cathedral.jpgInside St Gallen Cathedral, a Baroque church with its walls painted white but every space filled with elaborate green, gold and pink decoration.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/282af-743f7-narrow_st_gallen_streets.jpgA narrow street in St Gallen, with tall four or five storey houses and pointed roofs. At ground level, there are umbrellas outside cafes and restaurants.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b845-9c621-appenzell_empty_streets.jpgA cobbled square with a few people on the right-hand side. Behind are two tall houses with pointed roofs, painted in red and yellow and there's another red and yellow chalet just visible on the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f912f-56197-appenzell_roofs.jpgI don't know where I'm standing but it's cobbled and there's a railing and it's about the level of a second floor, judging by the buildings opposite. Between them, you can see a green pointed mountain.2023-10-29T13:46:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/31/video-desert-of-misdeeds-iceland-vlog/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35046-03155-crossing_the_desert_of_misdeeds.jpgNew video: Crossing the Desert of Misdeeds | iamapolarbear.com2023-10-29T13:45:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/26/travel-library-not-cool-europe-by-train-in-a-heatwave-by-jules-brown/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c292-91b9f-travelling_and_writing.jpgA fragment of a page about travel and adventures and what an adventure is considered to be.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0669-ca58b-foreword.jpgMy tablet, lying on a stripy beach towel, displaying the Foreword chapter, explaining how this book and journey came about.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9b2a-bf217-vienna_excerpt.jpgThe left-hand side of the first paragraph of a page in the Vienna chapter, giving you a hint of opera houses and composers and chocolate cake without actually giving you the entire paragraph.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/358f7-9911d-not_cool_jules_brown.jpgTravel Library: Not Cool: Europe. By Train. In a Heatwave by Jules Brownhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dbf73-3c16c-not_cool.pngTravel Library: Not Cool: Europe. By Train. In a Heatwave by Jules Brown | iamapolarbear.com2023-10-26T15:54:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/24/video-expedition-to-askja-viti-iceland-vlog-%f0%9f%87%ae%f0%9f%87%b8/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74f61-c5fa4-expedition_to_askja.jpgNew video: Expedition to Askja & Viti | iamapolarbear.com2023-10-23T13:43:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/23/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-v-is-for-visas/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cd605-f419b-v_is_for_visas.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: V is for Visas | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ee91-a22a1-russian_visa_stuff.jpgA pile of stuff relating to my Russian visa, including a polaroid and business card of the visa centre, a scrap of the receipt and of the invitation form plus a colour photocopy of the visa itself, with all the sensitive details blurred out.2023-10-23T13:31:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/30/the-ultimate-ten-day-iceland-ring-road-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5b89-f8c65-ultimate_iceland_ring_road_itinerary.jpgThe Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7e65-cda4d-swimming_in_the_blue_lagoon.jpgMy head poking out of the Blue Lagoon. The water is as blue as the sky and it's only the suggestion of a mountain or building in the distance that tells you where water ends and sky begins.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/80bf1-52f36-hot_river_hveragerdi.jpgA hot river visibly steaming in the sun in the geothermal park at Hveragerði. This isn't the famous one people hike to and it's too hot to bathe in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b698-648ec-behind_seljalandsfoss.jpgA tall slender lacy waterfall falls over the edge of a large cave into a plunge pool below. Behind the waterfall you can see vast green plains and a blue sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/905d7-54dfc-iceberg_at_jokulsarlon.jpgA large piece of ice with black stripes in its uneven surface. It is floating in the glacial lagoon, which is a bright blue. In the background you can make out the glacier that calved the iceberg.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c665-dc1f9-seydisfjordur.jpgSeyðisfjörður as seen from beside a shallow river. The town is an assortment of houses, many of them white with red or blue roofs. A steep mountain looms over the town.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef209-98be5-askja_and_viti.jpgA crater within a larger crater. The large crater is flooded with dark blue water and ringed with mountains. The smaller one has steep brown sides and is flooded with opaque blue-white water. Its steep sides cast a curved shadow on the water but the rest is in bright sunshine despite the clouds overhead.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ad2d-a921d-dettifoss_east_bank.jpgDettifoss as seen from the east bank, an absolute storm of water and spray. You can't tell where the shattered grey east bank actually ends and the water begins. On the other side, the ground is noticeably smoother and greener.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54a65-744b7-forest_lagoon.jpgPale greenish water at the Forest Lagoon, which is surrounded by trees and has a mist just over its surface. Across the pool is a wooden building serving as an in-water bar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1bbc-86e18-hraunfossar_waterfall.jpgHraunfossar, a lacy web of waterfalls falling out of the side of the river bank. At the top is a dry but mossy lava field.2023-10-19T14:11:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/17/video-exploring-the-krafla-geothermal-area-iceland-vlog-%f0%9f%87%ae%f0%9f%87%b8/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81bca-fd756-exploring_krafla.jpgNew video: Exploring the Krafla geothermal area | iamapolarbear.com2023-10-18T15:44:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/09/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-u-is-for-the-uk-and-usa/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a82c-a9a33-fizz_in_the_hot_tub.jpgA selfie in the hot tub, holding up a champagne flute of something that's not champagne. Behind me, the sky is heavy with clouds but I look pretty satisfied.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92ef4-20b08-winchester_cathedral_nave.jpgWinchester's soaring Perpendicular Gothic nave, lit up in purple.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ead7d-44dc1-eurostar_at_st_pancras.jpgWalking up the Eurostar platform at St Pancras, with the train alongside me. It's a grey train with a yellow stripe under the windows and a long blue stripe around the windows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92e09-40084-camping_and_goat_fields.jpgTwo fields, separated by a fence running up to a barn. On the right is the campsite. The grass is short and neat. On the left is a goat field, currently empty of goats. The grass in there is much longer. At the end of the fields is woodland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ba34-256f7-solo_camping.jpgA timer selfie, sitting in a camp chair outside my tent, with a mini table next to me. I'm wearing a yellow jumper and red Crocs, holding a paper cup of presumed hot chocolate and on the table is a notebook, a book and a bottle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18173-7621b-train_to_york.jpgA shiny aerodynamic train in navy and yellow, about to take me from London to York.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7191d-6a99f-west_bay_beach.jpgThe non-bioluminescent beach at West Bay in winter - an expanse of yellow-orange sand meeting the waves, with the stone harbour wall in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f57b7-4c9a9-u_is_for_uk_and_usa.pngThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: U is for the UK and USA | iamapolarbear.com2023-10-09T15:03:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/28/travel-library-ask-an-adventurer-by-alastair-humphreys/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38f65-08083-delicious_or_dirty.jpegA close-up of a chapter entitled "Does it feel delicious or dirty to earn money from adventure?". Yu can also read most of the first paragraph underneath about Al's thoughts on the question.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb94d-eaf6a-ask_an_adventurer_open.jpegAsk An Adventurer on my tablet, open to a chapter called "How do you become an adventurer?". Yes, I use a yellowy-cream background to read on my tablet. The tablet is still on the map but now it's surrounded by a compass, a firesteel and a piece of rock.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae801-c87e4-ask_an_adventurer_cover.jpegAsk An Adventurer by Alastair Humphreys, as read on my tablet, open on the cover page. The tablet is lying on an OS map of Dartmoor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c3a1-2149a-ask_an_adventurer.pngTravel Library: Ask An Adventurer by Alastair Humphreys | iamapolarbear.com2023-09-28T08:49:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/26/video-i-walked-the-south-downs-way/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7081-d77c9-south_downs_way_video.jpgNew video: I walked the South Downs Way | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97c76-ecf41-southdownsway.pngsouth downs way2023-09-26T11:35:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/10/video-two-geothermal-pools-in-one-day-iceland-vlog-%f0%9f%87%ae%f0%9f%87%b8/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3131-922a6-2_geothermal_pools.jpg2_geothermal_poolshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/594b2-741cd-53099990514_ed83b52c0b_c.jpgSurprised Pikachu drawn in Sharpie on the nice wooden planks of the campsite toilet2023-09-22T12:40:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/10/03/video-driving-to-thingvellir-iceland-vlog-%f0%9f%87%ae%f0%9f%87%b8/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4445-e2279-driving_to_thingvellir.jpgNew video: Driving to Þingellir | iamapolarbear.com2023-09-22T12:35:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/25/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-t-is-for-transport/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75b70-fc3ca-on_the_train_in_germany.jpgMe on a train in Germany, wearing a red paper mask, with my hair half-frozen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a41d0-b219d-caledonian_sleeper.jpgThe Caledonian Sleeper at night, lit in dark yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f71a-ba67a-trans_siberian_railway.jpgInside a third class sleeping carriage on the Trans Siberian Railway. It's early in the morning and the beds are still made up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3837d-2d137-helsinki_transport_map.jpgA map of Helsinki's public transport network as seen on a tram stop.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a16d-a29d7-at_the_helsinki_rail_depot.jpgMe, in a red stripy hat and a purple coat at the rail depot in Helsinki after getting on the wrong train.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf930-5355f-riga_etalon_card.jpgA yellow e-ticket from Riga, held up at the bus stop outside Riga Airport fairly late in the evening.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05ae2-ff226-on_the_paris_metro.jpgA selfie on the Paris metro, a bit overdressed in fur cloak and lots of silver jewellery (I'm on my way home from the opera).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2220-90336-waiting_for_a_taxi.jpgSitting outside on a residential street, on my bag, waiting for a taxi at about 7am in Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bcac8-6ea99-on_the_airport_bus.jpgMe, wearing a red t-shirt on a bus, parked outside the airport, next to barriers marking the way around the airport. My phone is plugged in to an overhead wire so I have a purple cable apparently sprouting from me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e69b0-6fe67-t_is_for_transport.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: T is for Transport | iamapolarbear.com2023-09-22T12:15:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/18/how-not-to-do-the-ring-road-an-iceland-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3fd1-79830-how_not_to_do_the_ring_road.jpgHow not to do the Ring Road - an Iceland Itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6f5c-f6211-dropping_off_the_car.jpgMy car being dropped off at 5am. It's not dark exactly but the photo is blue-tinted and you can see the lights around the car park and the car parking behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/344be-313fc-seljavallalaug_selfie.jpgSelfie in Seljavallalaug, a semi-wild swimming pool in the mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09d94-4cc6c-kayaking_jokulsarlon.jpgMe in red kit in a red kayak on the glacier lagoon, which is dark turquoise with chunks of ice floating in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b42a-3c2eb-skaftafellsjokull_selfie.jpgA selfie at Skaftafellsjokull, with the glacier behind me. I'm wearing a grey-green t-shirt under a red t-shirt under a navy-and-brown checked shirt. I'm freezing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33185-2a3e7-ring_road_lava_field.jpgThe Ring Road sweeping across a vast grey-black lava with field with pointy mountains on the horizon and lumpy clouds threateningly low.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0f01-2196a-askja_and_viti.jpgAskja and Viti, a pair of flooded craters, one small and hot and milky-blue, the other huge and freezing and navy blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b71ca-823cd-leirhnjukur.jpgLeirhnjúkur, a steaming lava field under a very bright sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3543-f81d9-gudlaug_selfie.jpgA selfie in Guðlaug Baths - a round concrete pool in the side of a round concrete tower. You can't see the view over the beach and the sea, which is what really sells this place.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85926-17b80-camping_at_thingvellir.jpgMy little yellow tent poking out from behind my white Hyundai i20 in a field at Þingvellir.2023-09-19T10:56:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/09/11/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-s-is-for-safety/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2a07-a8fa8-s_is_for_safety.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel | S is for Safetyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce6a3-7bb0c-fencing_at_brownies.jpgThe closest I have to a weapon photo - me in a pink t-shirt, black fencing jacket and trousers, holding a green plastic sword. In the background is one of my Brownies, utterly anonymous under her white jacket and her full-face fencing helmet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/852bf-c75d1-wistmans_wood.jpgWistman's Wood on Dartmoor, a native British "rainforest". The ground is incredibly uneven anyway; it's also overun with boulders, ferns, roots and all sorts of trip hazards.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/39664-eb711-me_with_giant_jeep.jpgMe with a giant jeep. I'm wearing a green fleece and looking very pleased. The jeep is a massive Ford. The badge on its nose is about level with my eyes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2956-17404-amber_necklaces.jpgThree different styles of amber necklace on silver chains. The first is a large orange oval with a silver curved eye-shaped frame. The second is three colours in a flower or insect shape and the third is a silver bar with three circles of three different colours of amber set within.I once spent my emergency money on amber. Maybe don't do that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acc24-172e5-kayaking_on_jokulsarlon.jpgMe in a red jacket, buoyancy aid and kayak, out on the turquoise, ice-packed waters of Jökulsárlón.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdf72-b47f2-luggage_at_landmannalaugar.jpgA pile of luggage - a large black duffle bag, a grey 45l backpack and a pair of sandals - lying next to a patch of grass on the gravelly stony Landmannalaugar campsite.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15f90-38f93-selfie_at_viti_and_askja.jpgA selfie in a blue fleece and almost-matching buff, on the edge of the steep explosion crater Viti. Behind that, you can make out a bit of the Askja caldera lake.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69f2b-071ce-drink_at_bar.jpgA decorative glass of Coke on a table in a dimly lit bar in Reykjavik.2023-09-08T10:24:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/12/16/my-first-holiday/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45381-12f54-my_first_holiday.jpgMy first holiday | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69737-33dc6-out_and_about.jpgMe in my mum's arms, standing outside possibly a church, which seems to be on a hill or mountain, covered in trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db024-e38cd-on_the_steps.jpgMe and my dad now sitting on some marble steps. He's wearing his tracksuit, I'm in a t-shirt and trousers and still wearing the reins. I'm holding the leg of a Greek man doll.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67316-40b0c-at_the_apartment.jpgMe and my dad on the apartment balcony. I'm wearing a red checked dress, he's wearing a blue t-shirt and there are some play buckets on the table between us. In the background, the building doesn't look at all finished.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11265-1282d-on_a_pedalo.jpgMe in my highly patterned long t-shirt/dress and shorts, sitting on the back of a red pedalo on the beach. Next to me is a boy of about six in a pair of trunks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c52f8-41198-prancing_in_the_sea.jpgMe prancing around in the shallows in the sea, in front of some spectacular cliff formation. I'm wearing a blue t-shirt and shorts and also a set of reins.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a613-8b7b4-not_going_in_the_sea.jpgMe in a weird patterned polo-shirt dress standing on the beach while my mum stands ankle-deep in the sea, wide trousers held up, apparently failing to coax me in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3201a-f6f59-kicking_the_bumper_back_on.jpgTiny me, in a little blue dress, kicking the bumper of the hire car, which is about waist-height on me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88159-27e70-in_hire_car.jpgOur 80s hire car. The doors are open and I'm sitting in the driving seat on my dad's lap. He's wearing a teal and black tracksuit which he wouldn't be seen dead in today.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb2c7-4ecdd-baby_me_in_pool.jpgMe as a toddler, with very blonde hair, in a swimming pool, held by my mother and wearing orange inflatable armbands.2023-09-07T08:06:34+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/10/the-a-z-of-iceland-a-for-alftavatn/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5f3b-8facd-alftavatn.pngThe A-Z of Iceland: A for Alftavatn | iamapolarbear.com2023-08-29T10:08:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/28/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-r-is-for-road-trips/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad50a-0a0a0-r_is_for_road_trips.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: R is for Road Trips | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51355-a73ba-golf_in_the_wilderness.jpgA dark grey Golf parked on the edge of a rugged mountain scene.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ee4f-a1980-red_car_on_lava_field.jpgA metallic red VW Golf or Polo parked next to a very green pillowy lava field.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aea9c-b3162-car_on_the_95.jpgA white Hyundai i20 parked on the edge of a road through a gravelly yet grassy area of mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c279-dd582-messy_front_seat.jpgThe front of my car - actually my campervan. There's a bottle of Coke and a hoodie visible in the passenger seat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ab71-40a6f-selfie_in_car.jpgA selfie in the car. I'm wearing a grey-green Taylor Swift reputation tour t-shirt and my sunglasses. You can just see my yellow tent behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6053c-4d0cb-hyundai_in_drizzle.jpgA small black Hyundai parked on a patch of gravel next to some grassy gravel. It's either raining or has been raining recently.2023-08-28T13:02:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/16/where-can-i-swim-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70ff3-c9648-wherecaniswim.pngWhere can I swim in Iceland? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc016-1ecf1-32537463194_848682425e_k.jpgA muddy crater with a blue lake in the bottom. People are climbing down the side of the crater and there are other people, who look like dots from here, swimming in the warm water. In the background is a hint of a ring of mountains. These are the caldera edge and the glimpse of water beyond is the extremely deep and scary Askja lake, where the caldera is flooded.Swimming in Viti craterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c6cc-e2d1d-34043607101_e03c439b68_k.jpgA few people sitting under a bright sun in the Landmannalaugar spring, which is a duckpond-sized shallow pool sparkling in the sun with a lava field rising up on the right and rhyolite mountains visible behind.The Landmannalaugar hot springhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db5bf-595ad-33723015462_18d4d33be3_k.jpgSome people in the pool dug out at the hot spring at Hveravellir, as seen from a tour bus crossing the Kjölur route back in 2013.The Hveravellir poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5de9e-d6369-mapsample.pngA screenshot of the map showing various dots in blue and yellow over Reykjavik. Some of them have big white centres and some small dots in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b4fc-ef405-33033977900_1e0ef28cd3_k.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths, an expanse of blue lagoons under a mist or steam, set among the mountains and with Lake Myvatn just visible right in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93002-459f7-52026567235_3c9dba91ae_k.jpgSundhöllin, a pool in central Reykjavik. The original pool is housed in a white rectangular Art Deco building with frosted glass enclosing balconies halfway up the front. To the left is a new wall enclosing the outdoor extension and between the two is the glass wall of the lifeguard box, reflecting vivid blue pool water although at an angle that surely can't physically do that.2023-08-21T15:34:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/14/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-q-is-for-queens/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b5af-a3ce8-q_is_for_queens.pngThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: Q is for Queens | iamapolarbear.com2023-08-14T07:14:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/08/03/my-charging-kit-you-should-pack-this/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5863d-30c7d-three_usb_plug.jpgyou should pack this: my charging kit | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b57b7-80ed9-three_coiled_wires.jpgMy three wires on their own, showing their Minnie Mouse wraps.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d463-e3212-charging_kit.jpgMy charging kit - two of the triple USB plugs sitting on top of the flattened pink drawstring bag. Lying in front of them all are two blue wires and a pink one, each coiled and secured by a strip of fabric matching the bag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03f1f-ace8d-charging_bag.jpgA small drawstring bag made of pink fabric with Minnie Mouse and rainbows. It's held together by a cream ribbon and a matching pink toggle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03cff-46151-three_usbs.jpgA pile of triple USD chargers, two with UK prongs and two with European prongs.2023-07-28T09:55:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/31/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-p-is-for-packing/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0596-1d889-p_is_for_packing.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: P is for Packing | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29d2e-f67c9-krauma_selfie.jpgA selfie in Krauma wearing sunglasses. There's bright sun on my face but very dark stormclouds behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfce3-0f4b6-books_and_guidebooks.jpgMy purple notebook, elderly Kindle Paperwhite and Rough Guide to Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52973-c97c1-charcoal_sketches.jpgA little pile of charcoal & chalk sketches on coloured sugar paper.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70dd1-b7dc5-dressed_for_the_weather_at_dettifoss.jpgIt's a drizzly day but the haze in the background is spray from Dettifoss. I'm standing in front in a waterproof coat zipped right up and looking a little sunkissed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd493-3cfc5-dress_in_wells_cathedral.jpgMe in the long candy-striped dress in the chapter house of Wells Cathedral, which is hung with glittery butterflies as part of an art installation.To be fair, this day last year was deathly hot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f939d-cccd5-hiking_boots_at_the_airport.jpgMy feet splayed out on the floor of an airport, wearing fairly new hiking boots in dark grey with pink accents.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4f3b-3ce26-denmark_luggage.jpgTimer selfie by the harbour in Denmark. I'm wearing a green fleece over a red checked shirt and carrying a 45l backpack and a small crossbody bag.2023-07-28T09:17:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/17/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-o-is-for-outdoors/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09809-8bca0-o_is_for_outdoors.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: O is for Outdoors | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfe0a-fdda1-laugavegur_group.jpgA line of people trekking across the Icelandic highlands, with a dramatic craggy triangular mountain ahead and grey cloudy sky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6b8d-04225-snowmobiling.jpgMe on a snowmobile in the dark. The blue snowmobile and I are illuminated only by the white light of the camera flash.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f177b-57404-me_climbing.jpgMe, in a blue helmet and climbing harness, climbing up a stratified limestone wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f9f7-d4a49-snorkelling_in_silfra.jpgA rift flooded with bright blue water and several divers floating along it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4264e-4c346-at_hengifoss.jpgMe sitting on a rock near the top of a mountain, with Hengifoss behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79e93-f7a21-parents_walking.jpgMy parents walking along a gravel path in the Austrian Alps back in about 2008, both with walking poles.2023-07-18T11:13:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/13/5-tips-for-saving-money-when-travelling-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a42a3-b883f-5_tips_for_saving_money_in_iceland.jpg5 tips for saving money when travelling Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1bf3f-f05f6-drinking_in_reykjavik-1.jpgA glass of full-fat Coke in a patterned glass on a table in a bar in Reykjavik.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75be5-32689-iceland_in_iceland.jpgIceland supermarket in the outskirts of Reykjavik, as seen from an airport bus passing by.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63538-f2efa-hveragerdi_pool.jpgThe public pool at Hveragerði, a slither of bright blue on the side of a green hill with a mountain above it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a91f3-48519-camping_in_egilsstadir.jpgcamping_in_egilsstadirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b83c-bd46a-keflavik_airport_buses.jpgA selection of tour buses waiting outside Keflavik Airport to transport passengers into Reykjavik.2023-07-12T11:07:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/10/the-rise-and-fall-of-tourism-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9aad-f2240-rise_and_fall_of_tourism.jpgThe Rise and Fall of Tourism in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f4b4-77a6c-grayline_at_skalholt.jpgA Grayline coach, white and sleek, parked outside the church at Skalholt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/345da-b887a-reykjavik_excursions_bus_at_snaefellsnes.jpgA Reykjavik Excursions bus parked on Snæfellsnes, with a grey winter sky above and an orange-brown field of what's probably just long grass in summer.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d3b5-5f6d4-fontana_by_night.jpgFontana by night in December 2013. A round green light, possibly the moon, hovers over the scene, which is mostly railings silhouetted against the lights coming up from below, a set of fairy lights illuminating the railings around the raised hot tub and the lights reflecting faintly in the hot water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da0e1-c08e8-grayline_expedition_truck_in_thorsmork.jpgA Grayline expedition truck parked at Þórsmörk in 2013. It's parked in grey gravel and there's a lot of low-level greenery behind it and a mountain behind that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeec9-f9de1-selfie_with_a_pickup_bus.jpgA selfie in the early evening with a Reykjavik Excursions pick-up bus. I'm wearing a navy knitted hat and my heated coat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6989-36e60-grayline_downtown_office.jpgGrayline's downtown office in 2022, a building that seems to be held up with stilts and the office behind the stilts so that the upstairs overhangs the downstairs. Grayline's windows are full of pictures of their staff in orange outdoors jackets, eruptions, Northern Lights and lots of logos.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14bc9-d0da1-reykjavik_excursions_bus.jpgA close-up of the front of a large white Reykjavik Excursions executive coach "bus". You can see the front, the logo, the headlights and about half of the vast windscreen. Behind it, you can just see that it's early evening in winter - the sky is mid-blue and the streelights are bright against it.2023-07-07T11:01:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/06/im-walking-the-laugavegur-trail-again-next-year/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe3b9-c7b7c-laugavegur_again.pngI'm walking the Laugavegur Trail again next year | iamapolarbear.com2023-07-06T15:06:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/07/03/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-n-is-for-nightlife/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3a48-2df2a-out_in_reykjavik.jpgA slightly blurry long-exposure picture of me standing on the streets of Reykjavik in the dark. In fact, being winter, this is only 7 or 8pm.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7400-979aa-brenninvin_in_the_rocks.jpgA tiny bottle of Brennivin, a traditional Icelandic spirit, among my rock collection.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc5dd-a0e2b-drinking_in_reykjavik.jpgA tall decorative glass on a copper table in a bar in Reykjavik. The glass contains Coca-Cola, I'm afraid.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17f5f-d76e6-n_is_for_nightlife.pngThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: N is for Nightlife | iamapolarbear.com2023-07-03T14:50:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/19/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-m-is-for-money/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/234bc-5f480-m_is_for_money.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: M is for Money | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5162-04044-card_holder_with_cards.jpgA handmade leather card-holder with wonky orange stitching. Poking out of it are a purple and yellow debit card, a gold (brownish!) credit card and a silver one.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08043-670e0-with_a_cannon_on_suomenlinna.jpgAn evening timer selfie on Suomenlinna with a giant disused cannon. A very cheap trip since the ferry over was included in my transport pass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9eb7-ce159-me_at_viti.jpgOne of the more expensive day trips I've done - me, in a blue fleece and buff, standing in front of a milky-blue flooded crater lake which is in turn in front of a vast deep silver-black-blue flooded caldera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1b7b-e5a58-working_at_my_desk.jpgMe at my desk, wearing a red t-shirt and looking intensely at my laptop while a map of the world is visible on the second screen to my right. The desk is actually tidy but the Kallax unit behind me doesn't make it look that way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3f7f-0ec1e-pile_of_icelandic_kroner.jpgAssorted silver and goldish Icelandic coins with sea creatures on piled onto a 500kr note printed in red ink. The whole pile is worth much less than £10.2023-06-19T14:33:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/06/04/laugavegur-diaries-part-4/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2966c-42b5a-laugadiaries4.jpgLaugavegur Diaries part 4 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd948-2d730-lauga43.jpgThe Laugavegur Diaryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33ed8-1f5f1-lauga42.jpgDurlston Head from Peverill Pointhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86ae7-bbd33-lauga41.jpgLamina Z Flame Women2023-06-14T11:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/01/the-laugavegur-diaries-part-1/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b861-c7571-laugadiaries1.jpgThe Laugavegur Diaries: part 1 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d2bc-2c2b9-lauga17.jpgCamping at Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ad1b-842bc-lauga16.jpgLava & heavy clouds on day 1 of the Laugavegur trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed81b-e4ff8-lauga15.jpgLava & steam on day 1 of the Laugavegur trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31123-a2f42-lauga14.jpgMeadows on day 1 of the Laugavegur trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b9d68-e4f50-lauga13.jpgCamping at Landmannalaugarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e004-27c6c-lauga12.jpgLaugavegur map & guidebookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d1f3-d219a-lauga11.jpgTrying out Mammut boots2023-06-14T11:29:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/04/02/the-laugavegur-diaries-part-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c56a1-24842-lauga25.jpgMini toiletries for walkinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d76ee-a1bd6-lauga24.jpgNotebook & guidebookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e238b-3eff3-lauga23.jpgWorth Matravers to Dancing Ledge walkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76ddc-0b4e0-lauga21.jpgDried pasta & cheese packetshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c929-8373c-laugadiaries2.jpgThe Laugavegur Diaries part 2 title pic2023-06-14T11:29:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/03/the-laugavegur-diaries-part-3/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29e37-8bcd9-laugadiaries3.jpgLaugavegur Diaries part 3 title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a3c7-90d70-lauga32.jpgNorth Ridge Resistance tophttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09a43-5ed5e-lauga31.jpgWaterproof mountain sandals in the seaDefinitely waterproof.2023-06-14T11:28:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/06/05/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-l-is-for-loneliness/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/005c1-813f8-l_is_for_loneliness.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: L is for Loneliness | imapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d4e1-b4ba3-pinning_ceremony_at_our_chalet.jpgThe Pinning Ceremony aka a group photo at Our Chalet. Five women of around my age, all in Guide uniform of a kind, standing on a snowy background behind a log studded with flags representing everyone working or staying at Our Chalet.The official group photo from our New Year Break at Our Chalethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69a6a-2ff2f-dinner_in_switzerland.jpgFour girls sitting around a table set with various pans, plates and bottles. I'm on the right, in an orange t-shirt. The other three are dressed in light blue mid-2000s t-shirts and it's my Triplets having dinner with a new friend.The Triplets making a new friend over dinnerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0834d-3336d-lying_in_the_grass_in_st_gallen.jpgMe in 2006, wearing a red t-shirt, lying in the grass outside the cathedral at St Gallen during my year abroad. This is before selfies were really a thing but I had a day of them that particular day before forgetting them for another decade.A selfie before selfies were a thing, in the grass at St Gallen while I was living in Switzerlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89ab5-6755e-timer_selfie_in_malta.jpgA timer selfie in a sandy field backed by stratified cliffs, wearing a grey-green t-shirt that blends in surprisingly well.Living my best life on my own by the sea in Malta. Actually, this is Gozo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4818-5e161-inside_eldfell_on_heimaey.jpgMe, in a red checked shirt and brown trousers, standing in the Eldfell crater, with a reddish volcanic field behind me and cliffs and the sea in the distance.I have an unusual number of photos of me from this day so I suspect my new friend took them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17499-c2572-laugavegur_group_photo.jpgA group of people, including me, standing on the ridge of a mountain. Behind us is a mass of white cloud and in the foreground is a streak of snow across a field of orange gravel. There are a dozen or so people in waterproofs and backpacks standing around.2023-06-05T09:38:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/25/travelling-with-arfid/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b781-2f53e-travelling_with_arfid.pngTravelling with ARFID | iamapolarbear.com2023-05-25T16:16:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/22/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-k-is-for-knowledge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33aef-3364e-k_is_for_knowledge.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: K is for Knowledge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59bba-baf51-cruiser_aurora_cannon.jpgThe bow of the Russian cruiser Aurora docked in St Petersburg. At the front is a cannon, the one pointed at reverently by a friend who was studying history and knew what it meant."Is that *the* cannon, sir?"https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eead0-03cde-guidebooks.jpgA pile of Rough Guides on a windowsill - Scandinavia, Iceland and Paris. The Iceland one is the most recent, being the 2019 edition. I think I bought Scandinavia when I first went to Finland in 2008.My favourite brand of guidebooks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9fb7-bc020-paris_catacombs_selfie.jpgA very pink-tinted selfie. I'm down in the Paris Catacombs, taking a selfie lit by one of the sodium lights in the galleries before you reach the ossuary.Selfie in the Paris Catacombs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6c75-eaa70-helsinki_plans.pngSome of my Helsinki planning. A Notion page, showing the bottom part of a table with various ideas, categorised by type. At the bottom, you can see part of a map of Helsinki, scattered with blue pins.A glimpse of my Helsinki plans.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7ecd-fc79f-bilingual_entrance_sign.jpgA black signpost on a partially-painted brick wall. It reads "entrance" in both Finnish and Swdish in nice clear white letters.Bilingual signs in Finland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a4eb-3c27c-kyiv_pechersk_lavra.jpgKyiv Pechersk Lavra, a complex of white churches with golden domes which gleam under a heavy white sky.No photos inside churches in Ukraine, and women have to cover their heads.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/953ef-e6b6f-reykjavik_bus_selfie.jpgA selfie on a bus in Reykjavik. I'm wearing a light blue cloth mask with a map of the world on it. Behind me, the bus's LCD display says I'm on route 1, apparently.Getting around Reykjavik by bus.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/005d8-9dd04-hvammsvik_selfie.jpgA timer selfie in a hot spring at Hvammsvik, with a ridge of snowy mountains behind me.At Hvammsvik, discovered and booked 24 hours in advance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c51f0-23687-tromso_in_may.jpgMe, in t-shirt, sandals & sunglasses in the Arctic Circle in May. Behind me, the harbour of Tromso is surrounded by snowy mountains.In the Arctic Circle in May.2023-05-22T13:43:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/05/08/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-j-is-for-jobs/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44c15-87055-adsense_graphs.pngTwo graphs. The first, a bar chart, shows my monthly blog income from November 2020 to March 2023, averaging around £1.50 per month. The second is a line showing the cumulative total from January 2021 to March 2023, showing that in that period, I've earned not quite £30. These are not missing the extra zeroes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5378-ffafb-j_is_for_jobs.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: J is for Jobs | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bde5c-232ba-eurocamp_caravan.jpgA Eurocamp static caravan in the sun. It has wooden decking outside and a big green umbrella.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/943f9-a2cec-me_working_at_my_desk.jpgMe working at my desk. My hair has been brushed but you could never tell. Behind me, there's a stack of language books on a shelf, and a set of volcano polaroids stuck up next to them. I have a work laptop with Slack on the screen, a second screen with Notion open and my own laptop closed next to me.2023-04-13T13:11:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/27/travel-library-super-volcanoes-by-robin-george-andrews/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f896-aa0d6-super_volcanoes_rga.jpgTravel Library: Super Volcanoes by Robin George Andrews | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/938a6-7113a-super_volcanoes_book.jpgClose up of the Super Volcanoes cover, in stripes of purple, yellow, green and blue, with a red line of magma coming up to the surface.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb2a8-38637-night_sky.jpgA black sky liberally speckled with stars. I don't think either Venus or Mars is in there but I can't find a picture that does have them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6edf4-0b494-ol_doinyo_lengai.jpgA spread of photos of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, covered in a white crust and erupting black lava. It's a nice shiny coffee table book and it looks lovely.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6c83-6c13b-meradalir_eruption.jpgPeople in waterproof clothes and backpacks standing on a hillside. Behind them is a young fresh black volcano erupting orange and yellow lava. From this angle, it looks at least three times the size it actually is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a25e-a47f4-super_volcanoes_robin_george_andrews.jpgSuper Volcanoes by Robin George Andrews, lying on a pale green blanket and surrounded by my volcanic rock collection.2023-04-13T11:35:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/24/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-i-is-for-insurance/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de53c-cfb60-i_is_for_insurance.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: I is for Insurance | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23123-a3765-lockdown_gardening.jpgMe during the first lockdown, wearing a lacy dress and with my plaits dyed teal green, in the garden filling a trough with compost to plant lettuces in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f012f-a06a7-tram_in_zurich_by_night.jpgTram in Zurich by night, running down a street with bright yellow lights overhead.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3377d-69e72-snowboarding_at_meribel.jpgMe, in pink ski trousers, snowboarding (with my legs absolutely straight) down a pristine snowy mountain slope.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68b52-44e4f-luggage_belt.jpgThe baggage reclaim belt at Svalbard Airport, with no baggage on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99d86-efce1-volcano_selfie.jpgSelfie with a small active volcano, on a cloudy day. I'm wearing a bobbly hat and waterproofs and the volcano is happily splashing orange lava around.2023-04-05T11:10:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/10/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-h-is-for-hotels-hostels/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/056f3-0a4dd-h_is_for_hotels_and_hostels.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: H is for Hotels & Hostels | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/621a6-c7680-camping_in_iceland.jpgA yellow one-man tent set up in a lovely grassy field in Iceland. The sky is blue and in the background is a vast mountain range topped with the biggest glacier in Europe.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac8c3-b23a0-glasgow_apartment.jpgMy apartment in Glasgow. This room is the open-plan kitchen-living room, with black leather sofas, a glass kitchen table with four chairs around it and a proper kitchen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdefa-6d136-reykjavik_guesthouse.jpgMy guesthouse room in Reykjavik from February. The ceiling slopes down steeply above a single bed, I have a bag and some drinks on a wooden table and the only clothes storage is a hat stand draped in hats, scarves and jackets.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4dc7-575a8-helsinki_hostel_room.jpgMy private room in a now-closed hostel in Helsinki. There is a narrow single bed with white bedding, a table at the end, a chair visible to the side and the Finnish winter is blocked out by red and green striped curtains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9509e-6c297-hrafntinnusker_bunk_room.jpgA bunk room at Hrafntinnusker. The beds are bare except for shiny plastic mattresses and most of the windows are covered by dark red curtains. The bottom bunks are actually doubles although the tops are single. A long table occupies the middle of the room with two rows of benches stacked tidily upside down on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dbc71-96595-paris_hotel_room.jpgA dingy hotel room near Gare du Nord in Paris. It's a narrow room, lit only by a small lamp and a light over the sink. The door doesn't fit properly and it smells weird.2023-04-04T10:35:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/04/06/i-paid-for-premium-security-was-it-worth-it/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d843f-24b26-i_paid_for_premium_security.pngI paid for premium security. Was it worth it? | iamapolarbear.com2023-03-31T14:52:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/30/travel-library-quake-by-audur-jonsdottir/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a39ab-5b2fd-quake_audur_jonsdottir-1.jpgQuake by Auður Jónsdóttir, a book with a matte textured paper cover in mint green, with a tiny red brain in the middle and a wiggly line running through the title in white letters. I'm holding it up against my tectonic map of Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06b9b-41e2a-quake_audur_jonsdottir-scaled-1.jpgquake_audur_jonsdottirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83dd6-77145-travel-library-quake.jpgTravel Library: Quake by Auður Jónsdóttir | iamapolarbear.com2023-03-30T10:52:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/27/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-g-is-for-group-tours/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f902a-7fa55-g_is_for_group_tours.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: G is for Group Tours | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31b89-be120-trekking_in_iceland.jpgThe group trekking along on day 3 of the Laugavegur Trail, all of us on a narrow track across a green mountainside, with patches of snow in the background and a pointed mountain ahead. I'm around the middle of the group.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87d0a-ffb0a-day_group_in_the_snow.jpgMe with two total strangers. The tour leader thought we were all together, so we had a group photo. We're all wearing orange boilersuits and red helmets and we're standing against a background of snowy white nothingness.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47892-a35ef-laugavegur_group.jpgA group of people in various coloured raincoat and raincovers on their backpacks. We've stopped for a snack break on a mossy outcrop of rock in a black sand desert.2023-03-22T16:25:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/maverick-bronze/2023-03-14T11:46:36+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2023/03/13/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-f-is-for-female/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2bb4-59593-f_is_for_female.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: F is for Female | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5919f-a55bc-me_as_a_brownie.jpgMe as a Brownie. My hair is a lot lighter than it is now, I'm wearing a yellow baseball cap with the Brownie logo on, a yellow sweatshirt with the word BROWNIES across it, a yellow neckerchief held together with a black plaited leather woggle and a brown sash on which you can see my Rainbow badge and the corner of my Six badge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32627-2e796-on_top_of_high_willhays.jpgMe, in a green fleece and black rain jacket, on a pile of rocks marking the summit of High Willhays, the highest point in England south of the Lake District. My arms are outspread and I'm looking up at the grey cloudy sky in triumph.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b735d-8b9c3-paragliding_over_mayrhofen.jpgMe in bright pink ski trousers obscuring my pilot, hanging from a paraglider over Mayrhofen, a ski town in Austria. I don't know how high we are but we appear to be at least as high as the mountain behind the town.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/213d1-9f007-on_a_boat_in_neuchatel.jpgMe, aged twenty, on the back of a boat on Lake Neuchatel. My hair is down for once and slightly more golden-blonde than it is these days. I'm wearing a red vest and big blue shiny sunglasses. Behind me is a city made of yellow sandstone clustered at the foot of a mountain and behind that is a huge black sky that we on the boat clearly haven't noticed yet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b35cc-40c62-rail_depot_selfie.jpgMy favourite blurry selfie in the Pasila rail depot. I'm wearing my red and black striped hat, a purple puffy coat and a green fleece underneath. Behind me is a train with a green forest decal down the side. We're in a giant shed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1d15-da79e-me_in_swildons.jpgA photo of me from 2004 in a limestone cave. The photo is a bit dark - cave photography was not what it is now. I'm wearing a white helmet with a chunky lamp sticking out and a wet red and blue caving suit. Piled up on the rock opposite me are several tackle bags and a rolled-up electron ladder.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/932d5-0a43a-selfie_in_kyiv.jpgA timer selfie where I look extremely awkward, dressed all in black and not looking at the camera. Behind me is St Sophia's Cathedral in Kyiv.2023-03-13T10:57:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/23/travel-library-barefoot-britain-by-anna-mcnuff/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2831-ca1b7-barefoot_britain.jpgTravel Library: Barefoot Britain by Anna McNuff | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d96af-36970-barefoot_britain_anna_mcnuff.jpgBarefood Britain by Anna McNuff on my tablet. The tablet is lying on a bright yellow running top. In the top corner is a tiny toy tractor and three of the Tetley Tea Folk. In the bottom corner, there's a collection of rocks from the British coastline.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1c47-e4d79-sea_kayaking.jpgA GoPro selfie in a bright green sea kayak. I'm wearing a white helmet and a red buoyancy aid over a navy t-shirt. The sea is calm and beautiful and behind me are chalk cliffs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98567-6103c-barefoot_on_dartmoor.jpgMy feet, with no shoes on and red toenails, walking in short grass on Dartmoor.2023-03-07T09:30:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/27/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-e-is-for-europe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/325dc-66c32-e_is_for_europe.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: E is for Europe | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4eb5-4c37b-frankfurt_back_streets.jpgA back street of Frankfurt near the station. The buildings are low, about four storeys and mostly red brick. In the background is a gleaming glass tower reflecting the pastel pinks and blues of the setting sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1bee2-c9168-neuchatel_marina.jpgNeuchatel, a city built from yellow sandstone at the foot of a low mountain. This picture is taken across the marina, looking to the opulent yellow post office building and lots of small boats, admittedly mostly dressed up in blue tarpaulins to keep them dry and clean.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a72d5-dae83-longyearbyen_in_november.jpgSvalbard in November. A small town sits at the foot of pointed mountains which are silhouetted by the dark blue sky. Anywhere else, this would be 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. This is about lunchtime in Svalbard in "dark winter".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/974a4-49a96-tromso_from_the_mountain.jpgTromso as seen from the mountain opposite. The city is on two sides of the water, connected by a bridge. The water is deep blue, the city is covered in snow and there is a backdrop of pristine snow-covered mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22892-2668d-tallinn_from_above.jpgTallinn's Old Town as seen from the top of a church tower. There are lots of trees and lots of pointed red roofs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb8b6-dd78b-helsinki_harbour_from_the_water.jpgThe harbourfront of Helsinki as seen from the water. The big square white cathedral pokes out from Baroque-style buildings which reflect faintly in the water. It's late afternoon in winter and although the sky is blue, there's a hint of pink about it.2023-02-27T11:57:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/16/stargazing-a-year-on/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa27a-5c84b-stargazing_a_year_on.jpgStargazing, a year on | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a58d-72849-stargazing_at_the_blue_pool.jpgA photo taken from my phone and badly enhanced. In the top is a blurry full moon. In the bottom is the light over the gate of a winter illuminations walk. In the middle a little over to the left is a star. The whole photo is blurry and noisy and there's just not enough light to make out much of the grass and trees below.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4afec-d23fb-stargazing_blanket_selfie.jpgA bad selfie taken with the flash in the dark. I'm wearing a headtorch and my camp blanket, which is covered in badges.Summer stargazing on camphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c45f-7d452-me_looking_at_the_sky.jpgMe, in a purple coat and a red striped hat, standing by a lake in the dark, looking up at some very clear stars in the sky. Lower down, there are faint streaks of green because I'm actually watching the Northern Lights but look at the stars, look at the stars!2023-02-16T14:46:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/13/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-d-is-for-disaster/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d718-ceaf0-d_for_disaster.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: D is for Disaster | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5db6-e4bc2-selfie_in_helsinki_train_depot.jpgA selfie in the train depot in Helsinki. I'm wearing a purple coat & my red & black striped hat. Behind me is a white train with a green pattern of panels and pine trees. It's a bit blurry because it was taken quickly in case it wasn't allowed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14956-8476a-main_street_predeal.jpgA pleasant street with colourful buildings and tall trees. It's Predeal, a small town in the Transylvanian countryside. I was supposed to be 20 miles away in Brasov.I was supposed to be 20 further north than this...https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ddb5f-6112d-norwegian_currency_and_my_passport.jpg2 100NOK notes poking out from underneath my passport, with a small handful of silver Norwegian coins, many with holes in them, on top. Next to them is a grinning resin troll.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e0d7-def34-icelandic_police_car.jpgAn Icelandic police car - actually, a 4x4 mountain patrol car - in the grey gravelly desert of the Highlands, as seen from the front seat of our big jeep.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03ad2-4e57e-flight_cancelled_from_edinburgh.jpgThe face of someone whose flight home from Edinburgh has been cancelled and who has been plonked in an airport hotel for the night.My flight from Edinburgh got cancelled. The airline popped me in a nearby hotel for the night.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eec45-f2c3e-lost_in_murmansk.jpgThe back of the apartment block in Murmansk where I couldn't get in. The block is a yellow brick; behind it is a leafy bit of park.2023-02-13T15:26:28+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/06/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5e2b-4c1ff-how_to_plan_a_trip_to_iceland.jpgHow to plan a trip to Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2558-57c19-secret_lagoon_selfie.jpgSelfie in the Secret Lagoon. I'm floating on my back with a foam noodle under my neck, wearing a blue striped swimsuit with a polar bear on it and also sunglasses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12fa3-8a8e6-iceland_itineraries_category_page.pngA screenshot from this blog, showing the Iceland Itineraries page.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74961-4691a-myvatn_campsite.jpgA lakeside campsite in northern Iceland. There is soft green grass, lots of tents in various colours and sizes dotted around, a ride-on lawnmower to keep the grass perfect and a tiny greenhouse.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eae30-442c2-hilton_reykjavik_room.jpgMy room in the Hilton Reykjavik. It's the cheapest room but it's noticeably shinier than the guesthouse room. The wooden floor is shiny, there are two immaculate beds, spotlights in the ceiling and pale wood desk and cupboard.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54e34-ac076-my_guesthouse_room.jpgMy room in a Reykjavik guesthouse. There is wooden panelling on the wall behind the bed and a small table and two chairs next to the wall.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05634-83a14-camping_at_landmannalaugar.jpgA small yellow tent set up in a field that's more gravel than grass, with a mossy lava field and volcano range in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0560-75b80-driving_in_deep_snow.jpgA view through the front window of a car. We're driving through very deep snow, as demonstrated by a road sign warning of sharp bends and a 40kph speed limit. The sign is so buried in snow that you can't see any of the pole it's attached to, let alone the bendy road ahead.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0a1c-3ff5f-downtown_reykjavik_streets.jpgA street in downtown Reykjavik. The pavement and square behind are covered in a light layer of snow but the road is clear because of the hot water pipes underneath.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf682-db69e-strokkur_eruption.jpgStrokkur, an active geyser, erupting. The photo has caught the very beginning of the eruption, when it's still low and wide and hasn't yet reached its peak, with blue water flying out from the base as the water blasts through the bubble that forms in the second before eruption.2023-02-06T14:06:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/30/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-c-is-for-communication/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8abf-2b348-c_is_for_communication.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: C is for Communication | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d68d-196f4-bin_in_snow.jpgA bin with a lid mounted on a wooden fence. Everything is lightly sprinkled with snow and sparkles under the yellow light of a streetlamp. This represents the time I got on the wrong train and arrived very late in the Arctic.This is the evening I arrived four hours late to the Arctic Circle, after reception closed and I had to get in touch with the hostel on the train on the way up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6cc9d-85d77-finnish_duolingo_screenshot.jpgA screenshot from Duolingo showing a Finnish sentence translated word-by-word into English to read "The Vikings are in trouble in the traffic jam".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fc5b-69e70-behindthepolarbear_instagram.jpgA screenshot from my alt/behind the scenes Instagram account, with pictures ranging from my favourite cat to my Halloween costume to a harvest of homegrown carrots.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc238-207e2-useful_russian_phrases.jpgA home-made passport-sized notebook of squared paper. Written in blue biro in the central pages is a list of useful Russian vocabulary. Most of it is along the lines of social niceties but the last one is "one adult swimmer".2023-01-30T14:50:05+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/26/travel-library-snug-in-iceland-by-victoria-walker/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa727-ddb57-snug_in_iceland-1.jpgTravel Library: Snug in Iceland by Victoria Walker | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86a07-d0685-selfie_in_secret_lagoon.jpgA timer selfie in the Secret Lagoon. I'm floating on my back with feet pointed towards the camera and a blue pool noodle under my arms. The water is blue and relatively translucent and the sky is the heavy grey of it being about to rain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4427b-2e73b-northern_lights_over_akranes.jpgA bright streak of green light in the sky, going vertically across the picture. The ground below is very out of focus but there are the lights of the town or the campsite.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a750b-10b6a-drink_at_the_blue_lagoon.jpgMy hand holding a plastic glass of bright blue slush in the Blue Lagoon. The water is opaque greeny-blue and the sky is so cloudy you can't see anything.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/890cd-f56bf-inside_harpa.jpgInside Harpa, the concert hall/conference centre. The walls are made of hexagonal glass panels, some of them in faint shades of grey, green and yellow. There are similar tiles on the wall and a concrete staircase runs up the side of the big front window.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a061-eebc0-snug_in_iceland.jpgSnug in Iceland cover on my tablet. It's the houses on the far side of Tjornin with the Northern Lights overhead. The tablet is surrounded by bits and pieces from Iceland - a map, a tour booklet, a postcard of Geysir, some lava rocks and a pair of socks with a volcano on them.2023-01-22T12:56:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/23/an-iceland-itinerary-for-culture-vultures/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8ad1-bd6b9-culture_vulture_itinerary.jpgAn Iceland Itinerary for Culture Vultures | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cf3b9-f8916-selfie_at_kerid.jpgMe at Kerið crater, a small crater with steep sides, reddish rock streaked with green and a blue-green lake in the middle. I'm wearing a blue bucket hat, a blue Boardwalk Empire t-shirt and brown hiking trousers rolled up because it was an unusually hot day in Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae4ad-3bc7e-skaltholt_church.jpgThe church at Skalholt, a relatively large church by Icelandic standards, white, with clean lines and edges. It's raised slightly above the car park.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c9e0-da020-gullfoss_in_summer.jpgGullfoss, a huge waterfall that manages to fall sideways into a narrow canyon. You can't see the bottom because of the amount of spray coming up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98a46-9ae2c-oxararfoss.jpgA small but enthusiastic waterfall falls over the cliffs into a basin full of rocks. There is a wooden boardwalk to help tourists get close to it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53b1d-d0c65-drowning_pool.jpgThe Drowning Pool, a deep blue pool at the foot of the cliffs, with a river bubbling gently into it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c25bc-7f3ef-law_rock.jpgThe Law Rock as seen from further down in the valley. It's a hill below the grey cliffs with a flagpole sticking up, and a wooden platform packed with tourists listening to their guides telling them the history.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8fa7-3c94e-the_law_rock.jpgA hump of grass at the foot of a line of grey cliffs. Sticking up is a flagpole with an Icelandic flag hanging from it - there's not enough breeze for it to flutter properly.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ea19-b6123-thingvellir_viewpoint.jpgThe view from the viewpoint at Thingvellir. There are the top of black rocky cliffs on the left, a green plain with a river winding through it in the bottom of the valley and mountains on the horizon. It's all very blue and green because it's a beautiful summer day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66092-630dc-harpa_at_sunset.jpgHarpa, a concert hall vaguely rectangular in shape but with all its sides made of six-sided green glass panels. There are light tubes hiding inside which make the panes shimmer in different colours.2023-01-22T12:23:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/19/year-abroad-a-non-cheesy-afternoon-in-gruyeres/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/573ce-f8ab8-non_cheesy_afternoon_in_gruyeres.pngYear Abroad: A Non-cheesy afternoon in Gruyeres | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb51d-c69b1-train_selfie.jpgIdiot student train selfie on the way back. I'm clearly holding the camera in both hands. My hair is tied back, I'm wearing wire-framed glasses and a grey-green fleece sweatshirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a5cd-0f069-gruyeres_street.jpgA street in central Gruyeres. Traditional buildings along one side of a cobbled street. The closest, a hotel/restaurant has a yellow awning to keep the bright sun off its patrons. The others are painted white and have heavy wooden window frames and shutters.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/653d1-e885b-view_from_walls.jpgThe view from the wall - an idyllic Swiss scene of rolling green hills, backed by craggy snow-streaked mountains. There's a town of some kind in the valley and the sky is blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/135b6-b98b6-wall_from_below.jpgThe same wall seen from the outside and below. It's stone but painted white with a thatched roof. It's not very high but it's high enough that I wouldn't be sitting with my feet hanging over the edge like Jemma is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce812-ad7ab-triplets_snacking_in_the_wall.jpgJemma and Angela sitting in a large gap in the city walls, leaning against the sides, eating Pringles and looking out at the view.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a97be-aff70-gruyeres_church.jpgThe square white-painted tower of a church pokes out of trees. Behind it is a mountain and to the right, a building with a pointed roof. You can't see any more of the church than the tower.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/649ad-51693-swiss_army_knives.jpgTwo red Swiss Army Knives, one full-sized, one keyring-sized, lying with their main blade open on top of my Switzerland scrapbook, which is open at the Gruyeres page. There are photos of the trip on black A4 paper in a large ring binder. The small knife is attached to a length of ball chain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4718c-5e440-gruyeres_castle.jpgGruyeres Castle, partly covered in scaffolding. Behind it you can see craggy mountains with green rolling foothills.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34a63-fe8d7-gruyeres_centre.jpgThe centre of Gruyeres, looking across a cobbled square towards a castle. There are medieval-style chalet-like buildings down both sides of the square.2023-01-16T16:00:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/16/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-b-is-for-backpacking/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da40d-8c9d7-b_is_for_backpacking.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: B is for Backpacking | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e571c-be993-finnish_train_selfie.jpgA selfie, taken in the reflection of a train window in the dark. I'm blurry because a) reflection and b) motion but you can see my phone, that I'm wearing a green jacket and that I have slightly redder hair than usual.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/304f9-a2cb7-iceland_highland_bus.jpgA bus (technically a coach) parked in the highlands of Iceland. Its luggage door is opened and the driver is helping pull bags out. The bus is parked on a patch of greyish-brown gravel. Behind it is a range of snow-streaked mountains, with a single patch of sunlight on them. The tops of the mountains are hidden in cloud. Next to the bus is a lone flagpole flying the Icelandic flag.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7bae3-69110-british_embassy_in_riga.jpgThe British Embassy in Latvia. A white stone wall with the British coat of arms. To the left is a dark passageway with a gate across it. To the right, a path between it and the next building is also closed by a gate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a848e-6036d-my_scrapbook_shelf.jpgMy scrapbook shelf. The back of the Ikea cube shelf is filled with scrapbooks, some visibly bulging, some barely touched. There's also a couple of photo packets to the right and a spiral-bound notebook lying on top. In front is a small ceramic bowl in red and yellow stripes, a pillar candle showing Seven African Powers and in between are two toy polar bears and a soapstone carved polar bear.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65eaa-9e61e-group_photo_at_our_chalet.jpgWe weren't backpacking but a group photo of a trip to Switzerland in which I was the second-youngest at 28, with 7 out of 10 of us being in their 60s, 70s and 80s. We're all standing on the stone steps at the back of a traditional Swiss chalet, in various kinds of Guiding uniform, mostly in shades of blue, white and red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ac88-f661f-group_photo.jpgA group photo with two total strangers I met lava caving. We're all wearing very bright orange boilersuits with reflective stripes around them and red helmets and we're standing on a snowy landscape against a heavy grey sky. The horizon is little more than a grey crease.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6acf-75832-inside_the_volcano_selfie.jpgA photo, probably a selfie, from a once-in-a-lifetime day trip, inside the volcano. I'm wearing a helmet with a lamp on it, a green t-shirt, my hair is redder than usual and in plaits. My glasses are blue-tinted and pulled skew-whiff by the helmet straps.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3410-5d259-vilnius_view.jpgThe view from my Vilnius hotel balcony, looking up the snowy street towards the station. It's actually quite pretty but this is the unsalubrious part of the city.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f221e-a753e-iceland_highlands_luggage.jpgThe luggage I took to Iceland in 2013 - a big black duffle bag, a 45l and a pair of mountain sandals. It's all in a pile in the middle of a campsite whose ground is more rock than grass.2023-01-16T11:02:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/02/02/icelandic-chocolate-vs-swedish-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ab72-f254b-icelandic_vs_swedish_chocolate.jpgIceland chocolate vs Swedish chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d33d-6bd0c-sirius_marabou_chocolate_comparison.jpgA close-up of the two sticks of chocolate, each with their logo stamped into the top. Sirius is a little lighter, a touch more gold. Marabou is a bit darker and very slightly shinier.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/816af-6ff63-sirius_marabou_chocolate_and_package.jpgBoth chocolates together, Sirius at the top and Marabou at the bottom. A stick of Marabou is lying on top of its packet and the foil-wrapped Sirius is lying on top of the box, with the foil pulled back to reveal a stick of the chocolate inside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a413c-ce2d3-swedish_marabou_packet.jpgA 200g bar of chocolate in yellow flow wrap. It has its name, Marabou, in decorative red letters on the left and a blue bubble declaring "milk chocolate" in Swedish taking up most of the right-hand side. Underneath and between the two is a picture of a pile of chocolate chunks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a58f-414f2-icelandic_sirius_in_box.jpgA cardboard box containing a 150g bar of chocolate. The box is mostly white, with a red swoop that reaches about two-thirds of the way up the right-hand side. On the left is a picture of a pile of milk chocolate pieces in front of a red Scandinavian floral design. In the white space on the right is the name, Sirius, is curly silver letters and in Icelandic, "milk chocolate" underneath. In the top right corner is a silver Noi Sirius manufacturer's logo.2023-01-11T13:03:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/11/16/year-abroad-schaffhausen/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f064-db2c7-schaffhausen-1.jpgschaffhausen2023-01-04T16:39:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2023/01/02/the-a-z-of-solo-female-travel-a-is-for-adventures/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6d5a-3ec3f-a_is_for_adventure.jpgThe A-Z of Solo Female Travel: A is for Adventures | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e170-a6bac-at_the_arctic_circle.jpgMe, in a red and black striped hat and purple quilted jacket, my hair in its usual plaits but dark red, leaning to fit myself and the Arctic Circle both into the photo. The Arctic Circle is a line painted on the concrete with its name in it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21b4d-5476c-me_in_school_uniform.jpgMe, aged 11, in my new secondary school uniform in a house that looks decidedly 80s, although it's September 1996. I'm wearing a sweatshirt so pale grey it almost looks white over a white shirt, a black knee-length skirt, dark socks with chunky 90s school shoes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcd9a-0610b-me_reindeer_sleighing.jpgMe, in a padded blue ski suit, squished into a sleigh with a stranger who's looking away. You can't see that our sleigh is harnessed to a reindeer but you can see that the others in the background are. Everything is very snowy and the sky is clear but very pale.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d9be-17676-at_ljotipollur.jpgMe, wearing a grey-green t-shirt and brown hiking trousers, standing on a rock. Behind me is the steep side of a grey volcanic crater and to the side, the crater is flooded with bright blue water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c170-f3c30-on_the_beach.jpgA selfie on a tropical beach, with blue sky and white sand and sunshine. It looks like the Caribbean. It's actually Dorset.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03d71-ce760-me_paragliding.jpgA picture taken from a GoPro on a long pole from above. I'm paragliding and the town is directly below me, give or take many hundred metres. I'm wearing bright pink ski trousers. My pilot is wearing a lime green jacket. We're an eyecatching duo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d223b-330d6-teenage_me_in_the_garden.jpgTeenage me in the garden, wearing a fluffy navy polo neck jumper, black cords with purple fluff on the hem and my hair quite blonde and loose.2022-12-29T15:46:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/29/2022-year-in-review-and-looking-to-2023/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21f85-739cb-six_views_framed.jpgSix Views from the Laugavegur Trail in Six Media - six postcard-sized pictures in a six-slot square white frame.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52282-0f527-2022_in_review.jpg2022 Year in Review | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc0ca-6143b-gopro_on_tripod.jpgA GoPro 8 Black, a bit salt-encrusted, on a mini Gorillapod tripod in front of my computer and second screen. Normally it's on a floaty handle but that doesn't stand up by itself for photos.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5d4f-0e3bc-abseiling_me.jpgMe in a purple t-shirt abseiling down a concrete abseiling tower, wearing an orange helmet and hanging from two ropes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc63d-3f628-summer_sea_swim.jpgA selfie in the sea on a sunny day. I'm wearing a dark swimsuit and tethered to me is an orange towfloat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/099b3-b27e0-volcano_selfie.jpgA selfie with a small but erupting volcano in the background. I'm wearing a blue raincoat, a multicoloured bobble hat and a very happy smile.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79413-99b05-51920498887_dcff7ecdc5_k-1.jpgKayaks on the concrete outside a school in Reading, waiting to be loaded onto a van.2022-12-29T14:40:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/15/travel-library-wintering-by-katherine-may/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6776c-ca768-wintering_katherine_may.pngTravel Library: Wintering by Katherine May | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ea64-b76b7-wintering_cover.jpgWintering, by Katherine May. The cover on my tablet. It is a mostly blue book with a dull orange sun and matching beach, wispy clouds through the blue sky and reeds in the foreground. Behind the tablet is a blue tartan blanket, a pair of colourful patterned-stripy socks, a bunch of tiny silk flowers in silvers and teals, a wooden butter-spreader, a plastic polar bear, a red-glitter pinecone and the whole thing is surrounded by tiny star-shaped string lights.2022-12-14T09:42:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/17/travel-library-nightwalking-by-john-lewis-stempel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6024-7f6b9-nightwalking_john_lewis_stempel.pngTravel Library: Nightwalking by John Lewis-Stempel | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/042d9-dde61-nightwalking_john_lewis_stempel.jpgNightwalking by John Lewis-Stempel. A book on my tablet with a black cover and a grassy tree-lined lane with a moon over it, all lit quite brightly in bright blue. The tablet is lying on an OS map. Surrounding it are a dark pink walking sock, a pack of blister plasters, a silva compass on a blue karabiner, a glass owl, a plastic deer, a black woolly glove and a silver LED torch.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64bba-c0cca-moon_over_trees.jpgA full moon shining behind silhouetted clouds. The sky is faintly orange-black and showing up a line of trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/300a1-01b1c-feet_under_a_streetlamp.jpgMy feet in fake pink Primark Crocs and the hem of my sheepskin poncho under the harsh light of a streetlamp on a nightwalk of my own.2022-12-20T10:28:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/12/my-iconic-travels/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3f88-75e6c-iconic_travel_moments.jpgMy iconic travel moments | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/211a8-61533-me_at_grenen.jpgMe on the beach at Grenen, where the Skagerak and Kattegat seas meet - or where the North Sea meets the Baltic. It's quite a triangular point of beach but there's no difference between the two seas. I'm wearing jeans rolled up with a green t-shirt with boots. Should have taken my sandals.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b15aa-74ab7-paragliding_over_mayrhofen.jpgA shot straight down from a selfie stick through the lines of a paragliding wing to me and my pilot. I'm wearing neon pink ski trousers and a black jacket, with arms and legs starfished out. He's wearing a neo green ski jacket and you can't see his legs because I'm pretty much sitting on them. Directly below us, give or take a couple of hundred (or maybe thousand) feet is the ski resort of Mayrhofen.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ea20-0c8f3-ice_caving_in_iceland.jpgMe on a totally white background - well, there's a mountain but it's all thick snow and the sky is grey and you can't really see where the divide is. There's a hole in the ground behind me and I'm wearing a neon orange boilersuit with reflective stripes and a red helmet because I've just been caving.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95880-bebe0-pripyat_group_photo.jpgTour group photo gathered in front of the abandoned big wheel at the theme park at Pripyat. I'm fourth from the right, wearing a yellow top under a black jacket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b514a-7fce1-northern_lights_over_akranes.jpgA long-exposure photo of a wooden campsite building (its lights aren't that bright, it's the long exposure) with a dark blue sky overhead. Streaking the middle of the picture is a bright band of green light, slightly more blue-tinted than the yellow-tinted greens you usually see.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25f17-45bc5-playing_with_a_sled_dog_in_svalbard.jpgIt's a bit blurry because my camera doesn't like taking photos in the dark but I'm kneeling in the snow, wearing lots of warm clothes and a fluorescent vest, playing with a huge fluffy dog who's rolling on his back and even blurrier because he's not staying still for the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22fa4-8e670-me_in_arctic_tromso.jpgI'm standing on a patch of concrete above a road. A strip of houses and a bit of industrial estate separates the road from a very cold bay, which is reflecting the bright sky above. In the distance are some perfect snow-covered blue and white mountains. I'm wearing an olive-green t-shirt, jeans and sandals.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/daa81-b66cf-selfie_in_murmansk.jpgA timer selfie of me in the middle of an Arctic wilderness in summer. The trees are scrubby, the grass is more moss than anything else, the sky is blue and there's a 116ft concrete soldier statue behind me. I'm wearing a black t-shirt and a teal cross-body bag which is holding up a navy hoodie. I'm standing with my left arm up and my right arm down, like it's the first chance I've had to take a proper selfie in nearly two weeks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40987-b2f49-laugavegur_hikers.jpgA dirt track crosses a dull green landscape. On the trail, eight or nine people are walking in a a line towards a pointy mountain and a heavy cloud in the distance.2022-12-03T10:07:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/05/christmas-in-bournemouth/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af814-9e0cd-christmas_in_bournemouth.pngChristmas in Bournemouth | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9542d-7a1c3-christmas_tree_wonderland.jpgBournemouth Gardens lit up with illuminated trees and the lights of bars in the distance.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/224de-a906e-picnic_on_the_piste.jpgPicnic on the Piste: a collection of trees, pods and pavilions. It's a bar themed as an apres-ski/Nordic resort.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1129f-574df-viking_drinking_horns.jpgA stall of Viking drinking horns - polished cow horns with leather jackets standing on up little stands.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fa8c-9d07f-bournemouth_christmas_market.jpgBournemouth Christmas market - a line of wooden huts with lights along the roofs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65f73-1db3e-hot_chocolate_bar.jpgA wooden chalet containing a hot chocolate bar, where you choose your hot chocolate and customise it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7364-4151a-bournemouth_outdoor_ice_rink.jpgThe outdoor ice rink. The ice is lit in a slightly violet shade. There are lightbulbs along the edge and on the other side is a chalet-style building housing the bar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b66cd-48874-waterfall_lights.jpgA string of rope lights descended a rockery. In movement, this is a waterfall of light but it doesn't show up so well in a still photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f24a8-a31b7-tunnel_selfie.jpgA selfie in a tunnel of lights. I'm wearing a sheepskin poncho and a cow-patterned hat and the lights behind me are mostly pink but dotted with white and blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1e0f-50f5e-purple_tree.jpgIn the foreground, a conical tree lit in purple. Behind it are two more illuminated trees.2022-11-29T11:04:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/02/a-winter-day-in-my-life/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c6c5-42bd8-bedtime.jpgA selfie holding out one plait. I am wearing a grey pyjama top with pine trees and reindeer on it. Behind me are some very bright yellow walls and very red silky (polyester!) curtains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce915-e3ad0-duolingo_screenshot.jpgA screenshot from Duolingo with a bear saying a sentence in Finnish. Underneath, I've pieced words together like a jigsaw to translate "Finland is not in Scandinavia but Sweden is". Duolingo has given me a variation on this so many times and is really pressing the point about Scandinavia.Duolingo really wants me to know that Finland is not in Scandinavia. I've had many variations on this sentence.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a4ff8-612f1-bubbles_in_the_bath.jpgOne foot with blue-painted toenails sticking out of a sea of bubbles in the bath. Where there are no bubbles, you can just make out that the water is opaque and pale blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7de5d-4685b-frozen_bubble_bar.jpgA blue, silver and glittery star-shaped bubble bar - it looks like a bath bomb but you crumble it instead of chucking it in. It has a raised snowflake pattern on it and is sprinkled with blue glitter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3858-f2281-toast_in_the_toaster.jpgTwo slices of toast in the right-hand slots of a four slot red toaster with a silver top. Behind you can see a tiled windowsill and off-white vertical blinds.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c77cc-260d7-winter_day_in_my_life.jpgA winter day in my life | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38ac3-984e4-house_of_games.jpgA photo of the TV glowing very blue in the corner of a dimly lit room. On the screen are the four House of Games contestants sitting in their chairs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46539-cc2e9-polar_bear_earrings.jpgA close-up of my left ear and the fur on my cheek that's not as visible from further away. The earring is a silver crystal polar bear head with a blue crystal fish hanging from a hook attached to the back. The earring you can't see is a blue fish with a polar bear head dangling from an inch or so of chain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f19d-e6b47-steamed_up_glasses.jpgClose-up selfie showing the edges of my glasses steamed up. I am making something perhaps best described as a wry face?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a90f1-89ce4-walk_selfie.jpgA selfie taken on my walk in the dark under a street light. I'm wearing a fleece cow-patterned hat complete with ears and am wearing a sheepskin poncho.2022-11-28T14:44:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/21/earthstorm-volcano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c34b-3f90e-earthstorm_volcano.pngEarthstorm: Volcano | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2add0-2301a-watching_meradalir.jpgMe, in a blue waterproof with the hood blown up, sitting on a hillside overlooking a baby volcano which is erupting small orange fire fountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64d29-b0b22-fagradalsfjall_craters.jpgThe Fagradalsfjall craters in a sea of grey-black lava in the distance. The photo is taken from a viewpoint that's made of older, browner lava with a thin layer of soil overlaid.2022-11-17T15:43:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/03/travel-library-land-of-the-midnight-sun-by-alexander-armstrong/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2b79-12a32-land_of_the_midnight_sun.jpgTravel Library: Land of the Midnight Sun by Alexander Armstrong | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10572-ed690-land_of_the_midnight_sun_book.jpgAlexander Armstrong, Land of the Midnight Sun. Book cover on my tablet. The cover is mostly white, with a yellow sunset across the top and a picture of a man in tiny red shorts running away from a polar bear holding his trousers in front of the sea at the bottom. The author's name is in blue capitals and the book title is in red, all with really annoying shadows underneath that make it look faintly blurry even though it's not.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0396d-3d8c4-dogsledding_in_svalbard.jpgMe, bundled up in lots of layers, hanging onto the back of a dogsled. The dogs are not harnessed to it - we couldn't take photos in action so this is posing with the sled afterwards. It's the polar night in Svalbard and I'm in a spotlight of a camera flash.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1a1eb-43f84-inside_harpa.jpgA photo from upstairs inside Harpa. The whole thing is a slightly dizzying array of hexagonal glass panes with some open stairs in the middle. The glass is slightly green-tinted with a few panes in shades of yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7848-a0d10-me_with_anti_bear_rifle.jpgMe in a purple coat standing by a "bears everywhere!" sign carrying a rifle over my shoulder. I look as unhappy about touching this gun as I feel. Behind me, the sky is fairly dark blue but there are gaps in the cloud that show paler sky behind. The photo is blurry because my camera doesn't like taking photos in dark conditions.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13d1b-6e956-iron_ore_train_at_kiruna.jpgA grey, white and red diesel-electric locomotive in the snow at Kiruna station. It's supposed to go across the border to Narvik but for various reasons, it's going nowhere today.The Iron Ore train Xander caught and I didn't.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18fde-c7359-flying_over_north_norway.jpgFlying over north Norway - the red wingtip of a Norwegian plane against a background of blue sky and an absolute sea of snowy cragging mountains.2022-11-16T15:03:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/contact/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8f53-2ac9f-youtubelogo.pngyoutubelogohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ab62-0d968-tumblr.pngtumblrhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0491c-b910f-pinterest-logo-png-9.pngpinterest-logo-png-9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64d55-34d9a-twitter.pngtwitterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6757a-e511f-instagram_app_large_may2016_200.pngInstagram_App_Large_May2016_2002022-11-15T09:48:54+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/13/an-iceland-itinerary-winter-in-the-north/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1624c-43e82-winter_in_the_north.jpgAn Iceland Itinerary: Winter in the North | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bdf3-bb9b0-rvk_domestic.jpgA small propeller plane parked on the tarmac at Reykjavik Domestic Airport preparing for a flight to Akureyri.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a7c5-880bb-me_at_askja.jpgMe at Askja in 2016. Behind me is a milky flooded crater and behind that a vast and terrifying navy blue crater lake.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23dad-b19a8-floating_in_myvatn_nature_baths.jpgMe floating in the Nature Baths with my arms out. Behind me, a reddish mountain rises up out of the boulders that edge the lagoon.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fe12f-b6b77-myvatn_nature_baths.jpgMyvatn Nature Baths, a large opaque blue lagoon which is visibly steaming. Through the steam you can see down the hill to the lake and mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cfa86-4d141-hverir_hot_springs.jpgHverir hot springs area: a flat orange sandy area at the foot of the mountains. It's streaked with patches of white and yellow and clouds of steam. This photo is taken from a miniature cliff which is equally sulphur-streaked.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee17d-807ea-dimmuborgir.jpgWhat looks like a entire street of rocky chimney stacks poking out of a thick birch forest. This is the misshapen lava chaos of Dimmuborgir.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96a92-0353e-skutastadir.jpgThe lake shore at Skutastadir. It's green but it's also rocky and there are rocks sticking up as tiny islands in the water. On the other side you can see weird tiny humpy hills.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93b08-f0218-inside_grjotagja.jpgInside a cave illuminated by shafts of sunlight coming through holes. The cave is absolutely littered with boulders, including under the surface of the bright blue steaming water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fbe2-091e5-krafla_power_station.jpgKrafla Geothermal Power station visitor centre: a red rectangular building next to a large white cooling building which looks more like a multi-storey car park with huge black louvres along one side.2022-11-12T15:17:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/17/shaftesbury-a-royal-town-in-north-dorset/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56869-90bae-shaftesburyroyaltown.pngShaftesbury: a royal town in North Dorset | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06148-b1c9c-shaftesbury_lido.jpgShaftesbury Lido: an outdoor pool with bright blue water. At the end of the pool, the wall is white and painted in green, yellow and pink stripes.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbf71-fa193-trinity_graveyard.jpgThe graveyard at the Trinity Centre, a collection of well-maintained stone crosses and pillars in some equally well-maintained grass.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/265c0-722ea-trinity_centre_shaftesbury.jpgThe Trinity Centre, a Victorian church converted to halls and offices.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c8a8-a2354-st_peters_church_exterior.jpgThe exterior of St Peter's Church, an ancient stone wall with arched windows and door. From this angle, it's quite low but there's more above and behind me is the tower, which you also can't see.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ebd33-6584f-st_peters_church_arches.jpgThree ancient stone arches meeting in three sides of a square but ruined with an ugly ceiling that cuts off the top of the forward arch.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95e35-2cad1-inside_st_peters_church.jpgInside St Peter's Church. The wall on the left is old and stone. The rest of the building is more or less a 20th century restoration. The sun is shining in the windows in a not-very-decorative way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21bfb-e79ea-the_baguette_bar.jpgThe Baguette Bar, a small sandwich bar with big patio doors in an old stone building in a car park.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02ec0-33b96-right_over_the_top_shaftesbury.jpgRight Over The Top, a hairdresser with a large arch for its front. The name breaks the arch in two and in the upper half is a shining silver suit of armour.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/308cd-4ecb1-town_square.jpgA cluster of old-fashioned shops around a junction in the grey brick road. Anywhere bigger, this would be a roundabout.2022-11-12T13:16:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/14/year-abroad-sunny-lugano/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04ff3-f4365-sunnylugano.pngYear abroad: sunny Lugano | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77e19-c707c-jemmasleepingonthetrain.jpgJemma on the train on the way home. It's dark outside the window. The seats in the compartment have been pulled out to make something bed-like. It's not a sleeper train, it's an ordinary train just running later in the evening.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4693f-55338-italianrestaurantinlugano.jpgA cafe on a street corner, on the ground floor of a pastel apricot building. It has pale pink umbrellas describing it as a pizza restaurant. Did we have lunch here?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/165e4-df502-luganofromthewater.jpgLugano from the water: lots of large square buildings with red roofs and pastel walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5fa1-55b96-railwaywires.jpgA network of overhead railway wires with an industrial EWA building and a pyramidal mountain behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/663a2-4c58d-angelaonaplasticcow.jpgAngela sitting on the plastic/fibreglass red cow outside the factory. She's leaning forward to hold onto its horns.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c867d-eb963-alprosefactoryshop.jpgInside the Alprose factory shop - metal baskets loaded with chocolate in wrappers of all colours and red cow logos hanging from the ceiling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5801b-77077-meinayellowchocolatemuseum.jpgMe looking a bit startled to be caught looking at vintage chocolate machines behind a sheet of glass. For some reason, the photo is really heavily yellow-tinted - and this is after I've attempted to tone it down! Imagine the original!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2618-b33c9-vintagechocolatetins.jpgVintage chocolate tins in a glass cabinet.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3baad-2f14b-meandreneeontheboat.jpgRenee, in a white vest top, and me, in a big pale blue t-shirt, on the back of the boat. We both look like this is the first time we've been out in the sun in ten years. Behind the boat, there are smaller boats pulled up onto the concrete edge of the lake, mostly with their covers on and behind a row of trees, you can make out the town.2022-11-11T12:00:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/11/07/walking-to-dancing-ledge-from-worth-matravers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7fe1-93369-worthdancingledge.pngWalking from Worth Matravers to Dancing Ledge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed5f2-e769d-worthmatraversduckpond.jpgA duckpond with stone edges surrounded by grass. The village behind it is made of grey stone and patched with trees that are leafless at this time of year but will be glorious in the summer.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f09c4-65d4d-worthfromfield.jpgWorth Matravers as seen from the field just before you get back to the road. The village is old-fashioned grey stone and the sky is turning pastel as the sun sets behind it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4439d-f52da-dadclimbingstile.jpgDad climbing over the stile. It's a smooth slab of vertical stone in the middle of a stone wall that looks like it's half-collapsed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b027a-1c015-viewdownseacombe.jpgThe view down Seacombe towards the sea as seen from the top of the hill - more rolling green hills but now there are clouds coming in.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0732b-a3997-selfiewithcows.jpgSelfie with cows. I'm wearing a bright blue fleece and my hair is faintly green-tinged. The cows are fluffy and brown and utterly unconcerned by my presence.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d36c3-d93f2-spywaysign.jpgA carved stone signpost embedded in the stone wall, pointing towards Langton, Spyway Barn and Durlston.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18bcd-eb30c-danclngledgepool.jpgThe pool at Dancing Ledge, a shallow rectangular pool in the rock platform. Behind it, the sea rolls, demonstrating why you don't swim there.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e98e-29ef4-dancinledge.jpgDancing Ledge - a limestone platform at the bottom of craggy cliffs. The sun is low enough that this is now in shadow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/087e9-5e579-greenclifftops.jpgGreen fields ending abruptly at chalk cliffs. There's a big round "bite" out of the cliff where a piece has collapsed.2022-11-05T10:30:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/uk-travel/2022-11-02T11:09:55+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/06/my-glasgow-apartment/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9bb9-00530-glasgowapartment.jpgGlasgow apartment title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/926b6-30ea5-p1050356.jpgGlasgow apartment - bedroomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ba48-d10ab-p1050359.jpgGlasgow apartment - bathroomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03e23-12f89-p1050363.jpgGlasgow apartment - kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ded80-dea71-p1050364.jpgGlasgow apartment - living roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77a40-8487c-p1050361.jpgGlasgow apartment - living room & kitchenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a232-6ab9a-p1050366.jpgGlasgow apartment - entrance hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4704-ac47d-glasgow1.jpgTIny room in guesthouse annexe in Reykjavik2022-11-02T11:01:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/21/relaxing-in-glasgow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3585d-327da-glasgow.jpgMe-time in Glasgow | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0037b-a3244-46478297421_f8f58fb502_k.jpgGlasgow apartment living roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4aed9-4dd0f-31538387377_8462340f2b_k.jpgGlasgow Cathedral & Necropolishttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13599-162e0-43191518141_627941aed0_k.jpgCamping at Þórsmörkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/102fd-83f7f-35949317751_b1ae4183b3_k.jpgRandom tram trip in Helsinkihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a646c-86c3f-32605596808_a6cff8c015_k.jpgMy apartment in Glasgow2022-11-02T11:01:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/08/21/the-caledonian-sleeper/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/321c9-de580-sleeper1.jpgsleeper1https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c5ce-ce83f-p1080340.jpgP10803402022-11-02T11:00:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/06/kiruna-in-the-snow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df589-c71fc-kirunainthesnow.pngKiruna in the snow | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8cc97-8a4a0-campfire.jpgA bright campfire burning away. It's so bright you can't see anything else except the kettle stand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb08c-77592-plasticampingcup.jpgAn odd-shaped blue plastic camping cup full of water being held up against a dark background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee5bc-e5739-fireinthebbqhut.jpgInside the barbecue hut, which is lit only by the roaring fire in the firepit in the middle. There's an iron kettle on a stand silhouetted by the fire.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57651-dc013-fallenoversnowshoeing.jpgMe sprawled in the snow looking up at the camera, pretending I've fallen over on the snowshoes yet again.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c5672-6b69f-snowshoeing.jpgMe in an open coat with just t-shirt underneath, wearing a hat like a woollen Viking hat and a headtorch, holding ski poles. I have a snowshoe strapped to my left foot but I haven't yet noticed that the one on my right foot has come off and is lying in the snow behind me.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3dd20-62a02-barbecuehut.jpgA wooden hut with snow on the roof. The walls are low, only about waist-height and the pointed roof comes right the way down, so it funnels smoke out the hole in the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c4e5-e93f0-icehotel.jpgThe exterior of the Ice Hotel by night. There are arches lit up in blues and greens.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61d59-97d80-kirunachurchinside.jpgThe interior of Kiruna Church. It's all dark wood again with a kind of scaffolding-like sculpture. There's an organ high on the wall opposite and a large non-stained glass window above. There are orange-bulbed chandeliers hanging down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d612c-10609-kirunachurchoutside.jpgKiruna Church, a kind of pyramid-shaped building in dark wood. The lowest of its roofs almost touches the snow.2022-10-30T19:09:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/12/10/travel-library-cathedrals-of-the-flesh/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29886-40e58-cathedralsoftheflesh.pngTravel Library: Cathedrals of the Flesh | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f782-ab7a5-skylagoonsauna.jpgThe Sky Lagoon sauna: a wooden room with one wall made up entirely of a huge window with sea views.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0afc3-91a78-helsinkiharbour.jpgHelsinki harbour in the evening. The sky is faintly purple, there's a tall ship and all the lights around the edges are reflecting in the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/545bf-4822d-feetinnaturebaths.jpgMy feet sticking out of the hot, blue, slightly opaque water of the Myvatn Nature Baths.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f97c7-6d460-grotagja.jpgGrjótagjá, a cave shaped like a ridge tent, with half the ceiling collapsed into the bright blue steaming water which floods the cave.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c6b4-e9025-relaxingaththebluelagoon.jpgMe relaxing in a white spa robe with a cup of hot chocolate at the Blue Lagoon in the winter of 2011.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2530a-9a354-cathedralsofthefleshalexiabrue.jpgCathedrals of the Flesh by Alexia Brue - on my tablet on a striped beach towel with a bath bomb in one corner and a pair of reusable round wipes in the opposite one.2022-10-30T16:51:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/31/halloween-at-upton-country-park/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c3b2f-61165-halloweenatuptoncoutnrypark.pngHalloween at Upton Country Park | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86e96-c0b68-hauntedforesthotchocolate.jpgMe with a small wooden spoon about to poke my Haunted Forest Hot Chocolate. It's in a takeaway cup, topped with cream, chocolate flakes and cherry sauce. I've taken off my blanket cardigan but not the hat and the close-up means you can now see I have tiny orange fairy lights threaded through my plaits.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4b64-7e825-thehollowtree.jpgA tree with a crack near the bottom which a very small child could climb into. When this tree was younger and its bark less thick and gnarly, I went inside it all the time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6737-88452-pathintothewoods.jpgA leaf-strewen path through the woods. The woods are really on the left. On the right, a row of trees separates the path from open fields. From this angle, the trees almost turn the path into a tunnel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8b090-c69be-oakleafwitch.jpgA witch in the woods: me in my witch's hat and tartan blanket-cardigan, holding up an acorn and a twig of oak leaves.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5afb-dfee1-trailmarketone.jpgThe first marker on the Halloween trail: an orange sign with tree silhouettes on the sides. In the middle it says that the first thing is BATS and gives some information about bats.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0808b-89431-sisterspumpkinphoto.jpgMy sister sitting in the same pumpkin display. Her witch's hat is pale beige and she's wearing a matching coat and tall brown leather boots.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5adc2-1e3d5-mypumpkinphoto.jpgMe, in a witch's hat and a long tartan cardigan with jeans and brown leather hiking boots, sitting on a haybale surrounded by pumpkins. My hands are full of tiny baby pumpkins (which may or may not be plastic - I couldn't tell).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7069-44b2f-52452974257_99fd696c32_k.jpgThe new visitor centre at Upton Country Park. It's actually still being built. It's a stone and wood building with a slanted flat roof and the name of the place carved into stone blocks in the side.2022-10-30T11:44:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/24/an-iceland-itinerary-the-south-west/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93a84-a5817-switinerary.pngAn Iceland Itinerary: The South West | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99900-e7d79-33525171490_3baa1029d2_k.jpgA cluster of puffin-ended signposts in Heimaey. Instead of arrows, there are puffin heads with their colourful beaks pointing the way.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e554-ad343-33780700031_2ca2701b71_k.jpgSeveral puffins standing in a steep grassy field. This was taken with my big zoom and then I've cropped the photo rather than resizing it to make them look bigger and more detailed.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52abc-43a5c-33066889334_79bef8f49d_k.jpgEldheimar early in its excavation. There's a cluster of people standing next to the corner of a concrete cube which is a house buried up the roof in what looks like grey sand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50bd0-48fb0-33382038405_6707e1e7fd_k.jpgA timer selfie on the top of a volcano. The rock is orangey red and gravelly. Behind me is a steep slope down to town and a zigzaggy cliff on the other side of the harbour.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e09bb-eedf0-33254485451_8998608047_k.jpgSailing across to Heimaey. You can see the back of the ferry and a rocky island that looks like a molar sticking out of the sea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81d92-562f9-52307154687_cf0f1a9a84_k.jpgA GoPro selfie in a shallow black hot pool with more steaming pools in the background and an angular black building with floor-to-ceiling windows.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36e8e-ccfe6-37449020866_2588186ef4_k.jpgA lava field covered in orange-yellow leaves, shrubs and heather. Streams of water are pouring out of the side of the lava field and into the river below.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4b05-7abc3-52308786226_e85497a9da_k.jpgA shallow round pool surrounded by paving slabs. In the distance is a farm and a village.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1c6e-672c7-52309320330_466efb24d9_k.jpgA monstrous skeleton-wolf thing lit in green light from the Egil's Saga exhibition. I'll leave it to you to go there yourself and find out what's actually happening here.2022-10-23T13:38:35+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/10/i-did-my-pawprint-volcanoes-badge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c7fc-de82a-pawprintvolcanoes.pngI did the Pawprint Volcanoes badge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa0d2-6ac6a-p1250952.jpgA selfie with plaits and a green t-shirt, holding up a large cloth badge with a volcano on it. I'm wearing lots of silver rings. Behind me is a tectonic map of Iceland and on the shelf behind me is a cartoon of a visitor to a volcano.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5dcbb-76baa-p1250951.jpgA close-up of the surface of a tray of brownies. These are a packet mix which you make with oil, water and an egg so the surface is a bit shinier than brownies would properly be.OK, this is a packet mix so the surface is shinier than the lava that inspired it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb670-81603-52308174016_f8a59800d2_k.jpgA close-up of the Meradalir eruption: a small black crater with fire dancing around in the middle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3aeb-deb66-52307460212_f02ce0521b_k-1.jpgA dark greyish-brown lava field with a flat-topped crater in the background. The lava kind of has the texture of the top of a pan of brownies.See, isn't that a similar texture to brownies?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb7cc-7ce76-52310080244_761dd24994_k-1.jpgA selfie with a small live erupting volcano in the background. I'm wearing a blue raincoat and a rainbow-striped hat and I'm very very happy.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/562b0-8f71e-p1250948.jpgA sketch of the Meradalir eruption in oil pastels, stuck into a small scrapbook bound with three rings. A leaflet for Fontana is sticking out.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd2dc-2d2c8-52362339510_c15223c7b3_k.jpgA fire surrounded by damp planks. People are sitting around the edge of the campfire circle - they look very close and they are but they're not dangerously close.I made this! With wet wood! And no punk! (Disclaimer: the Inspire member sitting around it aren't as close to getting set on fire as they look here)2022-10-04T11:48:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/13/how-did-my-garden-grow-in-2022/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/563fd-f50ee-garden2022.pngHow did my garden grow in 2022? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58fe7-4c9b8-img_4118.jpegOn the right are two big orange plastic flowerpots containing baby basil and sage plants. On the left is the triple windowsill planter where they started their lives. The soil is shallow and it crumbles easily when I try to transplant.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30a4a-a5609-img_5437.jpeg6 chilli plants in six green pots on two shelves of a small plastic greenhouse.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f0ed-3cbff-img_4512.jpegThe passion flowers when I realised they were going to survive - two sturdy little plants with glossy darkish green leaves.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61a37-415cf-img_5438.jpegThe herb garden, a collection of herbs in various sized pots squeezed onto a corner of the patio. They're mostly quite big but they're also suffering a bit from lack of water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09e8c-39e28-img_7151.jpegA dense forest of chilli plants, plus several long thin bright red chillis hanging from it. A few are still ripening.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac16b-57a8c-img_7309.jpegA handful of fresh carrots, so freshly-picked that there's still dirt clinging to them. You can't see how long the leaves are but they're long.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b043c-513d1-img_5534.jpegThe home-grown onion chopped and being fried in a small pan.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4fcc7-4ee57-img_5530.jpegA freshly-picked onion with a long stalk hanging from my hand. Behind it is the raised bed where 20-odd more onions are growing with their long stems hanging limply over the edge.I made this!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c732-12f78-img_5851.jpegA freshly-watered tomato plant loaded with tomatoes in varying stages of ripeness from pale green to bright red.2022-10-02T13:05:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/10/17/a-scenic-train-ride-to-arosa/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/421f8-2285e-arosa.pngA scenic train ride to Arosa | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41a67-6a3c4-26992242799_74248a0fbd_k.jpgA beautiful Swiss view taken from a moving train. Bare rocky pyramid-shaped mountains poke out of lower pine-covered mountains. In the foreground is a steep-sided valley crossed by an interesting bridge among the trees.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/928b6-d1e25-38736960222_b3888d0603_k.jpgSome of the more traditional-style chalets among the woods in Arosa. However, a big yellow crane says there's probably a modern building there by now.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b21c-d4da8-37881334455_47bf700d9d_k.jpgSome of the bigger buildings in Arosa, set between the lake and the craggy mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/692df-da086-38052329904_62cd88b2e7_k.jpgMe posing with a pair of brown and white horses harnessed to a simple cart by the lake at Arosa. I'm wearing a red t-shirt and bootleg jeans.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76850-662d3-38051409504_fe7c55d832_k.jpgA red Rhatische Bahn electric locomotive, number 613, parked at the station at Arosa.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0485-6ea48-24894757208_03961479af_k.jpgA train of red carriages going round a sharp bend in some very green woods. The bank is grassy and beautiful and only about two feet from the side of the train. The photo is taken from an open carriage window in direction of travel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a175-e00f9-38737798772_899e227317_k.jpgChur station, an unlovely expanse of railway tracks, overhead wires, cargo wagons and in the middle, a large red electric OEBB locomotive pulling a red and grey train most likely bound for Austria.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c0cb-dbc00-37881333335_c3b70418f2_k.jpgA fountain jetting up in the middle of a small lake. On the right-hand shore are a cluster of wooden chalets and more modern buildings. On the left-hand shore is pine woodland. Behind everything are craggy mountains. The village is just below the treeline. The sky is blue and cloudy.2022-09-29T11:07:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/09/22/an-iceland-itinerary-for-volcano-fans/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efa4a-0d2b6-itineraryforvolcanofans.pngAn Iceland Itinerary for volcano fans | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/667fb-1ceab-52307434442_39b49b8d8e_k.jpgThe 2022 eruption when it was still live - a tiny black crater filled with exploding orange lava, in what was once a valley, now filled with fresh black lava flow. Behind it is a larger greyer gravelly hill and there are more gravelly grey hills behind containing the lava flow. The photo is taken high up on a rocky hill overlooking the eruption. There are lots of people sitting and standing on the hillside watching - and a lot more off to the sides and further down the hill than you can see from this angle.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb1f4-0725a-52308692099_2f0f104a07_k.jpgA field of lava with the texture of the top of chocolate brownies, all streaked with white sulphur deposits. A fresh dark crater is on the horizon and behind that, blue smoke rises up from the 2021 eruption.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4367c-f4242-34017468992_b23fb36294_k.jpgA vast wall lit from beneath by spotlights. It's rough and rocky and mostly orange, stained and streaked in shades of grey, black, yellow and white. This is the inner wall of a magma chamber and for scale, you can just make out the little blue helmet of a person staring up at it at the bottom.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2446b-3eaee-volcanofans.pngAn Iceland Itinerary for Volcano Fans | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecc2f-15340-33742236862_22cbb0ceff_k.jpgA perfect straight cliff of tall basalt hexagonal columns. Some of them have collapsed a little leaving rubble on the green mossy slope below. The line of cliffs cuts the photo almost perfectly in half diagonally with a vivid blue sky above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e66a2-af9b5-33769292761_5acfee33fd_k.jpgThe snow-capped mountain again, this time framed by a sage-green tour bus and a long low wooden building on a small hill.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03090-9fd78-33769284821_4e4e521d7c_k.jpgA picture of me in a green fleece and red plaits in front of a window in a cliff. Beyond, you can see a bit of spiky lava field and beyond that a perfect snow-topped pyramid-shaped volcano.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ebd57-888a8-33266868102_5b723fe237_k.jpgStanding on top of one of the Grabrok craters. There's a wooden boardwalk with stairs leading around the edge of the crater rim and you can also walk right down into the crater itself. The whole thing is red rock but it's so covered in greyish-green moss that you can't see a lot of the bare rock.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a13c-f5db7-32565887003_0927731016_k.jpgIn the foreground is a lava field, leading up to a flat-topped mountain that just rises out of nowhere. You can't actually see the flat top of the mountain because of a crown of cloud perched on top.2022-09-06T10:43:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/08/11/a-day-at-the-international-balloon-festival-at-chateau-doex/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41483-1433b-balloonfestival.pngA day at the International Balloon Festival | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37b52-32c26-38737010642_cf8913fe92_k.jpgMe walking away from the camera down a wet slushy hill. I look quite militaristic in my long wool coat, black fleece hat and gloves but now you can see I'm wearing my favourite black bootcut cords with huge colourful stars appliqued onto the lower legs.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/237bd-c252c-37881382245_e8318861a5_k.jpgThe back of our pilot's head, wearing a white helmet with a rainbow Apple sticker on the back. You can see out the front windows of the helicopter to a village in the snow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d26e-b23d8-23903347747_dd0cc81e29_k.jpgFlying up a snowy valley with a dark green river in the middle. The window of the helicopter is clearly visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37c5b-4be28-23903349187_467e9691d9_k.jpgSwitzerland from above: a snowy landscape with a road or maybe a river winding its way down the landscape and a village sprawling in the foothills of the snowy mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c1ce-c90df-37881376105_3c913b1f67_k.jpgMe, standing against a snowy background, in my grey wool coat and black fleece hat and mittens. I'm wearing my yellow tag and holding a red ticket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4b88-9508d-37881381795_2b1819f961_k.jpgEurocopter AS350 Ecureil helicopter - a small single-engine light helicopter that seats 5, in red and black Heli-TV livery, just taking off among snowy mountains.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/364db-0b272-908w376538051451474_bc52f82519_k.jpgMy "triplets" - Jemma is wearing a blue and white striped hat and black coat, Angela is wearing the rainbow hat and a blue puffa jacket. Both are wearing the yellow labels/tickets and holding plastic cups of hot wine.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/406b0-19c21-balloonfestival081.jpgA Scottish piper-shaped balloon about to take off, while a cathedral-shaped balloon floats off to his left.I wish I still had the full-size original of this photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b2e2-f7d25-38737031142_6efc970b90_k.jpgAn assortment of balloons in the sky above me. The sky is very blue.2022-08-11T09:00:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/04/whats-going-on-with-the-iceland-eruption/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6065b-03c1e-eruption2.pngIcelandic Met Office earthquake map screenshothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3ec8-6901c-vedur.pngIcelandic Met Office earthquake screenshothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4263-d99d4-eruption.pngWhat's going on with the Iceland eruption? | iamapolarbear.com2022-08-04T09:35:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/14/outdoors-101-a-few-map-reading-basics/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f956-5c47a-p1230443.jpgA narrow bookshelf containing a row of orange OS maps nicely lined up, plus a couple of miniature custom maps at the end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2a8c-8fbfa-mapreading.pngA few map-reading basics | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51d79-0bd04-51633711090_f558822662_k.jpgThree people in Wistman's Woods, a bit of ancient woodland with twisted trees and moss-covered boulders, examining maps and compasses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a92f-2f366-50366980081_77085c77f5_k.jpgPointing my compass at Hound Tor, with the bezel turned so the red arrows line up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0ecf-c42f3-p1230442.jpgTaking a bearing: the compass lying on the map with its bezel turned to align north-south and the edge of the compass lined up between Saddle Tor and Haytor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9528-3609e-p1230444.jpgClose-up of compass and map. I'm using the scale on the edge of the compass to measure a blue grid box on the map. You can't actually see the 1km line because it's just hidden under the blue bezel.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8673-ef8f9-p1230452.jpgTwo patches of orange-yellow open access land separated by private land which is patchworked with fields.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73fc2-020e7-p1230450.jpgVarious roads and blue symbols dotted over the map of Trendlebere Down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98032-e473c-p1230448.jpgA line of black dots crossing Haytor Down, marked periodically with boundary stones.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd93e-457b8-p1230447.jpgThin black dashed lines crossing Saddle Tor.2022-07-14T13:54:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/04/things-i-sewed-for-travel-and-adventure/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da42b-04806-52084857290_a88687f2d4_k.jpgA close-up of my face. I'm wearing a black t-shirt and a white mask with pastel rainbow unicorns all over it. The ear loops are neon pink.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1841b-436e1-thingsisewedfortravel.pngThings I sewed for travel & adventure | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/518fd-5a1f8-52193446229_203cfe4c94_k.jpgThe edge of my green tent. Attached to the black groundsheet is two nylon loops in dark green with a keyring threaded onto each. The tent is laid out on top of my camp blanket and you can see my Iceland and Senior Section 2016 badges.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ad28-8cb0b-p1230385.jpgMe in a dark grey fleece jacket with a visible bright pink towel lining visible. I'm pulling out the lining of one of the pockets. It's eye-burning orange but in this light it just looks yellow, like the t-shirt I'm wearing underneath the jacket.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/679f8-61d7d-p1230420.jpgMe with my arms spread wearing a robe made of two bright blue towels sewn together at the shoulders and a little way below the arms. You can't see the colourful stripes along the hem because my office is too untidy for a full-length photo.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc02f-7d651-p1230368.jpgA bright orange nylon tube-shaped pouch with a black zip around it near the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f06fb-2e323-p1230358.jpgA circular blue pouch with diamonds of dots on it. There's a zip down the middle and behind it you can see a lining of red fabric with white winding ropes printed on it. The same fabric makes a little loop at the top and a red karabiner is attached to that loop.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f7be-6bd45-p1230397.jpgMe from mouth to armpit in the same yellow and orange outfit. I'm wearing the green backpack and on the shoulder strap is a round-topped rectangular pocket, with a dark green lycra front and a bee sewn on the top. It's a bit wonky and a bit rough around the edges.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ff98-bb1e8-p1230416.jpgMy mid-section turned sideways, wearing a yellow top and orange flowered dungarees. I'm wearing a green backpack. On the waist belt is a dark green rectangular pouch which is hanging awkwardly from two elastic loops.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/77be7-a9ac5-p1190493.jpgA rectangular box made of apple-green cordura with a dark green zip. There's a bee sewn on the front.2022-07-11T10:51:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/07/my-favourite-travel-video-makers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e8f4-00737-favouritevideomakers.pngMy favourite travel video makers | iamapolarbear.com2022-07-11T10:41:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/07/11/i-played-a-lumenator-in-a-green-space-dark-skies-film/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea937-82234-greenspacedarkskies.pngI played a Lumenator in a Green Space Dark Skies film! | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0a28-c10ac-65454fg8761.jpgA screenshot from the short film, showing a circle of people holding pink lights in the dim twilight. I've drawn a yellow arrow pointing at a figure in a yellow jumper and it's labelled "that's me!".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01e24-419f3-52143939290_d2b5de43c5_k.jpgReturning the geolights. They're on folding tables in a marquee but there's so many of them and they're set to pink that everything about this picture just glows pink.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6431-6facb-52206760040_2434a09cfb_k.jpgTwo lines of people opposite me, their lights on the ground by their feet. Most of the lights are pink and the people are lit from beneath in pink. A couple of them are orange and one is quite green. In front of them is a big hollow in the hilltop and behind is a line of hills. The sky is getting quite dark and a drone filming us is clearly visible.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ccdf-c1277-52143941375_15ba890f66_k.jpgA huddle of people holding their lights above their heads. There is a pink glow which fades into the mid-blue evening sky above.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a88be-308ba-52143477618_e7e22ce01a_k.jpgA selfie. I'm wearing a white fleece hat with cow patterns and ears and a yellow hoodie. I'm holding my Geolight but now it's lit up in pink. In the picture, the dome still looks quite white but you can see from the pink glow over my face and upper body that it's very pink.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/454a1-ed93f-52142434882_7b56917c92_k.jpgTeam Red standing in a circle on the hilltop. The sky is now pastel shades of twilight purple and orange. Most of Team Red are holding a bright pink light now.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c446-a51d7-52143696469_cc2cac06a5_k-1.jpgA lot of people gathered around a white flag. Behind them is Maiden Castle and above the sky is very blue. This is not "going up at sunset".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38535-e800f-52143944305_8497b9261c_k.jpgA selfie with me and Catherine. We're both wearing sunglasses and the sun is directly behind me. Catherine is wearing a pink cap, a blue t-shirt and you can just make out her Team Light Blue sticker. We're both holding up our Geolights, which are aluminium canisters with metal handles and a white plastic dome on top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce9ac-59d3f-52142438157_773617fa09_k.jpgAfternoon in the field. There are various tents, gazebos and marquees around, plus lots of people milling around or sitting around. You can make out a few people in high-viz jackets and there are flags flapping in the breeze.2022-07-11T10:11:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/06/23/a-few-unexpected-days-in-the-garden/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22798-cb401-52167576011_1acabbf020_k.jpgThe three begonias freshly transplated into a terracotta pot, one in each quarter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5068a-4acb9-52166552332_6377276bc9_k.jpgA bee in the lavender. Some of the flowers are quite blurry - bees move fast and I don't have time to take the photo carefully.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/38b38-d4fda-unexpectedgarden.pngA few unexpected days in the garden | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0dba4-9c8a4-52166239997_5525079b91_k.jpgMe, in a pink and orange t-shirt, black leggings and pink Crocs, sitting in a camp chair reading a book.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ef92-b5a95-52167506649_b03fa5a683_k.jpgA single cherry, more bright red than dark cherry red, hanging from the cherry tree.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4954-cbdf9-52167748710_1726fca7ad_k.jpgThree nice leafy begonias in small pots in my greenhouse.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0394-67e5d-52167506874_04ee435d13_k.jpgMy herb garden: a collection of various pots containing various herbaceous plants. The empty one at the front contained a bolted parsley stalk until half an hour ago.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d58e2-f47ab-52167506199_ec04276778_k.jpgTwo troughs of fresh soil, surrounded by tubs of root vegetables and a pot of beans in their young enthusiastic state.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/038ac-dad5e-52166241317_afc4000c01_k.jpgA row of bushy young tomato plants in pots, lined up against a fence.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/edf08-692fa-52167268261_ea47d47081_k.jpgA wood pigeon, holding a large twig in its peak, peers out accusingly from a large leafy climbing plant.2022-06-23T14:34:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/17/myog-hip-belt-pockets-for-my-hiking-day-bag/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb423-e2d8d-hipbeltpockets.pngMake Your Own Gear: Hip belt pockets for my hiking day bag | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c88b8-b1e55-p1190493.jpgA complete rectangular green cordura pocket with a zip across the top that extends just a little down the sides and a smiley bee sewn onto the front for decoration.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41c06-5adb7-p1190498.jpgMy two complete pockets showing how I did the zips. On the left is the second one. The seams are neater but the ends of the zip are sticking out. On the right, the zip is set properly inside the seam but the seams are messier and stained with Mod Podge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43a5c-dec6d-p1190482.jpgThe pocket finished but still inside out, with the zip on the top closed up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d045-b0af7-p1190480.jpgThe pouch, inside out, with the zip open and sewn upside down on both sides of the outside.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13811-75376-p1190478.jpgZip sewn good side to good side from the centre outwards in one direction. In a moment, I'll do the same from the centre to the other end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d757b-2531f-p1190477.jpgThe zip on top of the pouch, good side of zip to good side of cordura. I've marked the centre of both pieces to my zip doesn't end up wonky.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3992b-f064d-p1190494.jpgElastic loops sewn on the back of the finished pouch, complete with guidelines drawn on to get them straight.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7879-fa936-p1190471.jpgA much better seam on my second pocket. It's much further in so the cordura doesn't crack between the stitch holes and the edge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7d4d-cc1e0-p1190496.jpgThe cordura broken around the seams on my first pocket, where I sewed too close to the edge with a huge needle.2022-06-12T16:57:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/21/how-i-built-up-to-solo-female-travel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43fb6-7b098-builtuptosft.pngHow I built up to solo female travel | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db967-322c9-35913786922_28b6d027bc_k.jpgMy room in Helsinki. A small uni halls type room, with a narrow single bed with a floral cover, brown furniture and heavy striped curtains.This is my room in Helsinki, the first place I ever stayed when solo travelling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e34e3-81261-35949350621_03467e169a_k.jpgA black sign with white writing saying "Entrance" in Finnish and Swedish. Finnish "Sisään" means nothing to me but I can understand the Swedish "ingång"Thank you for being nice to me, Swedish!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ffcd6-2a0f7-37881245175_71fea70bf3_k.jpgSelfies weren't a "thing" in 2006, but here I am lying in the grass outside the cathedral in St Gallen, taking selfies. I'm lying on my back with my right arm draped over my face. I'm wearing a red t-shirt and a watch with a black strap.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/abd60-fedfb-26993077519_674ff594e3_k.jpgThe "triplets" on their first trip out, a boat trip on the lake around sunset. From left to right: Angela, wearing a puffy blue snow jacket, Jemma in a khaki cropped jacket and me in a green t-shirt although I've got a red jumper tied around my waist. Spot the person who lives in a desert...https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3538-e7e85-p1190685.jpgMy friends Andy, Chris, Catherine and David (on the floor) all in early-00s holiday-wear, eating waffles and posing for the camera at the Trocadero in Paris.Like the picture with Esther on Big Thunder Mountain, I have a copy of this picture in my office. This version is straight from my album and is making me realise I might need to reprint the office copy, which is very faded.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7b29d-78897-p1190684.jpgSeveral of our school group standing around in an opulent room with floral wallpaper and Art Nouveau stained glass windows. This is Louis Vuitton's house and we're about to be served champagne after a tour of the factory.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48785-23fc3-p1190683.jpgThis is the only picture I have of me on this trip. I'm on Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris, wearing a black pirate t-shirt and apparently cringing away from something. My other best friend, Esther, is next to me in a white t-shirt and giggling. Behind us are James and Tara, two other friends, who also look somewhere between delighted and terrified.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04de8-d59fe-p1190681.jpgMy French exchange family. The parents are wearing chunky white knitwear, the mum has quite big reddish hair and the dad looks a bit like Chakotay from Voyager. The brother is a blandly good-looking boy of about 17 holding a tabby cat and the girl, my partner, is wearing a grey hoodie and has dark brown hair tied up.My French exchange family, including the cat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/defe4-22e65-p1190679.jpgMe, aged fourteen and wearing a navy Reebok sweatshirt, standing in front a window with Aeroporti di Roma printed across it, as evidence we'd stopped at Rome Airport.2022-04-12T09:43:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/14/a-day-in-blandford-forum/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/55cb9-4146e-blandford.pngA day in Blandford Forum | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/66f62-8da69-p1190586.jpgThe Blandford end of the North Dorset Trailway. An open gate leading onto a gravel track between steep grassy banks. A thin railway footbridge runs over the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b51b-4d0cc-30357015188_341370ad6b_k.jpgThe main stage at Teddy Rocks 2018, seen from near the back of the small field where it stands. Purple lights are shining from it and I guess Ash must be on the stage but you can't see them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7b1c-4c047-p1190640.jpgThe Ginger Viking cocktail bar/cafe, a brick building with an oddly stark side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9cddb-8a277-p1190639.jpgThe entrance to Tabernacle Walk, one of those interesting passages leading to all sorts of hidden stuff.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49c14-ff499-p1190597.jpgThe west end of Blandford's church. The tower at the front is visible but both sides are enveloped in scaffolding.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65ebd-19044-p1190595.jpgThe Blandford Fashion Museum, a brick Georgian house with a purple and orange museum flag in the front garden. (This isn't actually the main door but it's the prettier side of the place).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/081fd-02194-p1190601.jpgConyers home & country shop, a green-fronted old-fashioned shop in a double brick building. It has its name set into the brick between the first and second floors.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68704-5e173-48151233847_c6c3328e0a_k.jpgInside Blandford's church, an over-lit picture of a church with dark wooden pews and organ but white pillars and supports.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e3b4-58f31-p1190591.jpgA blue plaque on a current pub marking it as the site of the Great Fire.2022-04-10T19:20:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/18/travel-library-the-year-of-living-danishly/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/266d3-a29b7-p1190582.jpgA photo of a couple of pages from the book. On the left is lessons learned about work in February. On the right is the beginning of the Leisure & Languages in March chapter.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f977-322d6-p1190585.jpgA photo of a page from the book describing foraging and Danish cuisine.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad3a7-0cec5-p1190583.jpgA photo of a page from the book talking about Danish weather.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42800-74797-p1190584.jpgA close-up of a page from the book where the author discovers hygge.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b5e12-d7490-p1190578.jpgThe Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell - a book with a mostly blue and yellow cover lying on a black and white Nordic-style jumper, with a Scandinavian troll, the two colourful dice I bought in Denmark and a couple of pens sitting to the side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03141-43377-yearoflivingdanishly.pngTravel Library: The Year of Living Danishly | iamapolarbear.com2022-04-07T11:19:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/04/28/spring-2022-in-my-garden/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e62b1-e392f-spring2022.pngSpring 2022 in my garden | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/295de-d116f-51897794269_791f3ec4b3_k.jpgLast year's beans. Long green beans hang from a climbing plant with huge soft leaves and sticks of weedy red flowers.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2d56-8f1ea-51897789529_1c78768ced_k.jpgLast year's cucamelons. Yellowing leaves climb a trellis and many miniature watermelons dangle from it. (They're not watermelons but they look like them, except they're tiny.)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6440c-8fcbc-p1190567.jpgThe tarragon, a tall plant a bit more bent than in should be, in a new bigger pot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efd2c-12539-p1190566.jpgMy herb garden, a collection of herbs in pots, all a bit worse for the winter and all clustered together. The lavender is raised on an old broken pot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fedf1-e20e7-p1190573.jpgTwo six-foot plastic greenhouses tied to a fence. The one on the left is a little shorter and wider and its cover has a green mesh within it. The taller one has a pointed roof and a clear cover.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72024-2ba3b-p1190571.jpgSix green plastic bag-style patio planters and three troughs. They're mostly full of fresh soil and new seeds or bulbs but there are a few sprouty spring onions, carrots and red onions.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da400-94556-51850227548_ccd5d55c58_k.jpg51850227548_ccd5d55c58_khttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4fbbd-c508a-p1190572.jpgA green plastic bag-style patio planter. Three or four red onions are just sprouting. There are lots of red onion bulbs buried around the container.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef3ad-30b4d-51850039034_9032ab8452_k.jpgTiny baby tomatoes, peppers & chillis in their propagator on the windowsill back in January.2022-04-07T09:47:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/31/travel-library-how-iceland-changed-the-world-by-egill-bjarnason/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cae34-234ea-howicelandchangedtheworld.pngTravel Library: How Iceland Changed the World | iamapolarbear.com2022-03-31T15:00:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/28/a-real-iceland-itinerary-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a5e0-3cd00-realicelanditinerary.pngA real Iceland itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05726-0afe3-33034330544_d0194b33ab_k.jpgAn Icelandair plane at the gate at Heathrow. The jetbridge is attached to its side and the sky is vaguely orange behind it. Tinted glass or a Saharan sandstorm? No idea.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2492f-6b9fa-33909919475_db58ad2fed_k.jpgReykjavik from above, as seen from the church tower. The buildings are mostly small and colourful and there's plenty of greenery between them. In the background are some taller towers and behind it all is the bay, shining in the sun.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68b56-65b7d-26991270669_ac33444dcb_k.jpgMe on an Icelandic horse on a damp February day. I'm wearing an orange plasticky waterproof windproof suit. The horse is quite small and dark brown and is clearly wondering if it can get away with eating the scenery.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5be60-67cb0-43998854221_25bb045c74_k.jpgGullfoss in October, a winter-turquoise and white waterfall set in a deep golden-brown sided chasm.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/08255-fe3c0-36790304443_c9f2faac29_k.jpgA selfie in the Blue Lagoon. It's cloudy and my lens is wet so everything's a bit blurry. The water is very bright blue. I'm wearing a swimsuit with hot pink straps and my arm is extended towards the camera.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0741a-7b525-26990328699_6037af8576_k.jpgA little Icelandic shopping from 2015. Left to write: cheese-flavour star crisps, three interesting flavours of juice and one chocolate milk and a bottle of Coca Cola. Above is a bar of Milka and below a packet of hamburger rolls. It's all laid out on top of the Reykjavik Grapevine, the light-hearted English-language free newspaper.I prefer the green star crisps over the red ones but this is what was available on that shopping trip in 2015.2022-03-28T10:49:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/03/how-to-solo-female-travel-2-how-to-plan-your-trip/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f8c8-3aeb6-24006606934_99bd74489a_h.jpgSelfie on a plane. The light levels are clearly low enough that my camera was struggling because it's kind of grainy. You can just make out from the seat back behind me that this is a Norwegian plane.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d179-4d13a-33984264743_04dbba384e_k.jpgMe outside Notre Dame, pre-fire. I'm wearing my black t-shirt again and my hair is tied out of sight. My sister took this picture and I take back anything I've ever said about her being better at photos than our parents.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d49d6-9fcdd-37497835781_616946425f_k.jpgMe on a path in Iceland, on the side of a mountain leading to a hidden canyon. My hair is loose for once, I'm wearing sunglasses, a red checked jacket over a blue windshirt and red t-shirt and you can't see how tired and angry I was that day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1799-cd47d-p1190431.jpgA calendar printed and stuck in the front of a small notebook. Days are colour-coded in highlighter depending on what city I'm in, and times and numbers show flights and trains. The times written in pen are conversions to UK time.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c250-c29a0-48795985852_2eacd527d3_k.jpgSelfie in a throne room in the Hermitage. The carpet and wall is red and gold, as is the throne, which is really just a dining chair with too much ornate gold on it. I kind of match - my hair is dark blonde with a hint of strawberry in this light, and I'm wearing a red t-shirt.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f29b-4ba92-47937323388_ef2bd3fb56_k.jpgAn entirely accidental photo of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, as you're not allowed to take photos in there. The entire room is covered ceiling to floor in colourful paintings. I've never seen anything like it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50973-82268-48847432841_5e8572a8b5_k.jpgA selfie in Perm. The camera is just behind me on a mini tripod so you can see the river I'm looking at, my left arm and my back. I'm wearing a black t-shirt and sunglasses.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73716-be6b8-34641802982_842d055786_k.jpgA selfie in the teacup ride at Disneyland Paris. It's a really bad picture. I'm wearing a black t-shirt under a grey hoodie lined with black fleece. It's warm but it's not exactly Disney.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18e65-3d0a5-33838286876_a14f394b35_k.jpgA campsite in Iceland. The background is just small tents of various shapes and colours with streaky mountains right at the back. In the foreground is the patch of grass surrounded by rocks where I camped the night before. My luggage is packed next to it: a 45l backpack, a 100l black duffle bag and a pair of blue sandals which I've opted not to pack, for some reason. Later, I returned to this spot and put my tent back up when I discovered the bus I expected wasn't running that day.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5a18-3de5c-dsc01968.jpgMe up to my ankles in the sea in Cyprus. I'm wearing a pale grey t-shirt and red shorts and have my camera dangling from my hand.2022-03-03T15:57:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/28/i-like-the-hop-on-hop-off-bus/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2b39-7be1c-ilikethehohobus.pngI like the hop-on hop-off bus | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56c91-89095-45077894944_542f746807_k.jpgInside the Kyiv metro. To the right is an arch over a probably step escalator. In the middle are the railings separating people heading down from people heading up. The wall behind is tiled in a rainbow of colours; lots of short horizontal sections of tiny tiles with no pattern to it whatsoever. It's very colourful but also a bit eye-boggling.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64118-588ac-47941934941_6156994896_b.jpgMe, looking very much like a tourist in Rome. I'm soaked because it's just been raining and I'm wearing one of those disposable folding plastic bag coat-things, wearing my big backpack.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40810-83b50-48851986137_663843448c_k.jpgThe Kremlin walls, some towers and the administrative and religious buildings peeking over the top, as seen from a road crossing the river that flows alongside the walls. You can tell I'm on a bus partly because you can just make out traffic around the edge of the photo but mostly because there's an obvious reflection in the windows visible to the right.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ceac3-a05e9-47938601828_1cfdecf00f_k.jpgThis was taken out of an open-top bus, which you can just see on the left. To the right is the road and up ahead is the Coloseum, or at least a lot of ancient crumbling stone arches that clearly belong to some kind of ancient Roman structure.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5edf3-e9070-48336940906_f1614b0cf7_k.jpgA green bus with Gozo Sightseeing on the side parked outside a sandstone building. I think this is the drop-off point for the Azure Window.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6e576-591a9-48337097537_d4679bcc23_k.jpgMe, with my hair in two plaits and looking very windswept, on the top deck of the tourist bus in Gozo. Behind me are green fields and hills. It's very hot and it's only January.2022-02-27T11:38:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/03/07/what-i-learned-from-my-second-year-of-gardening/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b207-86a86-gardening.pngWhat I learned from my second year of gardening | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/885ca-ead65-51896459742_bdc997160f_k.jpgA collection of pots of various sizes containing mostly my herb garden, clustered against the back wall. The cucamelons are growing up a trellis on the wall behind them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bdf47-08ccd-51898093185_3d514a7b70_k.jpgMy cucamelon pot, containing a little pond of cucamelon leaves. Sticking out of them are three stakes with orange twine wrapped around them to give them something to climb when they're bigger.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6fde-732c0-51896500322_0a2392a949_k.jpgA seed tray of baby chilli plants with a prominent wooden lollystick label.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48b5f-c7536-51897756054_985a8f9f67_k.jpgMy bean obelisk, covered in large bean leafs. Orange support strings are just visible. To the left is my small greenhouse. You can't see but it's attached to the fence is at least four places.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4dd5e-8d073-51896494702_e69a636423_k.jpgMy hand (with light-green painted nails) holding up some spring onions and radishes. The radishes are just a bit more red than hottest hot pink and two of them are far bigger than you'd get down at Tesco. They're all wet from being washed under the hose.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0384c-b3b79-51898109810_cd3402a2df_k.jpgA cucamelon plant, with three-pointed leaves and lots of spiny tendrils. In between are lots of cucamelons, like miniature grape-sized watermelons.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0950c-7342a-51897803074_d52439e470_k.jpgEight tomato plants in front of window. They're four or five feet tall and so bushy that it looks like a miniature jungle. This is shortly before I pruned them and accidentally killed them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92a17-547f7-51896457842_f5f8ea3f9b_k.jpgA roast dinner with homegrown roast carrots, leek and radishes. Ignore the rest, I didn't grow that. It's a colourful plate.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4d06-fb133-51897445996_124a2587c0_k.jpgYoung thin spring onions in compost in a round patio planter.2022-02-26T13:47:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/24/some-of-my-thoughts-on-ukraine/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1419c-acdd6-ukrainethoughts.pngA few of my thoughts on Ukraine & Kyiv | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4212-51d42-31929489728_30b267a1fb_k.jpgThe entrance tower of St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. The entrance tower and the church visible behind the wall do both have gleaming golden domes on the roof but most striking is the bright sky-blue colours of the walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da68b-f473c-31931264998_7485e36b27_k.jpgTrees in Taras Shevchenko Park. They each have a big blue staring eye painted at about eye-level on the trunk.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab3bf-da1ff-43983561540_0f7222846b_k-1.jpgAnother view of Maidan Nezalezhnosti, this time from the other end, below the glass arc of the shopping centre. The tall Ukraine Independence Monument, with the women holding the leaves aloft, is front and centres. Behind it are the heavy stone buildings down each side of the northern end.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6171a-4a6be-43984008380_128914ff07_k.jpgA rare Ukrainian hammer and sickle decoration, on the roof of an abandoned and crumbling building in Pripyat.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3084-74454-31929511768_ea4be6be4d_k.jpgA timer selfie at St Sophia's Catheral. I'm wearing a black jacket with black trousers and my walking boots and my hair is in two plaits. The cathedral, half-hidden behind bare trees, is smaller and lower than a lot but it does have lots of small pointy towers with green roofs and golden decorations on the top.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19c79-6bcbf-30862698247_aa0856e308_k.jpgKviv Local Conflicts' Museum, enormous black concrete figures of soldiers, with the green roofs and golden domes of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in the background, fainter than normal because of the rain.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3d00-c39d8-someofmythoughtsonukraine.jpgsomeofmythoughtsonukrainehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7aa09-00448-45075906334_c2835dbb87_k.jpgKyiv Pechersk Lavra, a monastery complex. The buildings and churches are mostly white with green roofs. The churches are topped with golden domes, towers, spikes and other decorations. The whole thing is set among some brown and orange trees. It's late autumn and it's raining.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c96fa-ae397-45077890024_1eea0da942_k.jpgA station on the Kyiv metro, in a vaguely Baroque style. It has golden-brown marble effect walls, marble busts set into the wall between every arch which gives access to the platform and inside those arches, carved marble friezes are visible.2022-02-26T12:04:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/02/21/i-found-every-supermarket-in-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7580c-e877d-everysupermarketiniceland.pngI found every supermarket in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de1d8-89df8-51891714034_4207f2bb63_h.jpgThe Iceland supermarket map open in the Google Maps apphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f1a90-e5cad-51891375761_bb5c1952c9_h.jpgThe Google Maps app Saved menu, with the Maps icon circled in yellow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9340c-42ff0-51891465323_015fdeebd4_h.jpgGoogle Maps app screenshot with the Saved icon circled in yellow. The map, obviously, is my Iceland supermarket maphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f716e-a9874-databasescreenshot.pngScreenshot from our database at work, showing nothing importantEvidence: no filter, 22,000 records. I've scrolled this over to the far end so as not to give away any secrets.2022-02-20T12:14:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/29/how-to-become-a-professional-adventurer/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6cb1f-d6945-howtobecomeadventurer.pngHow to become a professional adventurer | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5671e-0d9fb-49287553581_6ef0f4d2ae_h.jpgA Dartmoor walking training weekendA Dartmoor walking training weekendhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11ec7-c79a8-28322803877_d390db632a_k.jpgA river crossing on the Laugavegur TrailMy own most expensive adventure so farhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a0c8-5ec97-50988001918_ff18da09f9_k.jpgMy deskMy desk (as it was in January, which is the last tidy photo I have of it)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b080-7ba7b-14523059_10154148976248742_8728621951114201262_n.jpgGraduation photo at my archery instructor courseGraduation photo at my archery instructor course2022-02-19T18:18:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/31/sleepless-in-zurich/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2a14-76b10-sleeplessinzurich.pngSleepless in Zurich | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b6e8-3d629-49937178053_efa7d3eff5_k.jpgDavos in summer. A snow-capped mountain looms over a very ordinary and industrial-looking town and main road.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35c16-0fe64-51852025749_9d761a3d3c_h.jpgA screenshot of my photo album with three videos taken at night sandwiched between pictures of lakes and mountains. The middle video is 22:39 long; the other two each about 1:20https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5b585-bc117-49937699301_6cb27ebbda_k.jpgA grey crash barrier separates a concrete path from the grassy side of the mountain. The mountain drops sheer away but you can't see anything because the rest of the picture is enshrouded in the sort of thick grey fog that obscures everything including daylight.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9cf70-10439-49938004327_a388d7b5ae_k.jpgA grey heron stands on the gravelly edge of a river. It looks hunched up, its neck coiled.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/05632-9f5c6-49937700716_0ca94124fc_k.jpgA narrow and probably shallow river flows between grassy banks and well-shaped trees. There are ducks paddling in the water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a80c-8230c-49937185508_ea0f834dac_k.jpgBlue and white striped mooring poles along the side of a river. There are stone buildings on the other side but mostly hidden behind a row of trees of much the same height as them.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c4c2-56042-49937706191_42ca0c21b0_k.jpgA view of the wide blue river in Basel from a viewpoint slightly raised up. In the middle is an arched bridge and in the background, the shiny towers of the modern part of the city.To this day, this is my single mental image of Baselhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/667cb-050de-49938004392_b421bb84b4_k.jpgMy hotel in Zurich, a pleasant-looking stone building with green shutters and seats under umbrellas outside in a cobbled square.2022-01-30T12:30:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/27/illuminate-at-the-blue-pool/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de4c3-f3771-51831228142_b9cc6dacf5_k.jpgSelfie in the wood. The right side of my face is lit in green, the left in purple and behind me are trees in reds, teals and blues.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f582-6bc09-51832902115_1b2579b3e2_k.jpgA string of colour-changing lights, currently green, light up the muddiest part of the path, under trees lit in purple and red.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1279-8036c-51832282168_0b605334d4_k.jpgA flooded clay pit surrounded by trees which are mostly lit in pinks, reds and purples. Lower down, the shrubs around the edges of the water are illuminated in blue and green. The water itself is black and reflective.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2a50-d5d6f-51832901380_8296973fd5_k.jpgThe woods lit mostly in pinks, purples and blues but with patches of orange and green low down.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b99ff-5943c-51832890535_c0425069ae_k.jpgA smoky fire pit in the foreground, with purple and blue trees in the background.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eef12-8ae5c-51832502039_91647e7547_k.jpgThe Blue Pool, in all its illuminated glory, just visible through the trees. My camera's not done a great job but it's not a bad teaser image for the lights hiding in the woods.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1575f-497f0-51831209197_e787787a53_k.jpgMe, in my woolly hat and sheepskin poncho, grinning at the camera while illuminated in alien-green light. I look like I've been badly photoshopped by a teenager in 2001.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/afe54-d8ecf-illuminateatbluepool.pngIlluminate at the Blue Pool | iamapolarbear.com2022-01-27T10:53:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/24/how-to-solo-female-travel-assessing-the-risks/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13bc2-6e8d7-dsc01968.jpgMe up to my ankles in a very blue sea. I'm wearing a light grey t-shirt and red shorts and holding my camera just a bit too close to the water.Cyprus is so far out of this polar bear's comfort zone. A t-shirt and shorts is weather-appropriate, just about.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad2ec-8847e-htsft_assessingtherisks.pngHow to Solo Female Travel: assessing the risks | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72d80-66170-49326949946_0f05d22e3c_k.jpgMe in a picture frame at the foot of the Engstligenfalle waterfall in Switzerland in the snow. I'm wearing a woolly hat, a heated jacket and my international neckerchief.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/308bf-5fc57-28040596249_f154093bfc_k.jpgBreakfast at a Parisian chain hotel. There are two pieces of crusty baguette, a small croissant, some strawberry jam in a single-serve packet, three packets of butter and a glass of orange juice.Breakfast at a chain hotel in Paris.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e872-dbdb6-49944455586_186bb09434_k.jpgThree amber necklaces set in silver. The first is a round orange stone set in two curved lines. The second is a sort of butterfly or flower in shades of yellow, orange and almost green. The third, my own, is a silver bar with three circles of amber in orange, opaque yellow and a orangey-green.The amber necklaces I spent my emergency money on in Lithuania.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c578-eabb8-35913840822_a25482022d_k.jpgCentral Helsinki, outside the station, at 4pm. The sky is black and the streelights are casting a bright orange glow over the square.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/697a0-8a549-48784188813_c3a4c8c208_k.jpgA KFC sign at a station in Moscow. The Cyrillic letters transcribe to "lansh basket".https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea06d-40c9f-28322918767_5e6863a18f_k-2.jpgMy only group tour, climbing a wall of snow on the Laugavegur Trail. There's no borderline between the snow wall and the white sky. The rest of the group are mostly carrying colourful backpacks. It's June.The Laugavegur Trail is my only experience of group tours.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6cd62-97411-47937241681_21de1f1ec1_k.jpgBlurry selfie on the shuttle train from the airport into Rome. I'm wearing a yellow sweatshirt and my hair is in two plaits.On the airport train into Rome.2022-01-15T15:25:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2022/01/20/a-5-day-iceland-winter-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e07e0-15845-5daywinteritinerary.pngA 5-day Iceland winter itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7b75-bb1da-36129846631_09fcfcf35e_k.jpgOutside the Blue Lagoon at night. There are lights shining on the water and also in the glass building to the left.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/295d1-e0686-36222942426_1bfdee8180_k.jpgThe Blue Lagoon changing rooms. Each vertical space is divided into two lockers with a squarish area for a bag on either top or bottom and a long bit for hanging coats. In the middle is a white seat with a wet towel on it. The whole room is in shaedes of grey with polished stone walls.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73489-ed4c9-35431273664_b44a37bd39_k-1.jpgThe Blue Lagoon in winter. There are piles of snow on the edge, the water is opaque pale blue-green and the lava hills around it are snow covered.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45dc5-18aaa-43091519595_e040a35b5a_k-1.jpgMe on a snowmobile. It's red and quite small. I'm wearing an all-in-one black suit and a helmet with a black visor.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/930f5-c9a84-36223733196_1c9868787d_k.jpgLangjokull glows in pink sunlight on the horizon, a sea of ice in the distance contained behind a few low rocky peaks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79f51-86bac-36098277442_57ffdf63a1_k.jpgThingvellir as the sun sets. The rift valley is all snow, broken up by small pine trees. The sky is pink along the horizon and fades to pale blue higher up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c7b5-08046-36265308385_2858f3702e_k.jpgThe Strokkur geyser's pool simmers away, surrounded by snow and ice, which is especially glassy and slippery from constantly being remelted by regular explosions of hot water.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3293d-a2955-35432155894_3c100656cc_k.jpgGullfoss, a large two-step waterfalls, almost completely frozen over. Its steep banks are all snow and its roaring falls are all fluffy ice.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf330-c9aa4-35460369983_bc380c47cc_k.jpgDowntown Reykjavik. The roofs are snowy and the road is wet and shiny but the pavements are snow-free, clean and dry.2022-01-15T12:24:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/05/21/stay-at-home-storytelling-christ-church-oxford/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/154e9-af7b1-christchurchoxford.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: Christ Church Cathedral | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2168-94dfe-49679722391_fea6b8c19e_k.jpgAlong the bottom edge of Christ Church's Tom Quadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3513c-8433b-untitled.jpgLast day of year 11 on the main field at my schoolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24f61-5266d-49679711961_f31fdfa454_k.jpgA corner of Christ Church's Great Dining Hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93a1b-14653-49679179238_0c7d9b9a24_k.jpgChrist Church Oxford's Great Dining Hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/67ae6-4bb5a-49679186733_9b65ba75b9_k.jpgThe stairs up to Oxford Christ Church's Great Hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d29b3-40e38-49679204448_ec22e33dbd_k.jpgSelfie with the state of St Frideswide in Christ Church Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13307-e78ee-49679202498_9bb4317127_k.jpgOxford Christ Church Cathedral painted glass Jonah windowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69b1f-68c8a-49680018177_016a0aa2dc_k.jpgOxford Christ Church Cathedral cloistershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b248-1d8b3-49679745286_92ca23bdac_k.jpgGothic Chapel of Remembrance in Oxford Christ Church Cathedral2022-01-13T15:45:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/20/year-abroad-student-room-tour/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29370-89613-yearabroadroomtour.pngYear abroad student room tour | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74984-e3cd4-38769344891_49913cab96_k.jpgA rainbow over the lake from my windowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23e7f-bf110-26994182789_cd1bb3cf76_k.jpgMy student bathroomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dfb40-a3cb3-38768262361_a815b5ccd9_k.jpgMy window by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e23e-72d87-1933732_508593240751_8628_n.jpgMe spinning LED poihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e06c-0939e-38052934154_1098afcf21_k.jpgThe postcard wall in my student roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85b85-46572-38053277744_4e71d453ef_k.jpgThe left wall and window of my student roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8a8d-cc806-38053277094_886402073b_k.jpgThe right wall of my student roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b970-6081c-38769349701_d1798aef70_k.jpgThe view from my window by dayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5010-58a48-24896386648_3134bf92ad_k.jpgNeuchatel Cité Universitaire in the snow2022-01-07T15:46:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/09/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-international-student/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6028e-ce315-p1030915.jpgMy French course books from my year abroad in SwitzerlandFrench grammar notes, orthography course, French grammar exerciseshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72224-0a055-intstudent.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: A day in the life of an international student | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa359-0e713-p1030895.jpgA couple of pages from my Swiss scrapbookA couple of pages from my Swiss scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47705-e7141-p1030894.jpgMy best translation from my year abroad studying in SwitzerlandThis is my best translation work, from Evelyn Waugh's Mr Loveday's Little Outinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6facc-3a8b3-38769975921_1bc3067954_k.jpgMy evening at SpiezMy evening at Spiezhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f633c-84264-26993500219_c01972d65e_k.jpgThe Triplets and Angela's mom on Lake LuganoThe Triplets and Angela's mom on Lake Luganohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/640c3-788cd-35820561845_31cb5d4003_k.jpgCity centre of NeuchâtelNeuchâtel city centre, somewhere near our Mexican bar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19de1-10a22-38053549064_0c083cfd15_k-1.jpgBad photo of a couple of the teachers at the theatre after party.Bad photo of a couple of the teachers at the theatre after party.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27cb4-fa940-26993535839_593e13a033_k.jpgStudying for resits with JemmaStudying for resits with Jemmahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b5b0-78a7d-38053277744_4e71d453ef_k.jpgMy student room in SwitzerlandThis is my room. It's homey but also I can't believe how much stuff I took with me!2022-01-07T15:45:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/04/23/how-to-survive-studying-overseas/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/565ec-a43dc-studyingabroad.jpgHow I survive studying abroad title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bfd0-4acfe-studying7.jpgAngela, me & Jemmahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57895-132d7-studying6.jpgTriplets at the school Xmas partyOverexposed & out of focus: Me, Angela & Jemma at the school Christmas partyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6a13-6533a-studying5.jpgAt Neuchâtel castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/047b5-4f088-studying4.jpgSelfie on a trainSelfies on a train before selfies were really a thing.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7b8f5-c4f03-studying3.jpgLes Trois AnglaisesI've literally just finished building the thing we're sitting on. I still have the allen key in my hand.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b845d-77e75-studying2.jpgUniNE's ILCFThis is the ILCF.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46828-00ae2-studying1.jpgView over NeuchâtelThis is the view from my window.2022-01-07T15:45:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/02/07/manchester/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4a0f-8e081-manchester.jpgmanchesterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35d30-0729c-manc17.jpgmanc17https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/463fd-06681-manc18.jpgmanc18https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d28c-8e87b-manc15.jpgmanc15https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8fa3c-00ccf-manc14.jpgmanc14https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/443d1-fa7d4-manc13.jpgmanc13https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83472-4b70b-manc12.jpgmanc12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4586b-dc399-manc11.jpgmanc11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7c84-0d7a0-manc10.jpgmanc10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/492c8-d8dc9-manc8.jpgmanc82021-12-31T14:04:43+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/03/07/a-few-days-in-carlisle/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1428d-3796e-carlisle.jpgcarlislehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7442-91f37-carlisle13.jpgcarlisle13https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15c12-ff628-carlisle12.jpgcarlisle12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12a4d-de7be-carlisle11.jpgcarlisle11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e896-360bf-carlisle10.jpgcarlisle10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/422cc-5f876-carlisle9.jpgcarlisle9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c63ef-363d2-carlisle8.jpgcarlisle8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59d2a-f2396-carlisle7.jpgcarlisle7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b883d-95737-carlisle6.jpgcarlisle6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8ef4-137d3-carlisle5.jpgcarlisle52021-12-31T14:04:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/10/08/year-abroad-zurich/2021-12-31T13:55:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/13/bregenz/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ac13-b4478-bregenz.jpgbregenzhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a18a3-f7ac8-bregenz13.jpgBregenz13https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc57e-e7f8c-bregenz12.jpgBregenz12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b444-f7062-bregenz11.jpgBregenz11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd9f2-3dac7-bregenz10.jpgBregenz10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46495-ebb2f-bregenz9.jpgBregenz9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e295-ab789-bregenz8.jpgBregenz8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e358a-a9a4e-bregenz7.jpgBregenz7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37ce4-83d53-bregenz6.jpgBregenz6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/264d6-82f61-bregenz5.jpgBregenz52021-12-31T13:54:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/08/12/chateau-de-chillon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb355-ec9d3-chillon-1.jpgChateau de Chillon title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f35a9-0bdfd-chillon10.jpgOn our way home from Glion and Chillonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8af8c-e3b99-chillon9.jpgAngela at Lausanne station with her DVD playerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0f23-f212c-chillon8.jpgAngela as the Prisoner of Chillonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee4ce-0c140-chillon7.jpgLord Byron's autograph engraved in the dungeon of Chateau de Chillonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ba25-6a8e0-chillon6.jpgChateau de Chillonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a09e8-68a75-chillon5.jpgChateau de Chillon dungeonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1de62-4b267-chillon4.jpgChateau de Chillonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7f7d-e5025-chillon3.jpgMontreux stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9634-2f535-chillon2.jpgThe view over Lake Geneva from Glion early in the morning2021-12-31T13:53:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/12/12/shrieking-on-the-slopes-at-chaumont/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19957-bd899-sledgingchaumont.jpgSledging at Chaumont header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c1799-be34c-sledding9.jpgNeuchatel city centrehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58b84-f496d-sledding8.jpgMe & my triplets at Angela's apartmenthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da3f7-e7d79-sledding7.jpgView down the funi from Chaumont to Neuchatelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6741f-5382e-sledding6.jpgMe frozen after sledginghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ed8c-ac4a0-sledding5.jpgJemma crashed in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c3d0-a8a1c-sledding4.jpgMe crashed in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06b9e-d46d6-sledding3.jpgJemma sledging at Chaumonthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04692-749fb-sledding2.jpgAngela sledging at Chaumonthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a2e2-06ab9-sledding1.jpgMe sledging at Chaumont2021-12-31T13:52:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/11/year-abroad-zermatt/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f7bf-dad7b-stargazing.pngA cold day in Zermatt | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6af42-45bd0-zermatt.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: A cold day in Zermatt | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44f72-e632e-23905518627_4cf53b6391_k.jpgJemma and Angela playing arcade football in LausanneJemma and Angela playing arcade football in Lausannehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1fd91-0b7c2-26994514489_cd7f82d5b7_k.jpgZermatt by night in NovemberZermatt by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4da1a-35122-23905521007_0e5cd2583a_k.jpgOur first Swiss fondue in ZermattOur first Swiss fonduehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd931-99423-26994517989_5c41f00991_k.jpgThe Matterhorn almost silhouetted by the setting sun behind the mountain ridgeThe Matterhorn almost silhouetted by the setting sun behind the mountain ridgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/89929-cbed2-23905528327_5b97825a11_k.jpgJemma and Angela at Schwartzsee.Jemma and Angela at Schwartzsee. It's a lot colder than it looks.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5af02-359d9-26994524109_7563e4de1f_k.jpgThe Matterhorn from the outskirts of Zermatthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f38d5-d64e5-38739365432_5abd9863c5_k.jpgThe Matterhorn poking out above ZermattThe Matterhorn poking out above Zermatthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4629f-94f98-26994525009_bc25033324_k.jpgJemma and Angela on a golf buggy in ZermattJemma and Angela on the golf buggy2021-12-31T13:51:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/18/the-pilatus-golden-round-trip/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74a48-a395e-pilatus.pngYear Abroad: Pilatus Golden Round Trip | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5405f-cc23d-23904980257_99308d4ec8_k.jpgJazz band in the bottom of the stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c914-7f970-23904973827_9fcaa2733a_k.jpgOrchestra on the quayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61038-b47f0-23904983607_151f41654a_k.jpgSteamship at the dock at Luzernhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee1f3-397fb-23904994907_d50dfd946d_k.jpgAirship over Lake Luzernhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b39d-7f331-23904995807_34999efc11_k.jpgShip's flag billowing over the lakehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44dc6-c8a94-23904986787_255e96354b_k.jpgSteamer enginehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2813b-4726a-23904993147_dfe3325fe4_k.jpgSteam paddles paddlinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/333ef-310b9-23904995327_c6e3ba9937_k.jpgThe steamer steaming up the lakehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7b875-449c0-23905001367_c565477ead_k.jpgThe railway going down the mountain2021-12-31T13:50:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/21/the-a-z-of-iceland-d-for-dettifoss/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d1dc-f40b9-dettifoss.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: D for Dettifosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/344eb-39804-33039903670_e7a922ad6a_k.jpgDettifoss canyon - east sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd17d-58b1c-32608722373_b68db66f1c_k.jpgDettifoss close up from the east sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11b05-1fdd8-33382513916_a9300b7a99_k.jpgDettifoss - east sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69cca-628f5-33066172783_1c87d6c1ab_k.jpgDettifoss - west sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97406-55a29-33066171463_25099dbcb2_k.jpgDangerously close to Dettifoss - west sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3892-49986-33262666492_cc53a312e1_k.jpgDettifoss up close from west sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ffd9-999be-33290066881_cf8744ac82_k.jpgDettifoss - west sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff7fc-07f78-32575707564_1cefafda49_k.jpgDettifoss - west side2021-12-31T13:07:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/03/07/the-a-z-of-iceland-e-for-eastfjords/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/595bd-d9d89-e_for_eastfjords.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: E for Eastfjords | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52174-6589e-33033336150_3d2db1a2b4_k.jpgBorgarfjörður Eystrihttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bef6-498d9-32573701914_8553881668_k.jpgSeyðisfjörðurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ebc5-dd951-33416341315_36a05b1b15_k.jpgGufufosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99ff7-f240d-33033488570_bee2a8d8c3_k.jpgMountain pass on the way to Seyðisfjörðurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db2e0-ee8a5-33000330540_4ec288dd5c_k.jpgViewpoint between Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörðurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13b02-d4921-33227277852_9057071017_k.jpgThe scary tunnel on the way to Neskaupstaðurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b218e-eaa71-32568867073_f6b2a6737c_k.jpgEskifjörðurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eade1-72d02-32540441774_a29eb37174_k.jpgReyðarfjörðurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8815d-e7362-33287777751_724b609d49_k.jpgHengifoss2021-12-31T13:07:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/30/the-a-z-of-iceland-kjolur-route/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cffb7-6918d-kjolur.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: K for Kjölur route | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81e39-aa9fd-33036349964_a561929a79_k.jpgThe start of the Interior beyond GullfossThe start of the Interior beyond Gullfoss. This is a different day to the rest of the photos.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1bdc-dc809-33035874714_d1f05bb2db_k.jpgKerlingarfjöll campsite nestled beneath the mountainKerlingarfjöll campsite nestled beneath the mountainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/57815-11a0e-33035874304_0ad174510c_k.jpgView of Hofsjökull from Kerlingarfjöll campsiteView of Hofsjökull from Kerlingarfjöll campsitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/981c8-ce5c7-33750299871_146914a3fe_k.jpgThe campsite at Kerlingarfjöllhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98998-aa58f-33066291713_863a701bae_k.jpgEyvindur's cave at HveravellirEyvindur's cave at Hveravellirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f1ea-1c246-33750305851_929d392b68_k.jpgThe campsite and presumed-warm stream at HveravellirThe campsite and presumed-warm stream at Hveravellirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4dda1-cad33-33750318131_9d8e6853b1_k.jpgSteaming perpetual kettle feature at Hveravellirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ae20-e2d4c-33879939865_4fa465bd11_k.jpgThe hot spring area at HveravellirThe hot spring area at Hveravellirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a8a9-4d86b-33723015462_18d4d33be3_k.jpgThe hot spring at HveravellirThe hot spring at Hveravellir2021-12-31T13:06:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/08/08/the-a-z-of-iceland-parliament/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c4fc-3835e-parliament.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: P for Parliament | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/582c5-b6f58-26991360599_2d0a8f0aab_k.jpgThe new Alþing building in Reykjavikhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f6d8-df507-33880409655_3845f6fe7d_k.jpgEstimated position of the Law Rock at Þingvellir todayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/50520-cb384-36264733222_0011fad256_k.jpgVikings at Þingvellir painting in the Culture House2021-12-31T13:06:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/05/the-a-z-of-iceland-r-for-renewable-energy/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a38db-53f35-renewable.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: R for Renewable Energy | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5a02f-1d9d2-35597604334_94465aa2ee_k.jpgOn top of the dam at the Búðarháls power stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a01e2-962cf-33260862632_e5badd245d_k.jpgGeothermal power station sprawled all over the side of the volcanohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/41956-3077f-33838907046_20b9648e8a_k.jpgInside a geothermal power stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/123fb-315f4-32539296504_3e4af7e441_k.jpgSitting on top of EldfellThe ground under my hand is steaming and warm. The volcano I'm sitting on erupted in 1973.2021-12-31T13:05:16+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/19/the-a-z-of-iceland-s-for-skaftafell/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/312bb-ecbf3-skaftafell.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: S for Skaftafell | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9ab9-4f82f-33381453445_b8ff018999_k.jpgJökulsárlón as the sun goes downhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18ee2-bfa61-33722031252_a44cc03e56_k.jpgCampsite at Skaftafellhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f17d-9d5a9-33749596121_2e31e65a26_k.jpg33749596121_2e31e65a26_khttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7b6e8-6c245-33837676466_0071413bf5_k.jpgSunset at Skaftafellhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df8d2-1212f-33837910276_b4e7d77c1f_k.jpgMe paddling in Svartifosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/97fbc-b0bfd-33879132245_7d78cd7981_k.jpgSvartifoss from a distancehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d2cc-b1644-33879192345_2a375089ef_k.jpgKirkjubæjarklausturhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f6c1-16cc2-33790447670_00710e2fc0_k.jpgSkaftafell washblock sign"Hands and face only: no other bodyparts, clothes or dishes"https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43cdd-db041-33254019131_291dff0862_k.jpgSkaftafellsjökull2021-12-31T13:05:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/10/03/the-a-z-of-iceland-t-for-troll-rocks/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/addf7-e348c-trollrocks.pngThe A-Z of Iceland: T for Troll rocks | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/61290-ba11e-36264737035_93dc853462_k.jpgLava caving in IcelandLava caving in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/007f7-b2c57-33363103323_5b9998b833_k.jpgTroll mountain in ÞórsmörkTroll mountain in Þórsmörk2021-12-31T13:05:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/11/14/the-a-z-of-iceland-w-for-westman-islands/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2934b-9a3f3-westman.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: W for Westman Islands | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c1d1-6024d-33382038405_6707e1e7fd_k.jpgAwkwardly-posed selfie on the summit of Eldfell with Heimaey town and harbour in the backgroundAwkwardly-posed selfie on the summit of Eldfell with Heimaey town and harbour in the backgroundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32e47-a49ca-33254278591_1b310ff1b7_k.jpgLittle purple flowers growing on the lower slopes of Eldfell, with the lava field and harbour in the backgroundLittle purple flowers growing on the lower slopes of Eldfell, with the lava field and harbour in the backgroundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/256d4-09bba-33066891904_0fb96354e7_k.jpgThe small Norwegian stave church at the mouth of Heimaey HarbourThe small Norwegian stave church at the mouth of Heimaey Harbourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec081-12abf-32567903963_49a720c787_k.jpgIt's not all that obvious from the picture but this is a hole on Eldfell's summit which is still steaming from the 1973 eruptionIt's not all that obvious from the picture but this is a hole on Eldfell's summit which is still steaming from the 1973 eruptionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c474-e6857-32999268510_31af2b0d13_k.jpgThe Eimskip car/foot ferry arrives in Heimaey Harbour from LandeyjahofnThe Eimskip car/foot ferry arrives in Heimaey Harbour from Landeyjahofnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64284-db4d4-33525218170_61ba9cea2a_k.jpgThe bucolic north end of HeimaeyThe bucolic north end of Heimaeyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af894-fdfe1-33780868671_b1f0dedc5f_k.jpgSome of the Westman Island group as seen from the ferry on a lovely blue summer daySome of the Westman Island group as seen from the ferry on a lovely blue summer day2021-12-31T13:04:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/07/16/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-laugavegur-trail/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4a43-7fa4c-river-crossing.jpgriver crossinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e8e9a-d1577-thorsmork.jpgthorsmorkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6a600-ccad4-dayone.jpgUltimate Guide to the Laugavegur trail, day onehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd29d-b3a46-ultimatelauga.jpgThe Ultimate Guide to the Laugavegur Trail | iamapolarbear.com2021-12-31T13:04:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/31/the-icelandic-guidebook-the-golden-circle/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/75bcd-aaaf9-tiggoldencircle.pngThe Icelandic Guidebook: The Golden Circle | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/255eb-e8517-p1080256_33838908336_o.jpgTurbines inside Nesjavellir geothermal power station.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ae8d-c5f39-p1050240_29320074438_o.jpgCows grazing in their barn, as seen from the big window in the restaurant at Efstidalur>https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0354-c9b1c-p1030745_36131163471_o.jpgThe salmon ladder up the side of Faxafosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b238-eb34f-p1130593_33380602445_o.jpgLaugavatn Fontana, a small but perfect spa on the edge of a lake, as seen from the raised hotpot.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19e65-0d36a-p1080225_33838940936_o.jpgSkálholt Cathedral, a small white churchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1fa64-8cb09-p1000068_33379348566_o.jpgKerið, a flooded explosion crater.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/032d1-a6c18-p1070937_33750870891_o.jpgÞingvellir in summer as seen from the viewpointÞingvellir from the viewpointhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb4d5-e8f97-p1070981_33750818581_o.jpgPeningagjá, one of several small flooded fissures.Peningagjá, one of several small flooded fissures.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e49f-016d0-p1310759_36827727103_o.jpgÖxarárfossÖxarárfoss2021-12-31T13:03:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/11/02/the-icelandic-guidebook-jokulsarlon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0771b-a17d7-jokulsarlon.pngThe Icelandic Guidebook: Jökulsárlón | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0da1-67655-34044062071_b26ede36a7_k.jpgBuoyancy aid selfie on the amphibian boat2021-12-31T13:03:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/04/03/48-hours-in-reykjavik/2021-12-31T13:01:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/10/02/what-is-katla-doing-and-should-i-be-worried/2021-12-31T13:00:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/03/18/photoset-reykjavik-fire-hydrants/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/edecd-b795f-p1130275.jpgP1130275https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a11b2-4684e-p1080284.jpgP1080284https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7441c-e9ca6-p1060720.jpgP1060720https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed052-a35db-p1040860.jpgP1040860https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28c93-21402-p1040597.jpgP1040597https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0a5b5-4285b-p1040593.jpgP1040593https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6757a-0432a-p1040589.jpgP1040589https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9627a-e5eb2-p1040459.jpgP1040459https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b80a2-54b8e-p1040458.jpgP1040458https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db097-d2f45-p1040434.jpgP10404342021-12-31T12:59:50+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/10/01/is-katla-about-to-erupt/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27a97-9a46d-katla.jpgIs Katla about to erupt title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f20c-23e9a-43948687732_bcf41fb7ff_k.jpgSólheimajökullAll this will be torn away like matchsticks in the event of a Katla eruption.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3987f-eb1cc-42189128210_0a90c8c4a6_k.jpgEyjafjallajökullhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06f25-9c466-33224675572_6ac9df6111_k.jpgHoluhraun lava fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da1ef-e439a-earthquakestoday.pngEarthquakes in IcelandThis is Iceland's earthquake report today.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02971-cc76e-earthquakesiceland170218.pngGrimsey earthquake clusterThis is what a cluster looks like.2021-12-31T12:57:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/21/netflixs-katla-review-and-local-guide/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/30170-95af9-33722075072_4d1eef1f2c_k.jpgThis isn't the Markarfljót but it looks a lot like thishttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87dde-45207-32998043460_8f32b441bf_k.jpgThe black beach and stacks on the Vik coastlinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c681-33b26-32538924524_a19f439d8b_k.jpgReynisfjara basalt column cliffhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/facfd-60c72-42188042650_616faf4981_k.jpgGlacier hiking on Myrdalsjokullhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71381-187de-30128679758_1cf86178ca_k.jpgSnowmobiling on Myrdalsjokullhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/485e5-1fd15-34016681482_19c4445c4d_k.jpgView from behind Seljalandsfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63382-2e331-33380965445_f3c3c3793b_k-1.jpgView across to Reynisfjara from Dyrholaeyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36bea-cee02-29320098508_fadbebb0ce_k.jpgTimer selfie at Skogafosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2067-f080e-43191351041_7d1e15095e_k.jpgWarning signs at Reynisfjarahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/486a8-88f9e-29320155818_85fc9b4988_k.jpgThe beach and stacks at Vik2021-12-31T12:53:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/04/amazing-hotels-ion-adventure-hotel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9af96-b57dd-ionadventurehotel.pngAmazing Hotels: Ion Adventure Hotel | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2c40b-63616-32540492994_d181e6c9f2_k.jpgCamping at EgilsstaðirCamping at Egilsstaðir. This would cost me £11.60 per night, including free hot geothermal showers & wifi inside and out.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c3ff-456bd-33339641886_83bc2e75c4_k.jpgMe standing on the Holuhraun lava fieldMe standing on the Holuhraun lava field. Hopefully I can get a new version of this, standing on the new lava field in a year or two.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8c3c-6167d-33339714856_014513316a_k.jpgHoluhraun lava field still steamingHoluhraun lava field still sending up columns of steam nearly 18 months after the eruption endedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2285-80bfb-33254012501_9d789c6f23_k.jpgGlacier up closeWhat a glacier looks like up close - craggy, cracked and really thick. (This is actually Skaftafellsjökull on the south coast)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1fc8-b104d-33066717863_287f1fe56f_k.jpgLangjökull gleaming in the distance from GullfossLangjökull gleaming in the distance from Gullfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37075-19b87-33721911202_0a20002087_k.jpgSnorkellers in Silfra in 2013https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c752-cf429-36223724816_76909666b3_k.jpgMountaineers of Iceland gigantic glacier truckOne of the huge glacier truckshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7548e-ef212-33750878891_830fe2a6fc_k.jpgÞingvallavatn from the edge of the North American plateStanding on the actual edge of the North American plate. Silfra fissure is right in front and the edge of the Eurasian plate is somewhere on the other sidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13573-d2cc7-33750827601_5e627e7e01_k.jpgÞingvellir and one of the Þingvallavatn fissures in beautiful summer sunshine2021-12-31T12:53:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/01/24/superspy-hijinks-on-the-thames-clippers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d6d9f-e385f-thamesclippers.jpgthamesclippershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/779dd-0fe5d-clipper9.jpgclipper9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d7ef2-ccf59-clipper8.jpgclipper8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ac96-30096-clipper7.jpgclipper7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31236-12a36-clipper6.jpgclipper6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4f015-2a0eb-clipper5.jpgclipper5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70d0f-733c6-clipper4.jpgclipper4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3283-fe639-clipper3.jpgclipper3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d79ba-04e64-clipper2.jpgclipper2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7801b-5aa52-clipper1.jpgclipper12021-12-31T12:24:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/31/review-easyhotel-south-kensington/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9b2d-29d39-easyhotel.jpgReview: easyHotel South Kensington reviewhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bfef3-df5b8-easyhotel3.jpgeasyHotel South Kensington roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04510-6edf8-easyhotel2.jpgeasyHotel South Kensington stairs & corridorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2a79-1f697-easyhotel1.jpgeasyHotel South Kensington exterior2021-12-31T12:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/06/14/shakespeare-at-the-globe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a321-0e893-globe.jpgShakespeare at the Globe Theatre title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1319b-c1cf2-globe2.jpgThe stage at the Globe, set for The Two Noble Kinsmenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/235e2-cd5a1-globe1.jpgGroundlings inside the Globe Theatre2021-12-31T12:24:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/02/22/thinking-day-at-pax-lodge/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f62f-7a070-paxlodge.pngThinking Day at Pax Lodge | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c789b-b798b-p1120148.jpgThinking Day 2017 badges on my camp blankethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37059-4e699-33336892536_a347469448_k.jpgOwl Roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78af6-59794-33249488561_c9bddd9104_k.jpgParliament Hill viewpoint at sunsethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ffe03-59a07-33336897296_a4629d6b52_k.jpgTriple room at Pax Lodgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acdea-dc81a-32563161633_d07c68410a_k.jpgSelfie in Trefoil Guild uniform at Pax Lodge2021-12-31T12:24:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/30/a-round-robin-from-a-polar-bear/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f2793-7abee-roundrobin.pngA round robin from a polar bear (2021 in review) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dad5b-3ded3-51051763863_c8b95e1bc6_k-2.jpgMy boots and lower legs during a particularly muddy section of a March walk. The boots and my ankles are so covered in mud you can't tell what colour anything is meant to be. The ground isn't quite so muddy because I didn't stop for photos until I was clear of it but it's not exactly clean even now.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85134-c79fd-51149371039_4bfab1db96_k.jpgA walk in the bluebell woods. Under a canopy of fairly small trees is a thick carpet of long grass and bluebells. The bluebells are sparser in the foreground but turn the entire background blue.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2790-3605e-51764771944_7b6b5df32a_k.jpgTwo tall trees. It's dark and the trees have been illuminated with rope lights running along their branches to create a sort of abstract light tree. The lights are in green, blue, pink and red and continue to run along the ground to give the impression of spreading roots of light.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/348c2-771f4-51778308276_5df89ccccc_k.jpgA fused glass Christmas tree about three inches tall with a loop of copper wire through the top for hanging. It's a base of a white glass triangle layered with green glass powder, small triangles in various shades of green and topped off with a clear glass layer. The whole thing has been melted together to become a thick solid hanging treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6732c-fd6ef-51601837692_e6868f138c_k.jpgPip, a blue steam roller living van. It's a small wooden cabin on wheels, although the wheels aren't visible because it's mounted on a wooden platform and set in a garden with a hedge on one side towering over it, trees all around the background and a fence blocking part of its other side. The door is wide open and painted white on the inside. It's raining.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f7f0-1b201-51681436403_87804975d4_k.jpgA selfie on the side of the pool. The water is a bright vivid turquoise blue behind me. My hair is plaited and wet from swimming, I'm wearing a yellow sweatshirt and carrying a blue and yellow kickboardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b24e-004e6-51412474486_1902f35867_k.jpgA selfie taken during a high ropes adventure. It's from a high angle so you can see straight down past my face to the ground thirty-odd feet below. I'm wearing a full-body climbing harness, sunglasses and a white Wellies & Wristbands t-shirthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bb638-0d3f4-51302875839_377111fabb_k-1.jpgTwo blue single-person closed-cockpit kayaks lie on the river bank. Rain is visible on the greenish river but the kayaks (and the unseen kayakers) are sheltered under an oak treehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/106ce-e0bb7-51330983347_6b3d68c4ca_k.jpgA blue and pastel orange and pink sunset over rippled but calm water on a summer evening. In the distance, Poole Quay is visible in silhouette. Lots of small boats are moored on the water.2021-12-30T12:16:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/25/christmas-a-la-frost/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2eaf9-a6fec-p1180547.jpgMy Christmas pudding jumperhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2e81-ca0bf-51775124624_208e32f707_k.jpgThe kitten straight from his naphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc134-90fa9-51774478841_04b060d9af_k.jpgChristmas dinnerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c91ce-33ed6-51774723078_6262af33ea_k.jpgDoing the veg and the gravyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/910fc-04026-51773014633_f70677de0d_k.jpgFrost family Christmas tablehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/820ce-0c976-51772382751_10c8393f37_k.jpgDad making his mince pieshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1aeb-3da12-51773267900_d6867e4cf6_k.jpgMe with my home made mince pieshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/999a2-09fc2-51772384456_ad144cfce9_k.jpgMaking mince pieshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d0f5-99905-p1180487.jpgThe Christmas "stockings"https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b26a7-be960-51765009609_79076e0845_k.jpgChristmas lights in the hedge2021-12-25T17:11:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/18/winter-cottage-tour/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/51c59-51e4e-wintercottagetour-1.pngWinter cottage tour | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6906b-fdbb7-51749886557_1f6a1dfa61_k.jpgThe other end of the bedroom - the drawers and the chair and my two windowshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d90b9-03974-51751362984_c5995e6fa5_k.jpgMy bedroom - more purple, and full-length mirrored sliding wardrobe doorshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b66d2-46a41-51750932338_c816716926_k.jpgA really obviously staged picture of me lying on the sofa reading a bookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/171d2-8c82c-51750533841_7a84c1fd83_k.jpgKitchen utensils in the drawerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fbb8a-29a40-51750539091_aa4808e8ca_k.jpgMy cupboards and purple Agahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a275-bf4ba-51750539721_883381a75b_k.jpgLooking towards my kitchen from the living roomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ba9e-dd1d0-51751369544_4dd3eb6d47_k.jpgMatching Denby plates in the cupboardhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f944-88998-51749699712_b20705e135_k.jpgThe storage space above the bedroomhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a23e-b410c-51751174969_2c2dc1f5f1_k.jpgThe upstairs storage space2021-12-17T17:58:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/20/useless-chef-battles-with-aga/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40976-06f33-agabattles.pngCountry girl battles with an Aga | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bea19-26276-51751406545_c3c21805f6_k.jpgThat's a steamer set in the bottom corner, not a pasta potThat's a steamer set in the bottom corner, not a pasta pothttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9d979-44d1b-51750959653_955778b271_5k.jpgI knew there had to be wooden spoons somewhere!I knew there had to be wooden spoons somewhere! They're not in a drawer because they're sitting right there on the windowsill in a jar.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2f88b-889cb-51751340229_fde66c9568_k.jpgThe pasta pan half on the hot plate and half on the simmering platehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46ee2-72973-51749863497_de21903693_k.jpgThe water sitting on the Aga's hot platehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24a95-383ad-51751180089_657ff7f4f9_k.jpgA drawerful of cookwarehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5bbf3-7efc3-51751370044_fac1d00dd2_k.jpgMy Aga, a bit closer up. It's purplehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9f503-da298-51750539091_aa4808e8ca_k-1.jpgMy kitchen and my Aga City 602021-12-17T17:55:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/09/come-with-me-to-winchester-christmas-market/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b67d3-2287b-51731328606_25bd4e6ac5_k.jpgChristmas tree earringshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7d1a-f7b3c-p1170683.jpgMy travel books and my chocolateI ate a dinosaur and a robot before I took the photohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0bc4f-86aea-winchesterchristmasmarket.pngCome with me to Winchester Christmas Market | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0b485-8cd36-51725509027_d432ad1d9d_k.jpgWinchester Cathedral's stubby Norman towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae477-b30f1-51726976269_41de38ff41_k.jpgWinchester Christmas market food court with the cathedral in the backgroundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/321c8-8861b-51727168465_1740e5907c_k.jpgChococo chocolate King Alfreds, dinosaurs and robotsI ate the second dinosaur before I took the photohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/247ec-6b9cb-51726944869_37ca1c7a74_k.jpgThe awkward junction between the Norman and Gothic arches in Winchester CathedralLook at this mess!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9a32-b456e-51727180955_ca619d4fa8_k.jpgWinchester Cathedral's Norman South Transepthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3ea8f-b5762-51727191190_eec08acdbc_k.jpgWinchester City Mall waterwheelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d58fe-80c41-51726969629_158121a718_k.jpgThe Gourmet Grilled Cheese Company2021-12-08T08:55:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/12/06/travel-library-a-woman-in-the-polar-night/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4e2a-41415-50824216406_b7c340dc76_k.jpgSvalbard 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winter2021-11-19T12:15:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/22/my-anti-bucket-list/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4878a-42d7c-antibucketlist.pngMy anti-bucket list | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/677ab-4df8c-33878802165_ea5b9a4dfa_k-1.jpgA diver in Þingvellirhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc086-aef79-24435859208_f4f8737dad_k.jpgBungee jumping in Latviahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/09e14-3b560-cameroon.pngA street in Cameroonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26b2d-46316-51332402046_7b1d5151ef_k.jpgOn a boat trip2021-11-15T14:11:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/11/04/alexander-armstrong-in-iceland-episodes-2-3/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8ea4-f002f-alexandericeland23.jpgAlexander Armstrong in Iceland episodes two and three | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/73ec9-86665-29320155818_85fc9b4988_k-1.jpgVik black sand beachVik black sand beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01024-ab30b-43279360904_407ef45ee9_k.jpgEyjafjallajokull from ReynisfjaraEyjafjallajokull from Reynisfjarahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e901-449f8-29060803967_829a6b4408_k.jpgThe basalt cave at Reynisfjara black sand beachThe basalt cave at Reynisfjara black sand beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a2a6-d99c2-43191351041_7d1e15095e_k-1.jpgWarning signs at ReynisfjaraWarning signs at Reynisfjarahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1810-43904-41381101050_001b2585ad_k-1.jpgVik town, church, beach and the pinnaclesVik town, church, beach and the pinnacleshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2936c-ac495-32999304070_384b10a407_k.jpgHeimaey town and harbour from the summit of the new volcanoHeimaey town and harbour from the summit of the new volcanohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec93d-7fef1-33254189251_8aa0755b27_k.jpgOn the old ferry leaving HeimaeyOn the old ferry leaving Heimaeyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22fb0-1df02-33340897026_62828f907d_k-2.jpgJokulsarlon glacier lagoonJokulsarlon glacier lagoonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aa1a1-d666b-33381371935_98f87e90dc_k-1.jpgCrystal clear glacier iceCrystal clear glacier ice2021-11-02T12:34:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/26/an-unexpected-day-at-tintagel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79d9a-6810b-tintagel.pngAn unexpected day at Tintagel | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d080-04c9b-p1160113.jpgLe Morte d'Arthur and The Once and Future Kinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eefc6-08a10-p1160112.jpgDouble page spread from the Witch in the Woods by TH Whitehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bb42-d2272-p1150891.jpgCoastal village seaside shophttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2a95-9d3ec-p1150890.jpgTIntagel Old Post Officehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10481-cdf67-p1150893.jpgWalking down the hill from TIntagel village to the castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9718-592a4-p1150900.jpgThe little sheltered bay below Tintagel Castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34264-59c6d-p1150894.jpgBridge over a clear stream on the way down the hill to TIntagel Castlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/60492-a95f2-p1150902.jpgTintagel Island and the rocks down by the blue-green seahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba5a6-d8e0f-p1150907.jpgThe bridge joining the two halves of Tintagel Castle2021-10-27T11:39:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/25/port-isaac-and-port-quin/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f7771-410b7-portisaac.pngPort Isaac and Port Quin | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93254-51d0b-51601917762_0e23ca8f22_k.jpgPRetty much the entire village of Port Quinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a8c6-4f2c9-51602967168_fb56cbaf21_k.jpgPort Quin harbourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e1a12-f0190-51601922967_1157bac902_k.jpgSelfie at Port Quin harbourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0947b-378b0-51602956083_1ab23d410a_k.jpgCornish Coast Adventures kayak & canoe hirehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/803b0-6f50d-51602971873_149375371f_k.jpgThe Port Quin slipway and harbourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58d71-e3cf3-51602757976_3b05fdeae8_k.jpgHoliday cottages at Port Quinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a312-71cf7-51603655100_802e556093_k.jpgPort Isaac harbourhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0322-664bc-51601938712_bacfd8bd80_k.jpgThe coast east of Port Isaachttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4387d-3e676-51605232862_eefaddf7bc_k.jpgIce cream at Port Isaac2021-10-27T11:38:17+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/10/07/iceland-with-alexander-armstrong-1/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ad455-8ce83-51559068836_05782132d4_k.jpgMy out-of-date plane-sized bottle of BrennivínMy out-of-date plane-sized bottle of Brennivínhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7fe76-44a39-36223281736_c8fa4876c6_k.jpgReykjavik from the top of Hallgrímskirkja in winterReykjavik from the top of Hallgrímskirkja in winterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d65e-28938-35870801160_7468ca59cb_k.jpgInside Hallgrímskirkja with organInside Hallgrímskirkja with organhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99fd6-3ab5e-33066631324_50f83fd9c1_k.jpgHallgrímskirkja from the outsideHallgrímskirkja from the outsidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bba06-116f7-34017548982_c474124cbd_k.jpgReykjavik at 11pm on July 30thReykjavik at 11pm on July 30thhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bcc39-9d537-33380602445_7d1ec875e7_k.jpgThe Sæla bath at FontanaThe Sæla bath at Fontanahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a9c8-c43a0-33339947466_cab4f49897_k.jpgLaugarvatn FontanaLaugarvatn Fontanahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8bfb4-5f35d-33379250326_99bc87f267_k.jpgGeysir not eruptingGeysir not eruptinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc33e-b7d83-33263903572_dd498c3501_k.jpgStrokkur eruptingStrokkur eruptinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1e016-9fff4-alexandericeland1.pngAlexander Armstrong in Iceland: episode 1 | iamapolarbear.com2021-10-06T22:36:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/05/25/estonia-my-apartment-in-tallinn/2021-09-21T15:32:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/05/26/tallinn-old-town/2021-09-21T15:31:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/08/25/top-ten-waterfalls-in-iceland/2021-09-21T15:31:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/04/25/tromso-2017/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d1e1-99448-cable-car.pngcable carhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8175f-4b14f-cable-car.pngcable carhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c36ef-4ceb8-cc15.jpgcc15https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/910ec-76352-cc14.jpgcc14https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c8e6-c8d43-cc12.jpgcc12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1eb19-ab0e1-cc11.jpgcc11https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d1a4-afab4-cc10.jpgcc10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0bd2c-44acc-cc9.jpgcc9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/889b8-51ec5-cc8.jpgcc8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3ca9-0dcb7-cc7.jpgcc72021-09-21T15:24:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/05/16/photoset-tromso-2017/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33b71-f032d-tromsophotoset.jpgtromsophotoset2021-09-21T15:23:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/17/review-grayline-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98136-d4bc2-grayline.pnggrayline2021-09-21T15:23:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/09/05/its-now-official-tourism-is-killing-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94005-9a203-destroyingseljal.jpgTourism is destroying Iceland header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b1db9-c3f86-sel4.jpgSeljalandsfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d27c-a5533-sel5.jpgMe behind Seljalandsfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c2d5-cff72-sel3.jpgBehind Seljalandsfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27bee-b231c-sel2.jpgBehind Seljalandsfosshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22fd4-77602-sel1.jpgSeljalandsfoss2021-09-21T15:20:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/11/07/i-found-latvian-silent-hill/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ea68f-dad77-latviansilenthill.jpgLatvian Silent Hill header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/013e6-aa145-krimulda10.jpgKrimulda cable car stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/371d9-9fa5e-krimulda9.jpgKrimulda estatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ab60-e1fdc-krimulda8.jpgKrimulda Manorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0251-4c2e1-krimulda7.jpgKrimulda Manor through the treeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32d7b-43088-krimulda6.jpgAbandoned greenhouses at Krimuldahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00e7e-355a2-krimulda5.jpgThe Swiss House at Krimuldahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd341-8f89f-krimulda4.jpgAbandoned buildings in Krimuldahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0f11-1c1b0-krimulda3.jpgMap of Krimulda estatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2cb8f-3d619-krimulda2.jpgThe Sigulda-Krimulda cable car coming in to Krimulda2021-09-21T15:19:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/11/18/photoset-the-golden-circle-all-year-round/2021-09-21T15:18:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/12/02/10-things-to-take-to-the-arctic/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53708-514ac-10thingsarctic.png10 Things to Take to the Arctic header pic2021-09-21T15:18:47+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/12/09/i-cant-write-about-latvia/2021-09-21T15:18:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/12/16/10-things-to-see-in-riga/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06d91-89eeb-10thingsinriga.jpg10 Things to do in Riga header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e01e-8fe28-10riga10.jpgSmall Guild, Rigahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bbb66-9694c-10riga8.jpgRiga by canal boathttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2fb32-84945-10riga7.jpgRiga Cathedralhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c3e0-c0f7b-10riga6.jpgHouse of the Blackheads, Rigahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c26b5-13f3d-10riga5.jpgBlack Cat House, Rigahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d50a6-7a34f-10riga4.jpgLatvian National Libraryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d62e4-ade3b-10riga3.jpgCathedral of the Nativity, Rigahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee720-85185-10riga2.jpgCity Market, Riga2021-09-21T15:18:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/22/staying-in-gatwicks-purple-pods/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14ec5-5cf3b-yotelpod.jpgYotel cabin review title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37532-5b860-pod4.jpgTV in Yotel Gatwick cabinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2b8b-a47f7-pod3.jpgShelf & lighting in Yotel Gatwick cabinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ce26-10bcb-pod2.jpgBathroom in Yotel Gatwick cabinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d81f-3f2f2-pod1.jpgBed in Yotel Gatwick cabinFor size reference, I'm standing against the back wall of the bathroom to take this photo2021-09-21T15:16:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/06/18/why-im-scared-of-spiral-stairs/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b8234-4c02d-spiralstairs.jpgWhy I'm scared of spiral stairs title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5ec9-40f05-spiralstairs10.jpgView from St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f337-ee90e-spiralstairs9.jpgView from St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ef48-cbb19-spiralstairs8.jpgView from St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bebad-23d14-spiralstairs7.jpgView from St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/363e6-d7c1c-spiralstairs6.jpgViewing platform on St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20555-c9c62-spiralstairs5.jpgOn top of St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7088d-edcc2-spiralstairs4.jpgSpiral stairs inside St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78929-fd5cb-spiralstairs3.jpgCorridor inside St Olaf's Church, Tallinnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6559c-3896c-spiralstairs2.jpgSt Olaf's Church, Tallinn2025-11-22T14:48:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/08/27/10-places-i-want-to-go-to-in-the-next-five-years/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c113-5adea-10placestogo.jpg10 places I want to go title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f518-dc9b9-stp3.jpgstp32021-09-21T15:10:58+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/17/photoset-large-icelandic-vehicles/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8a2f-076da-largeicelandicvehicles.jpgLarge Icelandic vehicles photoset title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e70de-4a85c-p1310733_37466025722_o.jpgGlacier-going monster machinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e35d-fd4f2-p1070993_33750800021_o.jpgGlacier-going monster machinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ef6d-2f949-p1030794_36223724816_o.jpgGlacier-going monster machinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9418-fae40-p1040370_36097682072_o.jpgIcelandic city snow ploughhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/645e3-c1f25-p1060713_33174659194_o.jpgExpedition truckhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc801-e39ca-p1000883_33422999335_o.jpgExpedition truckhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/234be-25e6c-p1030801_36265404105_o.jpgExpedition truckhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc269-65d73-100_9161_33879222705_o.jpg4x4 tour bushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a7d7-a8937-p1070343_34133636806_o.jpg4x4 tour bus2021-09-21T15:10:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/10/18/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02389-62a9d-33750870891_ddcf95361d_k.jpgÞingvellir on a beautiful sunny dayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bd77-c9692-33493898460_eea2b35330_k.jpgMy little yellow tent at sunset at 11pmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1c2f6-63241-10things.jpg10 Things You Need To Know Before You Go To Iceland title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5890d-1103c-10things6.jpgSeeing the Northern Lights can be difficulthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d04a-a7664-10things5.jpgSneaker waves at Reynisfjarahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62d0f-e865d-10things4.jpgYou need warm clothes in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4296e-f95f0-10things3.jpgYou need to prebook the Blue Lagoonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cef9-0fa57-10things2.jpgRent a small car in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef483-3c393-10things1.jpgDon't tread on the moss2021-09-21T15:09:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/13/the-iceland-itinerary-i-had-planned/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/776ad-812c9-plannediceland.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: My planned Iceland itinerary | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7ea32-8515f-38766749671_0cf5a505de_k.jpgKeflavik airport really early in the morningA really early morning flight from Keflavik in 2015https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31d70-d4add-30128877698_95c966dc65_k.jpgMe at the Ishestar stables with the horse I've just been out ridingHorse riding, in neon orange waterproofshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb8dc-e84b8-33878535715_af1d992a99_k.jpgDeildartunguhver hot spring, boiling water bubbling and gushing from reddish rockDeildartunguhver, a very large hot spring that supplies a spa and a chunk of western Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3bc5-d4d15-33857535296_a131afa6c2_k.jpgEsja from Reykjavik waterfrontEsja, as seen from the little rocky seafront next to Harpahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7d50-1df77-26991281239_f455f225b0_k.jpgSunhollin (before the extension)Sundhollin main hall before the outdoor extension2021-09-21T14:56:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/07/13/20-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-go-to-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/633aa-cf533-20-things-iceland.jpg20 Things You Need to Know Before You Go to Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/987a9-b20fe-34133633476_4cf656e3e6_k.jpgHekla volcanoHekla, looking nice and peaceful in the summerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/47345-e657a-48986975553_0c60b7e6a9_k.jpgThe Saga of the VolsungsThe Saga of the Volsungs, my favourite saga.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c9ea-e0725-43948431662_a2b6869942_k.jpgWarm Baths & Cool Lights - Fontana by nightThis is a Northern Lights and geothermal spa night where the spa in the dark was satisfying enough.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c835-0d02a-35431794914_1cca7804ca_k.jpgIcelandic horses in the snowIcelandic horses are bred to be perfectly happy in the snow.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8646b-dea44-32604111133_3fc559022b_k.jpgN1 roadhouse/supermarket in Reyðarfjörður.N1 roadhouse/supermarket in Reyðarfjörður. You may recognise it as the supermarket from Fortitude.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ed1a5-43caf-33379528236_310336ada1_k.jpgMe in a campsite hotpot.My own private hotpot on a (now closed) campsite in the west of Iceland.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e2ba4-48dbe-33263903572_dd498c3501_k.jpgTourists at GeysirTourists surrounding Strokkurhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b75d3-340d2-33085416883_92fd3a1472_k.jpgRock towers in Iceland (don't build them)This was a good-looking bit of shore. The rock piles are not a good look.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/63456-abbf0-33364276253_8fd16d6803_k.jpgMe in the Blue Lagoon in summerThe Blue Lagoon is great.2021-09-21T14:55:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/13/top-10-things-to-do-in-western-austria/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ec64-35d24-tirol.pngFamily holidays: 10 things to do in Tirol | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d5a0-d12f3-p1010156.jpgPlaying the Hohe Salve's Aeolian harpPlaying the Hohe Salve's Aeolian harphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/de593-bae2b-100_5029.jpgSteinplatte viewing platformSteinplatte viewing platformhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4deb8-cd996-sdc10645.jpgMe, pulling a rope-powered boat across the lake at the Steinplatte dinosaur playgroundYes, I'm a grown-up.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7becf-70fbb-wol-040.jpgThe sky through a slot in the canyon roofThis is how deep and narrow the canyon ishttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eeffb-11e78-wol-029.jpgInside SeisenbergklammInside Seisenbergklammhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88463-5c6af-daddy-122.jpgWalking down through the Alpine Flower GardenWalking down through the Alpine Flower Gardenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43e11-ad9ed-daddy-098.jpgThe view down into the valley from the Kitzbuheler HornThe view down into the valley from the Kitzbuheler Hornhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bcc2f-42670-dscf1627.jpgMy sister (wearing my hat!) at the top Krimml plunge poolMy sister (wearing my hat!) at the top Krimml plunge poolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3220-15000-dscf1612.jpgKrimml WaterfallsKrimmel Waterfalls as seen through the trees from partway up the trail2021-09-21T14:55:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/11/flamsbana-europes-most-beautiful-rail-journey/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adf22-ea969-flamsbana.pngFlåmsbana: Europe's most beautiful rail journey | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70774-7353f-50039504418_01ce88a696_k.jpgBergen & the fjord as seen from the mountainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1fbd3-bbc4c-50040321187_c653f253dd_k.jpgArriving in Bergen by boat at nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6a0b-b087f-50040064971_822a2182d0_k.jpgSunset over the fjordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/86296-0d6f6-50040334597_6bc130de9d_k.jpgOur boat's wake down the Aurlandsfjordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c28b7-97807-50040070491_c5177eb0a2_k.jpgSteep cliffs plunging into the fjordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17653-2eab7-50040334272_d4816a6130_k.jpgPowering along the Aurlandsfjordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae5a1-e03d3-50040076491_fbd5ce5762_k.jpgHurtigbåt at the quayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56438-cfd34-50039525178_930a430b70_k.jpgMe on the quayside in Flåmhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3e7bc-f7818-50040339542_a6b44c7597_k.jpgFlåm station2021-09-21T14:52:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/04/12/dorset-staycation-itinerary/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0cecc-01a37-poolestaycation.pngDorset Staycation Itinerary (Poole & Purbeck edition) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/93b85-768fc-51108944393_97e59bc99b_k.jpgPink & purple floral Poole Pottery (and two-tone 50s coffee service)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f47d3-33b6d-51108627044_603fbeb87a_k.jpgSurfing at Bournemouth Pierhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00485-3a7f4-51109655195_cef9c9030f_k.jpgBournemouth Oceanariumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17090-be20d-32487966818_c4030349f9_k.jpgLulworth Covehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6168f-ca295-50451557541_9e442e1255_k.jpgShipstal Beach, Arnehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bad79-6f9fe-50794636638_b93d41ea8e_k-1.jpgCheese baguette from the Bankes Armshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7228-b67dc-p1120981.jpgOld Harry Rocks from abovehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4217-1b9a7-p1120940.jpgKnoll Beach, Studlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8421c-c58d2-48161123912_5d2bfef9d7_k.jpgArriving on Old Harry by kayak2021-09-20T16:26:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/10/03/ride-on-the-swanage-railway-steam-train/2021-09-20T16:23:57+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/03/29/studland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e0b0-436de-studlandlunch.pngA proper pub lunch by the beach at Studland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/37046-a0ed4-publunch.pngA proper pub lunch by the beach at Studland | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-20T16:23:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/05/18/longleat/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32976-17e9c-longleat.jpglongleathttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dbc8c-6aec4-ll23.jpgll23https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9a284-ab338-ll9.jpgll9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c55d5-0a53c-ll12.jpgll12https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae9c7-c4888-ll8.jpgll8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef75f-868e3-ll7.jpgll7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3129d-e7e87-ll22.jpgll22https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70723-bca37-ll21.jpgll21https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ec30-a7e68-bat1.jpgbat1https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e196b-647cc-ll3.jpgll32021-09-20T16:22:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/22/hengistbury-head/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6aac-5dbab-hengistbury-head.pnghengistbury headhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36cd9-381dd-heng10.jpgheng10https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4087-e14a0-heng9.jpgheng9https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adfc6-6ff85-heng8.jpgheng8https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7bbe5-6fa0a-heng7.jpgheng7https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b86b7-3f723-heng6.jpgheng6https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0fb2b-35361-heng5.jpgheng5https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef693-739ec-heng4.jpgheng4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33d36-3dc3f-heng3.jpgheng3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d143-6c0a0-heng2.jpgheng22021-09-20T16:22:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/11/28/longleats-festival-of-lights-2017/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b3ba-53263-longleat2017.jpgLongleat Festival of Light 2017 header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a72a1-81686-longleat11.jpgSleeping Beauty's castle lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92cdc-975a4-longleat10.jpgBeauty & the Beast lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9279f-83b70-longleat9.jpgGiant sweets lanterns at Longleat's Festival of Lightshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1d754-82ff5-longleat8.jpgPrince Ivan's Castle lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lightshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3287-3e7c3-longleat7.jpgThe Little Mermaid lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lightshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e23c4-6a91a-longleat6.jpgLittle Red Riding Hood lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lightshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7961-4f802-longleat5.jpgSnow White lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lightshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/103d8-a6f9e-longleat4.jpgCinderella's coach lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lightshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/656f6-a686b-longleat3.jpgNico the gorilla lantern at Longleat's Festival of Lights2021-09-20T16:22:24+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/06/28/volunteering-at-the-tourist-information-centre/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/faa72-9fedb-tic.pngVolunteering at the tourist information title pic2021-09-20T16:21:28+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/10/11/sky-safari/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8563b-26dde-balloons.jpgSky Safari title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc04a-8fb00-balloons17.jpgHot air balloon night glowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d8a8-5e986-balloons16.jpgHot air balloon night glowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00cc9-c83c0-balloons15.jpgHot air balloon night glowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95184-4691c-balloons14.jpgHot air balloon night glowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94081-6beeb-balloons13.jpgAdelaide & Simbaloohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7aed-339e3-balloons12.jpgNight glow ready to gohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/95d69-9b20c-balloons11.jpgNight Glow preparationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5f04f-f83ed-balloons10.jpgNight glow - inflation beginshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a851e-525ee-balloons9.jpgHot air balloon launch at Longleat Sky Safari2021-09-20T16:21:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/03/25/a-day-out-on-the-most-famous-steam-train-in-the-world/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ae5c0-ce419-scotsman.jpgThe Flying Scotsman: The most famous locomotive in the world | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b1a3-68aea-p1080736.jpgThe Flying Scotsman preparing to depart Swanage stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a5b9e-e263e-p1080705.jpgSpectators near Corfe Castle waiting for the Flying Scotsmanhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/00f7c-16cb5-p1080739.jpgPullman observation car at Flying Scotsmanhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec49f-123e7-p1080699.jpgThe Flying Scotsman at Nordenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/44da7-73b5e-img_5751.jpgSelfie with the Flying Scotsman2021-09-20T16:21:06+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/17/ilfracombe-a-large-pregnant-lady/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8eafe-fcde9-ilfracombe.jpgA day in Ilfracombe with a huge pregnant lady | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a8c8-8538c-p1100212.jpgWriting on the beach at Ilfracombehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e98f5-a7ec3-p1100233.jpgThe tide coming in up the beach in Ilfracombehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bd29-09852-p1100162-1.jpgThe Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28487-eff52-p1100217.jpgMonument to Ekaterine Frolov in Ilfracombehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d64cc-21c07-p1100180.jpgCapstone Hill, Ilfracombehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3fc13-35e59-p1100149.jpgLantern Hill, Ilfracombehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15013-1ee17-p1100162.jpgP1100162https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f62e-0ecbf-p1100126.jpgHillsborough from the harbour side of Ilfracombehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df37c-61b36-p1100242.jpgIlfracombe town and Victorian terraces2021-09-20T16:20:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/24/vast-swathes-of-sand-in-north-devon/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cb00e-30346-northdevon.pngThe vast beaches of North Devon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e883e-c81ba-devonbeaches.pngThe vast beaches of North Devon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ad6d-c3966-beaches.jpgVast swathes of sand: The beaches of North Devon | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efe79-dc75a-p1100399.jpgReflective sands at Sauntonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23a24-6f1ae-p1100391.jpgReflective sands at Sauntonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/76fae-03dd1-p1100332.jpgSurfers at Croyde Bayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03d94-7d16d-p1100340.jpgCroyde Bayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f9da4-a49c1-p1100286.jpgWoolacombe Sandshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71339-dfaec-p1100333.jpgRNLI lifeguards on the beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b67b0-b77b8-p1100289.jpgWoolacombe Sands2021-09-20T16:20:27+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/08/26/a-flight-to-the-isle-of-wight/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1dcea-b71dd-hovercraft2.jpgA flight to the Isle of Wight: on a hovercraft | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4fd40-dd047-48616402397_5d8fb58fd9_k.jpgHovercraft at Ryde hoverporthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/918c7-69628-48615911193_c82bd4827e_k.jpgInside the Isle of Wight hovercrafthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d391-4e180-48616281516_798949e180_k.jpgSitting on the harbour wall overlooking the hoverporthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/035e2-bbd32-48616283636_680956c020_k.jpgIsle of Wight hovercraft with passenger-boarding doors open2021-09-20T16:19:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/26/studlands-secrets-st-nicholass-church/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6f04d-37b27-studlandchurch.pngSt Nicholas's Church: A secret Norman church | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/afeeb-06653-48151217951_dda3b0c537_k.jpgCheddar ploughman's at the Bankes Arms, StudlandLook at the size of that slab of cheese.2021-09-20T16:18:56+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/02/06/wessex-girl-a-day-around-mudeford-and-christchurch/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11da4-167d9-hengichris.jpgWessex Girl: Hengistbury Head, Mudeford Spit & Christchurch Priory | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9564a-70c63-49435448767_df9b3c33c9_k.jpgChristchurch Town Quayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4b672-42546-49435241556_747caa3187_k.jpgChristchurch Priory's Miraculous Beamhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4e5c-8de5a-49435242636_f8b969a349_k.jpgChristchurch Priory's Gothic Lady Chapelhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac71e-acc45-49434761418_941446e36d_k.jpgChristchurch Priory's Norman aislehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d0d49-20b74-49435458582_1ee5cf22f9_k.jpgNorman nave & Gothic aisle in Christchurch Prioryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/620bb-000ee-49435471962_94853f8f9e_k.jpgChristchurch Prioryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/78bd9-43279-49434781713_1bc2ac4826_k.jpgStarling bathing in the dog water bowlhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3b7d3-546a9-49434795443_8eb839e3e8_k.jpgRedshank wading at Mudefordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ac68-4e908-49435496902_b162bb37d8_k.jpgLittle Egret at Mudeford2021-09-20T16:18:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/01/whats-it-like-to-live-at-a-tourist-hotspot/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/87a93-1c785-touristhotspot.jpgWhat's it like to live near a tourist hotspot? | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-20T16:18:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/06/29/adventures-at-home-my-square-mile/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10943-8259d-square-mile.jpgAdventures at home: Exploring my square mile | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7499f-0a30c-p1050876.jpgAllotmentshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0798e-4e273-walk.jpgDaily walk in the sunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d5f4a-5b624-50043667797_4fce112065_k.jpg"On this site, nothing happened" plaquehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/308b9-0b0e7-p1050339.jpgCat perched on the bird tablehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bbcab-fc03d-49817927806_45040be97e_k.jpg12th century leper chapel2021-09-20T16:18:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/17/a-locals-guide-to-swanage/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/98ea1-4ccb7-50229324437_0ea053b163_k.jpgChococo orange hot chocolateChococo orange hot chocolate. Note that it comes with a chocolate on the side.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4c788-9bfa6-swanage.pngDorset Staycation: A local's guide to Swanage | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eda2d-53ce3-48160925477_e52b9b7b12_k.jpgKayaking off StudlandKayaking off Studlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06232-69c8a-50228456168_ec23465634_k.jpgTom trying on a hat in Rainbows EndTom trying on a hat in Rainbows Endhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7a038-27a9e-50229321532_4eec93f796_k.jpgSwanage Beach at sunset in DecemberSwanage Beach at sunset in Decemberhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e168-e4217-50229338307_32ba91f00f_k.jpgBrass donor plaque on Swanage PierAn example of a donor plaquehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/148fb-ef3ef-50229119741_78c6f48474_k.jpgSwanage PierSwanage Pierhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32e88-86c3d-41485537854_94d3ea9ef7_k.jpgThe view along the cliffs from Swanage to DurlstonThe view along the cliffs from Swanage to Durlstonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49237-b631c-27335228767_cb05ebe44b_k.jpg27335228767_cb05ebe44b_khttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a7ad8-0b8b0-40399439510_98efb0f8b9_k.jpgThe Globe, DurlstonThe Globe2021-09-20T16:17:35+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/03/my-first-post-lockdown-day-out/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4ac12-d566b-staycation-fossils-1.pngDorset Staycation: Fossil hunting at Charmouth | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/06516-1a5ee-p1070102.jpgMy rock haul - a collection of smallish bits of grey limestone containing fossils and quartz.My fossil haulhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b42a-e63c2-p1060709.jpgSelfie on Charmouth East Beach.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6cb2-91606-p1060700.jpgCharmouth from partway up the hill to the easthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/352d9-68a1c-p1060694.jpgCharmouth's rocky West Beach, looking east towards Stonebarrow Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa50a-7c51c-p1060693.jpgCharmouth West Beach from near the headland separating it from Lyme Regis.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cce5-bf65f-p1060687.jpgAmmonites on the side of a rock too big to carry away, its top washed smooth by the seahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e3de5-e65ed-p1060681.jpgA boulder, hacked apart to reveal crystals insidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8d934-d0824-p1060684.jpgAmmonite fossils in a rock on Charmouth west beach2021-09-20T16:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/14/dorset-staycation-a-day-on-brownsea-island/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5bb72-3a064-brownsea2020.pngDorset Staycation: a day on Brownsea Island | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a9951-98816-50330537242_336df7b02b_k.jpgBright sky though tall pine trees above mehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0b7c-5201b-50329693308_9236aeec5b_k.jpgBrownsea Pottery Beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/366da-f8da5-50330373936_5fcee319bb_k.jpgWalking along Brownsea's west shore, where the pine woods meet the narrow sandy beachhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ab726-ebbae-50330333176_1c4b1715e3_k.jpgTailless autumn peacockshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23b19-18d21-50329662543_0a9515a35e_k.jpgThe farm at the top of Church Fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64417-54c25-50330341811_c36fe1a0c7_k.jpgMulti-trunked oak tree on Brownsea's tree trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84682-1572e-50330497132_f5a8689ae9_k.jpgSailing on the Brownsea Island ferryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9df03-5fe73-50330335416_09e26d1dbc_k.jpgChickens wandering around Brownsea's Church Fieldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3aeef-f9ef7-50330339096_17cfe4b183_k.jpgSycamore tree on the Brownsea tree trail2021-09-20T16:17:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/09/17/longleats-drive-in-night-glow/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/feec4-83d67-nightglow.pngNight Glow: A balloon evening at Longleat | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/af224-ae31f-p1070552.jpgSelfie sitting on the front of my own car.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1eea5-d019c-p1070557.jpgThe Roustabouts Collective spinning fire at Longleathttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/29988-4701c-p1070520.jpgLongleat Night Glow angelshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/737ce-2b44d-50337645773_fb32a54494_o.jpgSelfie singing and dancing to the glowing balloonshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa165-99854-50337650858_fa6c040724_k.jpgHot air balloons lit up in the darkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/49a5b-063b7-50337657078_a37ae80c71_k.jpgHot air balloons at dusk, inflated and ready to glowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/43753-0ec7a-p1070515.jpgThe drive-in view from my carhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20e3c-81309-p1070543.jpgHot chocolate in the carhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8bda-79e1d-p1070519.jpgThe dirty fries queueThe dirty fries queue2021-09-20T16:17:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/15/i-climbed-portland-bill-lighthouse/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42f0e-88db8-portland-lighthouse.pngI climbed Portland Bill Lightouse | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54331-c7b68-50452075851_dcb6fe16a2_k.jpgPortland coastguard lookout stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c2791-60239-50451369913_695db95ff2_5k.jpgPortland Old Higher Lighthouse cottageshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/295cd-a7f3d-50452255342_2163cc6ff3_k.jpgClose-up of the Fresnel glass of the old lamphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7aaa1-18445-50452089306_aeb6c25c2a_k.jpgComing down the lighthouse, the old lamp at the bottom of lots of stairshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6fc5-de6b3-50452257527_c4586e6287_k.jpgThe steep steps up to the lighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81e53-bb798-50452263117_d54f227bb5_k.jpgAnother view from the top of the lighthousehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b0b60-b031a-50452260247_52e4f8d09b_k.jpgMasked selfie with the new lamphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d6ea-85424-50452102961_2714819e31_k.jpgThe view from the top of Portland Bill lighthousehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4300d-df584-50452272597_c5b3dcf215_k.jpgThe lighthouse with its main light and sector light both litWe didn't get to see the sector light for real; this is a postcard sitting on the windowsill2021-09-20T16:16:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/22/corfe-castle-1000-years-of-history-and-not-in-the-right-order/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8e0de-91b95-corfecastle.pngCorfe Castle: 1000 years of history (in the wrong order) | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3623b-e71ac-50451758087_53f14fda4c_k.jpgBattle of Britain class 257 Squadron steam locomotive at Norden stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf764-fdf46-50451686661_dd4179e7ee_k.jpgBattle of Britain class 257 Squadron steam locomotive at Corfe Castle stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/64f32-811f2-50451015143_2a80a9e6ca_k.jpgSelfie overlooking the outer baileyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7c410-c8668-50452044617_46feb0e0f5_k.jpgOriginal herringbone brickwork of the Old Hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7032-71bd2-50450943718_21164a11de_k.jpgThe remains of the gloriettehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dff91-5bfdb-50451226043_1505e300d3_k.jpgCorfe Castle's outer gatehousehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/576f5-1540f-50451804952_a678e03c90_k.jpgHeavily-leaning remains of the First Towerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5cae2-c08c9-50451621411_f682a73ee1_k.jpgPainting of what Corfe Castle might have looked likeA painting of what the complete castle might have looked likehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8279-1b0d2-50451619781_f8de1bf6eb_k.jpgCastle ruins seen from the end of the West Bailey2021-09-20T16:16:46+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/10/26/halloween-at-arne/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4f5e-6ff47-halloweenarne.pngA Halloween walk at RSPB Arne | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6b358-fe6fd-p1090127.jpgThe chocolate from my goodie bag - an eyeball and a pumpkinhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/469fa-bab87-50524169432_4b1faa51bf_k.jpgThe beach on a very grey wet windy dayThis is a lot wetter & windier than it lookshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e641-52d76-50524003056_4eb84ec572_k.jpgA leaf-filled hollow in the woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da45a-3ed53-50524015511_f37e2af688_k.jpgMarker on the Halloween trailhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/da7a2-3d2f2-50524182972_c9aa9cb344_k.jpgLudicrous selfie in the trees from a camera lying flat on the groundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/562bf-a73bd-50523300333_7c7cd432d9_k.jpgA path down in the birch and pine woodshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/597cd-e16e9-50524205092_5e42f0dbd4_k.jpgView from Arne over Poole Harbour in the drizzlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36c4f-2316a-50524030311_c4e9adf219_k-1.jpgA large curly-coated reddish-brown bull so chunky it looks like a buffaloThis definitely could be a buffalo, right?https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fd2c-823c1-50523273798_878942980a_k.jpgA damp selfie in the woods by the beach at ArneWater on lens, steamed-up glasses, hair stuck to head and you can't see that my trousers are literally stuck to my legs too2021-09-20T16:16:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/12/21/christmas-on-the-watercress-line/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/df615-c663a-steamillum.pngSteam Illuminations on the Watercress Line | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45774-a50f9-50736576552_364cf7606a_k.jpgSteam Illuminations train at Alresfordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/96d86-fb59e-50736571427_359ee5603a_k.jpgInside the Steam Illuminations trainhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/658bb-b70e5-50736461141_df054fa43c_k.jpgWatercress Line light-up wristbandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0da8a-bcb94-50735730733_22db4a1d19_k.jpgIlluminated locomotive ready to be shuntedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/52508-b3af2-50739474666_524a50fe4b_k.jpgWatercress Line Steam Illumination train at Alresfordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f6167-d6a1d-50735723103_25aef9b486_k.jpgSelfie with my dad at Alresfordhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/42640-d6499-50739566357_e5009673f0_k.jpgAlresford station by Christmas lights2021-09-20T16:15:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/12/28/ignite-at-kingston-lacy/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0f009-fda78-ignite.pngIgnite at Kingston Lacy | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc1e7-c6ab9-50752052581_a89d8e4fb6_k.jpgKingston Lacy house lit in purplehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3abe9-9997b-50751274248_482a45ac50_k.jpgEntrance to the stables cafehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e94f-431e7-50751281348_c52755e8c5_k.jpgFire-breathing dragonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/122f1-115d1-50752023986_1a6432090b_k.jpgSelfie with illuminated top hatshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7337c-8f7ea-50752027481_63a5a95614_k.jpgTeapot pouring streams of lighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3741c-42770-50751294573_94b12d6b0e_k.jpgStripy lampshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9838f-fdd33-50752150342_eb631b2a97_k.jpgWoodland unicornhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8059e-fc447-50751311063_3de8315d15_k.jpgPurple-pink blossoms of lighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2a249-80126-50751282528_7745fdba4a_k.jpgFireball and torches all over the lawn2021-09-20T16:15:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/17/monkey-world/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/685d3-bdb38-51183507829_b819683fd4_k.jpgJeremy and Amy by Jeremy Keelinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f85c6-1ba76-monkeyworld.pngDorset Staycation: Monkey World | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cbf69-0e5f1-p1130308.jpgNursery orangutan swinginghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c0149-67a93-p1130395.jpgGordon the orangutan on a tightropeSilhouetted Gordonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c67e4-452fc-p1130115.jpgStump tailed macaques groominghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/503b2-86bef-p1130033.jpgLab capuchins running aroundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e644c-85a61-p1120826.jpgChimps still in bed at 11am on Sunday morninghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f0325-f6964-p1120867.jpgChimp portraithttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ddbf2-60b62-p1120936.jpgSpider monkeyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/acb33-1ebdc-p1120953.jpgMonkey World chimp enclosure2021-09-20T15:18:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/27/lyme-regis-on-a-stormy-day/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6ab66-40abb-lymeregisstormy.pngLyme Regis on a stormy day | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8081d-3a0cf-p1130727.jpgBox of tiny polished gemstoneshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/90900-4dc76-p1130674.jpgThe tide coming in around the foot of Black Venhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7e4b6-69f1c-p1130616.jpgThe sun trying to come out as the tide comes inhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/adaac-5404a-p1130601.jpgWaves hitting the outside of the Cobbhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/abf64-f3d6a-p1130577.jpgThe fountain from the far end of the Cobbhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5303-e84ff-p1130539.jpgThe man in the orange coat trying to get past the Cobb fountainshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c8687-467db-p1130556.jpgPeople getting soaked by a wave coming over the Cobbhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4e1a0-c1b58-p1130535.jpgWave splashing over the Cobb wallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2ad8a-34a3b-p1130587.jpgWarnings on the Cobb and a man sitting on top of it2021-09-20T15:17:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/03/youtube-review-ed-venturing/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7653a-796ce-edventuring.pngEd Venturing | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d12fe-64191-halcruttenden.pngEd Byrne & Hal Cruttenden on Win Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/83302-99691-desireeburch.pngDesiree Burch & Ed Byrne on Bow Hillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c81c-2ce05-stuartmaconie.pngEd Byrne & Stuart Maconie in the Lake Districthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/169dd-915e9-rhodgilbert.pngRhod Gilbert & Ed Byrne on Mynydd Carningli2021-09-12T15:02:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/13/bedtime-adventure-stories-for-grown-ups-by-anna-mcnuff/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/db913-3313d-bedtimeadventurestories.jpgTravel Library: Bedtime Adventure Stories for Grown Ups by Anna McNuff | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7cd6c-ac685-51161457778_a15429f81a_b.jpgBedtime Adventure Stories for Grown Ups by Anna McNuff2021-09-12T15:01:49+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/06/03/ragnarok-season-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/607ca-9bf18-ragnaroks2.pngTV review: Ragnarok season 2 | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6daff-e881f-jutulindustries.pngJutul Industries in Ragnarok season 2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36c94-0a9a1-laurits.pngLaurits in Ragnarok season 2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3c7d9-9c3d7-magneandiman.pngMagne and Iman in Ragnarok season 2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/55a52-9c434-ragnarok-s2-promo.pngRagnarok season 2 promotion picture2021-09-12T15:01:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/06/the-picnic-blanket-book-wild-garlic-bread/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e6aa3-a00b7-wildgarlicbread.jpgThe Picnic Blanket Book: Wild garlic bread | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T13:48:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/06/20/how-to-to-photograph-the-northern-lights-for-non-photographers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8245d-ae94b-photonorthernlights.pngHow to photograph the Northern Lights for Non-Photographers | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T13:36:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/01/03/8404/2021-09-12T13:32:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/04/06/travel-tips-travelling-as-a-solo-female/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6495-4f6fe-solofemaletravel.jpgsolofemaletravel2021-09-12T13:30:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/03/i-love-guidebooks/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0bfb7-fded9-guidebooks.pngguidebooks2021-09-12T13:28:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/06/08/survive-short-haul-flight/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1d57-52245-survivalflight.pngsurvivalflight2021-09-12T13:28:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/07/04/travel-qa/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6857-96372-qa1-1.jpgTravel Q&A #1 titlehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32003-f847a-qa2.jpgIceland August 2012https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8bc28-a4cb3-qa1.jpgFavourite travel outfit2021-09-12T13:27:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/11/04/youre-so-brave-and-how-im-not/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fb53d-c56b2-youresobrave.png"You're so brave!" header pic2021-09-12T13:24:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/11/14/i-forgot-why-i-started-travelling/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b3b18-548c1-inspiration.pngMy travel inspiration header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a143c-9efde-p1320749_24436047038_o.jpgMe at Sigulda with Turaida Castle in the backgroundhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/85fb3-d42a4-p1290403_34793861905_o.jpgp1290403_34793861905_ohttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54982-23587-p1130355_33339641886_o.jpgMe at Holuhraunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/512c5-289e1-p1060919_34173990165_o.jpgMe at a waterfall at the end of a canyon near Þórsmörkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/583b2-dff83-p1060430_34377754881_o.jpgMe where the Baltic meets the North Seahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ff35-3b9ea-p1050027_35253752224_o.jpgMe snowboarding in Mayrhofenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a0540-80778-p1040237_36097817122_o.jpgMe ice caving in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bf116-edfc1-northern-lights-selfie_24003383463_o.jpgSelfie with the Northern Lightshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2b3de-cfb2c-g0040219_35960810561_o.jpgMe paragliding over the Austrian Alps2021-09-12T13:24:08+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/19/how-to-travel-with-an-eating-disorder/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dd676-e53cb-eating.jpgTravelling with an eating disorder title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8f5c4-56793-food2.jpgBreakfast in Switzerlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0353b-135c2-food1.jpgChocolate brownie at City Restaurant, EdinburghHere's my chocolate brownie with nutella & ice cream. Tom's chipotle burger is being eaten by a Russian man at the next table.2021-09-12T13:20:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/13/travel-blogger-style/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b60c8-5411e-travelbloggerstyle.jpgTravel blogger style title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bcee6-2e548-38249533504_a0c39932f3_k.jpgTypical travel outfit in Finlandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ba2ce-9ebc5-33665686914_7d688ae85e_k.jpgTypical travel outfit in Denmarkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6cdef-91b20-33033154370_2d8467ac5a_k.jpgTypical travel outfit in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/04687-12222-30167530_966490660538_5817766884307493096_o.jpgTravel style in Cyprushttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eadaa-73fd5-photoscan7.jpgFirst day of junior schoolLong navy socks and navy culottes on my first day of junior schoolhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4b86-b98ce-25910722638_b23e875fae_k.jpgWhat I wore in ParisParis chic style icon2021-09-12T13:16:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/02/14/how-to-get-on-a-plane-by-yourself/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79ece-ae345-flyingalone.jpgHow to... get on a plane on your own | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T13:12:07+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/20/20357/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/33181-bc8c3-body-image.pngTravel, adventure and body image | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T13:10:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/30/im-a-traveller-and-i-have-emetophobia/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20e90-6135c-emet.jpgI'm an emetophobic traveller: travelling with phobia | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T13:05:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/05/14/what-on-your-own/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/48573-c9563-onyourown2.jpg"What, on your own?" | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9393-04639-45471515254_40443671d6_k.jpgDrinks in a Haarlem creperie while waiting for crepesAlright, fine. I wouldn't have gone in this Haarlem creperie if left to my own devices and I did enjoy that.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ffe4d-ea81d-48846386498_86bd5b8b6d_k-1.jpgSelfie near Alyosha monument on the hill above MurmanskAny excuse to reuse this selfie from Murmanskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ffe1-e460c-46308851302_9a83700048_o.jpgSitting on a girder at A'Dam Lookout in Amsterdam with my sisterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/34daf-00373-37881252905_94bce93493_k.jpgMy first selfies on a train home from St Gallen in 2006This is the day I discovered selfies, on the train home from St Gallenhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10527-11ccb-p1030568.jpgRed-eyed me in Italy on my first solo travel adventure aged 142021-09-12T13:04:26+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/03/whats-in-my-camera-bag/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fceb-82996-camerabag.pngWhat's in my camera bag? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d1789-66a50-p1060558.jpgCamera almost wrapped in its Always On CaseNot quite closed up but you can see how the Always On case works now - it wraps around and velcros together and the attachment bar has the legs on it.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b6cb9-3692d-p1060557.jpgCamera on the little legs in its Always On caseCamera standing on its little Always On legshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8fc72-5fab6-p1060556.jpgAquapac casesCamera case modelled by my old DMC_TZ60https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/745f8-24f09-p1060552.jpgJoby GorillaPod 325GorillaPod with its legs splayed to fit better in the framehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/efe3f-83d2b-p1060550.jpgOlympus Trip MD3 35mm film camerahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f5ba4-1b069-p1060549.jpgGoPro Hero7 White and Handlerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b28c6-ff1aa-p1060548.jpgInstax Mini 8 (yellow)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2dfb-9968f-50154557181_5864619597_k.jpgPanasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 switched offAnd this is how small it is when everything's switched off and tucked awayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/14a8f-917fa-50154003553_7215b9bec7_k.jpgPanasonic Lumix DC-TZ90 in full zoom modeHow I miss my camera for taking photos of... my camera. This is in full zoom with the selfie screen flipped up.2021-09-12T13:03:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/24/7-ways-to-travel-more-while-working/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dca48-118a4-travelmore.png7 Ways to Travel More While Working | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T13:03:40+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/11/30/how-to-get-photos-of-yourself-when-travelling-solo/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/68603-0b3d9-solophotos.jpgHow to get photos of yourself when travelling solo | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8c2d9-a7566-34173990165_ce68af6559_k.jpgPhoto by a stranger in a canyon in IcelandPhoto by a stranger in a canyon in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/72b4a-02f43-50367159807_06a3a9da76_k.jpgTimer selfie at Hound TorTimer selfie at Hound Torhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c6229-a53d1-50366255553_1cb984521b_k.jpgSelfie on a windy tor on DartmoorSelfie on a windy tor on Dartmoorhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4246-c61b9-45647400_2196157823761726_4810145852901294080_o.jpgTour group photo in PripyatTour group photo in Pripyathttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec4b2-1d3c2-49287144088_2f04b63d80_o.jpgPostcard machine photo in MoscowPostcard machine photo in Moscowhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f2de-716d1-48846719661_19369ca873_k-1.jpgPhoto by a stranger in MurmanskPhoto by a stranger in Murmanskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eeabd-0ccf3-48846386498_86bd5b8b6d_k-3.jpgTimer selfie in MurmanskTimer selfie in Murmanskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1431e-41282-48794809372_98ef184caa_k.jpgSelfie at the KremlinSelfie at the Kremlin2021-09-12T13:01:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/12/23/travel-adventure-plans-for-2020/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/84955-ea4ce-2020plans.jpgPlans for 2020 | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T12:09:44+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/12/27/plans-for-2019/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/babb8-5cbbe-2019plans.png2019 plans title pic2021-09-12T12:09:38+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/01/01/my-plans-for-2018/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3167b-58a73-2018plans.jpgMy plans for 2018 featured pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c023-a5cc2-2017-stats.png2017 stats2021-09-12T12:09:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/03/18/one-year-of-working-from-home/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21e27-79cc5-1yearwfh.pngOne year of working from home | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bdcfa-ef08c-p1120364.jpgMy working from home deskI know it looks a bit chaotic but it's genuinely really tidy chaos.2021-09-12T12:08:39+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/20/stay-at-home-storytelling-desk-tour/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ea4b-e741c-desktour.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: A tour of my desk | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce8b2-08bd6-p1040004.jpgFour photos on my window sillhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bbc73-dc8d1-p1030997.jpgThird desk drawer contentshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/778ea-69821-p1030996.jpgContents of my second drawerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb11e-824f8-p1030995.jpgDesk drawer contentshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/90294-867fd-p1030998.jpgNeedle felted elephantshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71960-20f43-p1040005.jpgClay gargoylehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c97ea-9126b-p1030994.jpgThe left end of my deskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24230-10f33-p1040003.jpgPrinter, folders & dinosaur on top of my Kallaxhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/94772-cb477-p1040006.jpgThe box of musical instruments under my desk2021-09-12T12:08:33+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/20/the-truth-about-remote-working/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4dce8-df23a-remotework.pngThe truth about working remotely | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T12:08:23+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/09/02/having-a-job-is-eeevil/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e855c-35fac-eeeviljob.jpgHaving a job is eeevil!! header pic2021-09-12T12:08:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/05/02/how-to-travel-while-working-full-time/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/651fc-e3955-workfulltime.jpgworkfulltime2021-09-12T12:08:14+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/05/20/a-life-and-blog-update/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9085-010d3-lifeupdate.pngA life/blog update | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d9d3a-d85a6-51165991679_23b978eee0_k.jpgSelfie with my greenhousehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3503b-359ed-32565181283_e4f67fec43_k.jpgTimer selfie in a steaming lava field in Icelandhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fff46-21536-p1110419.jpgWorking from homehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bd0f8-c6f42-50597237631_3475605fb2_k.jpgSelfie on a muddy hill2021-09-12T12:07:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/07/06/get-to-know-me-hi-im-juliet/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53c91-22fa7-gettoknowme.jpgGet to know me: Meet the blogger behind the bear | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35394-12df9-48846386498_86bd5b8b6d_k-2.jpgMe in MurmanskMe in Murmanskhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27dfd-eb285-49849733946_2c4302c4fe_o.jpgGreen hair selfieSelfie early on in lockdown with the green hair.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2d279-ac3e6-43506916554_0d89505ded_k.jpgMe on my way to see Taylor Swift in 2018Me on my way to see Taylor Swift in 2018https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/596ab-24739-49709279788_26a316758e_k.jpgMe with my first ever adults-only archery pupilsMe with my first ever adults-only archery pupilshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3fa5-29336-46308905742_acc786666f_k.jpgMy desk at my actual jobMy desk, back in the days when I had to go into workhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4d4c5-e301a-49700508942_e0478650e6_k.jpg49700508942_e0478650e6_khttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1ed07-9f291-p1060121.jpgMe when I was one day oldMe at about one day oldhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/604b9-ea86f-p1060044.jpgHi, I'm JulietPurple hair thanks to lockdown & isolation. The office behind me is partly messy, partly busy and is having new furniture this weekend.2021-09-12T12:07:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/04/27/stay-at-home-storytelling-lockdown-favourites/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/834b7-b1680-isolationfavs.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: My Isolation Favourites | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/073ff-6268b-49760178858_4f3efcc556_k.jpgSelfie while camp-cooking, wearing my favourite black hoodiehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c7427-b65ca-49800789443_90e18f9447_b.jpgSelfie in the garden in my white lacy dresshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45a54-6d7ab-p1040133.jpgRilla of Ingleside by LM Montgomeryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b7a23-9df3f-p1040132.jpgSix Cousins at Mistletoe Farm by Enid Blytonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c247c-1cf60-lifeonmarsiplayer.jpgLife on Mars iPlayer previewhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/69b35-23d4a-killingeve.jpgKilling Eve season 3 iPlayer previewhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e4218-30ada-farscape.jpgFarscape Amazon Prime season 3 previewhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/53695-ad3ed-malorytowerstv.jpgMalory Towers CBBC iPlayer preview2021-09-12T12:07:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/03/19/what-can-a-travel-blogger-do-when-she-cant-travel/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3f7a9-72358-whatwhennottravel.jpgSocial distancing: what can a travel blogger do when she can't travel? | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T12:07:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/09/16/how-i-organise-my-blog/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a3016-0e142-blog.jpgHow I organise my blog | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4afa0-f4a68-p1100879.jpgRussia blog plannerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3d605-6dec0-p1100880.jpgBlog page in my diaryhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/11b95-f4c0a-july-schedule.pngFinished July schedulehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb98b-8a3de-schedule2010.pngScreenshot of my blog schedule in OneNote2021-09-12T12:07:12+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/05/25/24-facts-about-me/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9c010-a01de-me.pngme!!2021-09-12T12:07:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/04/08/the-picnic-blanket-book-flapjack-recipe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eb123-a27bf-flapjack.pngThe Picnic Blanket Book: Flapjack | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ec3dd-b6b50-p1080917.jpgFlapjack wedgehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/40d10-91ef9-p1080915.jpgFlapjack fresh from the oven and still sizzlingFlapjack fresh from the oven and still sizzlinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4dfb4-8bbdd-p1080913.jpgFlapjack ready to be cookedhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b82a2-7f351-p1080912.jpgMaking flapjack: mixing the oats into the syrup mixturehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fec0d-d7def-p1080910.jpgMaking flapjack: the syrup mixturehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/426c6-40bbd-p1080908.jpgMaking flapjack: melting the butter, sugar & syruphttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fb06-f5d55-p1080902.jpgMaking flapjack: butter, golden syrup and brown sugar in the panhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12b5a-6ab0e-p1080914.jpgFlapjack ingredients2021-09-12T11:53:30+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/03/04/the-picnic-blanket-book-juliets-rocky-road/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f4ef1-e7415-cookbook_rocky_road.jpgThe Picnic Blanket Book: Juliet's Special Rocky Road | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T11:53:20+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/07/23/im-writing-a-book-the-difficult-second-album-and-11-things-people-dont-know-about-publishing-a-book/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/defd4-1cb3a-writingabook.jpg11 things you don't know about writing a book | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc3b7-68306-p1060377.jpgA gap in my first draftOops, forgot to finish this chapterhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65cf2-c4654-p1060376.jpgAttemping to edit my second bookBlurred because it's not ready for other people's eyes yethttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e64e9-ae895-p1060375.jpgFirst draft of my second bookThe first draft exists!https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/32145-69ff2-p1060368.jpgI wrote a book - Minus Twelve: An Arctic AdventureIt's a real book!2021-09-12T11:52:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/28/i-wrote-a-book-an-update-a-year-on/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/56051-c8336-iwroteabookagain.jpgI wrote a book: an update a year on | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71900-756de-p1080652.jpg7 drafts of Minus Twelve by Juliet Stonehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24cd2-a363b-p1080650.jpgMinus Twelve by Juliet Stone2021-09-12T11:52:41+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/12/30/i-wrote-a-book-2/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70c3b-650cd-publicationday.jpgMinus Twelve Publication Day header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/823d9-419ed-minus-twelve-front-cover.jpgMinus Twelve front cover2021-09-12T11:52:36+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/07/29/i-wrote-a-book/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce309-f96e8-iwroteabook.jpgI wrote a book! header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ec76-411f0-book1.jpgStack of book drafts2021-09-12T11:52:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/07/20/down-to-earth-with-zac-efron-episode-1-iceland/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e199e-a7b78-zac-efron-in-iceland.pngDown to Earth: Zac Efron in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9b722-64fd0-zac.pngDown to Earth: Zac Efron in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8ba6-1c044-zaciceland.jpgDown to Earth: Zac Efron in Iceland | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8624-f57a8-37412641776_bb0f8a40b6_k.jpgSelfie in the Blue LagoonLast time I was in the Blue Lagoonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5d42b-94336-43092920995_998647c492_k.jpgGullfoss in autumnGullfoss in approximately the orange and teal that Zac and Darin saw.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e293b-dc9d1-33838907046_20b9648e8a_k.jpgHellisheiði turbine hallHellisheiði turbine hallhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/79411-9b66c-33493438600_c0f1647471_k.jpgThe Bridge Between the ContinentsIt's obligatory to wait for a grey drizzly day to go here, I thinkhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5fad-cc876-33380602445_7d1ec875e7_k-1.jpgLaugarvatn FontanaThe pools at Laugarvatn Fontana, taken from the raised hotpot. Zac & Darin stood just on the other side of the fence to the right.2021-09-12T11:51:22+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/01/18/my-best-souvenir-lava/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/74647-5ca91-weirdsouvenirslava.jpgWeird souvenirs: lavahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aebd6-4f384-meatholuhraun.jpgStanding on the fresh lava at Holuhraunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/eefc8-c0940-souvenirslava.jpgWeird souvenirs - lavahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3a9f9-18a4f-p1330513.jpgMy little piece of lava from Holuhraun featured pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b4119-26c50-p1330515.jpgMy little piece of lava from Holuhraunhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25dcc-272f9-p1330518.jpgMy little piece of lava from Holuhraun2021-09-12T11:45:03+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/04/19/weird-souvenirs-a-used-horseshoe/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/22f7b-9547e-horseshoe.jpgWeird souvenirs: a horseshoe title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15d1a-6d836-horseshoe4.jpgSouvenir displayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/513fc-6cf96-horseshoe3.jpgBent rusty horseshoe on displayhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/46eaa-6446c-horseshoe2.jpgRiding with Ishestarhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7030a-ca2fd-horseshoe1.jpgHorseshoes at the roadhouse2021-09-12T11:44:59+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/08/06/documenting-a-trip-what-to-take/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b347b-d205d-travel-scrapbooking-part-1.pngTravel scrapbooking: 10 things to take with you | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5933c-8deda-p106042542354781.jpgRoll of glue dotshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1b374-70813-p1060794.jpgHandmade scrapbook on the roadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7230e-7e91c-p1060792.jpgLuggage labels and sticky arrows and bannershttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5ee2d-41ebb-p1060793.jpgA single hole hole punchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0dbde-dd7e1-p1060791.jpgColoring pencils & charcoalhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/229bc-2ed6b-p1060789.jpgWashi tapehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d2ab-a8834-p1060787.jpgPlain white index cards in two sizeshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2288e-e2251-p1060786.jpgPad of watercolour postcards and tin of watercolour paints.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0d17-02bb5-p1060784.jpgOther scrapbooking pens2021-09-12T11:42:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/10/22/documenting-russia/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/129e4-77d09-russiabook.pngdocumenting Russia title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8435e-0166e-p1060018.jpgRussia scrapbook insidehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7edef-4b3de-p1060020.jpgRussia album coverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1f55c-881ca-p1060019.jpg8x8 postbound album ready for Russiahttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b975d-092af-p1060017.jpgAssorted Russia 2003 scrap2021-09-12T11:42:28+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/09/20/keeping-travel-memories-my-laugavegur-scrapbook/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fba13-659f8-laugscrapbook.jpgLaugavegur scrapbook title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5c018-3ca12-p1050505.jpgScrapbook on the road kit2021-09-12T11:42:25+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/03/05/meet-my-iceland-scrapbook/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c4cd4-ecee1-icelandscrapbook.jpgIceland scrapbook title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dfb00-9e0f6-p1010359.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8ca58-da7d1-p1010358.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3bbc4-09502-p1010357.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5adaa-d2a21-p1010356.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e5ed7-6dd65-p1010355.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa30e-42417-p1010354.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ee13e-f6a8f-p1010353.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d606f-7e2cb-p1010352.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ca051-159ad-p1010351.jpgInside my Iceland scrapbook2021-09-12T11:42:19+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/12/19/simple-travel-scrapbooking/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3025a-678e2-howtotravelscrapbook.jpgHow To... Travel Scrapbook header pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/464b5-6dbe7-scrapbook12.jpgTravel scrapbook inside back coverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15839-ef30a-scrapbook11.jpgDrink bottle label in travel scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ecb6c-d455a-scrapbook10.jpgMap stuck in travel scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a1d9e-0d38c-scrapbook9.jpgTicket stuck in travel scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3acaa-4f0a4-scrapbook8.jpgPhoto pages in travel scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b2e57-13a3d-scrapbook7.jpgPhoto pages in travel scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e7219-287b1-scrapbook6.jpgFull page photo in travel scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/184a3-bbf5a-scrapbook5.jpgInside front cover of travel scrapbookhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0d1d9-2e4fe-scrapbook4.jpgJournalling added to travel scrapbook2021-09-12T11:42:15+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/08/24/scrapbooking-on-the-road/2021-09-12T11:42:10+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/03/25/my-switzerland-scrapbook/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/99105-87cc0-p1120183-1.jpgP1120183Our good friend Athena and my postcard collectionhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01ecd-3cf87-p1120182-1.jpgP1120182Rigi - I love how the texture of the torn pages matches the misthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc226-73723-p1120181-1.jpgP1120181Kandersteg in the foghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/15351-7d085-p1120180-1.jpgP1120180The B&B at Les Verrieres where I stayed during my resitshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0e28c-e1f1f-p1120179-1.jpgP1120179Oberland and my transport pass for resitshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6bc5c-3b775-p1120178-1.jpgP1120178The Oberland - just pictures, no attempt at decoration this timehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5fb8e-d6c44-p1120177-1.jpgP1120177Bern and Zug, when I realised the end of the year was approaching and I hadn't done a page on themhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fa820-29ca1-p1120176-1.jpgP1120176Lugano with Angela's motherhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d8912-c0ae0-p1120175-1.jpgP1120175Basel Zoo and Swiss Caving Museumhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6d04f-219fd-p1120174-1.jpgP1120174Chur & Arosa2021-09-12T11:42:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/08/09/what-can-you-do-with-a-language-degree/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b35b3-bc53f-564654p654.jpgA page from the Norwegian translation of Harry PotterA page from the Norwegian translation of Harry Potter, where Hagrid introduces himselfhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/802fa-e2958-languagedegree.pngWhat to do with a language degree? | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fcf50-915a8-saturday-088.jpgMe and Jemma (from my year abroad) at our graduationMe and Jemma (from my year abroad) at our graduationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4bc44-e29fd-37881376105_3c913b1f67_k.jpgMe in Château-d'Œx during my year abroadMe in Château-d'Œx during my year abroadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9fa9-fa900-51319944120_a70b696ca1_k.jpgMy language book shelfMy language book shelf (tidied for the photo!) Degree stuff is at the back on the right (oh, and my very earliest French books).https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc406-5132b-38737893022_0797ee01c0_k.jpgMy language school in NeuchatelMy language school in Neuchatel2021-09-12T11:41:11+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/05/25/stay-at-home-storytelling-how-to-learn-languages/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d981c-53229-p1040758.jpgMy language books on my corner shelf.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd814-096ba-howtolearnlanguages.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: How to learn languages | iamapolarbear.com2021-09-12T11:41:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2020/05/07/stay-at-home-storytelling-what-its-like-to-be-a-language-student-in-the-uk/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a8fa9-2c46f-languagestudent.jpgStay At Home Storytelling: Life as a language student | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cc1cb-9cac1-49797846207_f4dfbb259a_k.jpgCornwallis North West, the language block at my universityhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/001e6-b71fb-26992271979_f98d3d983c_k.jpgMe with Wolfgang and Jemma on our year abroadhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/5aa0a-a2360-200020_9226340423_9098_n.jpgMe (bottom, fourth from left) with my caving club, 2007We were an equally glamorous lot in our own way...https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ef622-1fcf7-p1040193.jpgCollins French & Spanish dictionariesMy dictionaries: hand for scalehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd8ab-bf7b5-p1040192.jpgMy university French and Spanish books2021-09-12T11:40:53+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/12/03/i-am-learning-norwegian/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/258fb-760af-norwegian-1.pngnorwegian2021-09-12T11:40:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/04/26/swedish-chocolate-vs-swedish-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54abe-0b807-swedishchocolate.jpgSwedish chocolate taste test title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/62ed7-b7916-maraboumint.jpgMarabou mint crunchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a2867-5e51a-marabouorange.jpgMarabou orange crunchhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7394e-6c581-maraboupraline.jpgMarabou pralinehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/35ebc-5b0d8-maraboumilkchoc.jpgMarabou milk chocolate2021-09-12T11:39:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/11/07/swiss-chocolate-vs-russian-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/58b23-cbbaa-russianchocolate.jpgRussian chocolate vs Swiss chocolate | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/955b6-759fc-p1000235.jpgColour comparison of Alpen Gold, Rossiya, Lindt & Cailler chocolate(l-r) Alpen Gold, Rossiya, Lindt, Caillerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65455-6a7e2-p1000232.jpgLindt & Cailler: Chocolate colour comparisonLindt (top) and Cailler (bottom)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/88997-74a4a-p1000229.jpgAlpen Gold and Rossiya chocolate: chocolate colour comparisonAlpen Gold (left) and Rossiya (right)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9ab26-bd367-p1000221.jpgLindt and Cailler chocolate wrappersLindt (top) and Cailler (bottom)https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0ff7a-eae0d-p1000215.jpgRossiya and Alpen Gold chocolate in wrappers - Russian chocolate vs Swiss chocolateRoss2021-09-12T11:39:04+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/11/29/dutch-chocolate-vs-ukrainian-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7dbbd-34fce-dutchukrainianchocolate.pngDutch vs Ukrainian chocolate title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f28ac-2da84-p1070381.jpgTony's Chocolonely dark chocolatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/261bc-6dc16-p1070380.jpgTony's Chocolonely milk chocolatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6c0f1-b6676-p1070376.jpgRoshen milk chocolatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/25a60-bc4e4-p1070373.jpgTony's Chocolonely milk & dark chocolate packaginghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d2af4-3889d-p1070378.jpgКорона / Korona dark chocolatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1fa19-4fcb8-p1070374.jpgКорона / Korona dark & milk chocolate packaginghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d3163-0e0bf-p1070377.jpgКорона / Korona milk chocolatehttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9bf67-40b63-p1070375.jpgRoshen milk chocolate packaging2021-09-12T11:39:01+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/05/28/greek-chocolate-vs-swedish-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9bc0c-04175-greekvsswedishchocolate.jpgGreek chocolate vs Swedish chocolate title pichttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2fb1c-a75c7-lacta3.jpgLacta and Marabou milk chocolate pieces2021-09-12T11:38:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2017/01/31/swedish-vs-swiss-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fc3bb-7080b-ssc4.jpgssc4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/e0096-7755c-ssc3.jpgssc3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c51a7-bbe2b-ssc2.jpgssc2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bc68d-d6890-ssc1.jpgssc12021-09-12T11:38:45+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2015/05/29/estonian-chocolate/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/54c4a-cddf4-kalev2.jpgkalev2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/36f07-653b6-kalev1.jpgkalev12021-09-12T11:38:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/06/25/review-norse-mythology-by-neil-gaiman/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/6dcc6-21ee9-norsemythology.jpgNorse Mythology review title pic2021-09-12T11:29:09+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/01/24/the-a-z-of-iceland-b-for-bananas/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ac502-7637b-bananas.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: B for Bananas | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/7f647-f13f5-33749008871_6d702a8b3e_k.jpgIcelandic tomatoes for sale at DeildartunguhverIcelandic tomatoes for sale at Deildartunguhverhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d4617-a4f23-35460760633_ce2db73b89_k.jpgHveragerði greenhouses by nightThose really bright orange lights are Hveragerði's greenhouses by nighthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/82950-c44ba-35597633594_b170e0ed90_k.jpgHrauneyjafoss Hydropower StationBest photo I've got of Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Stationhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a442e-01da3-33036059484_d4aa3868c9_k.jpgHellisheiði geothermal power stationHellisheiði geothermal power station2021-09-12T11:27:00+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2021/09/13/travel-library-icebreaker-by-horatio-clare/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9506b-35ecd-icebreaker.pngTravel Lirbary: Icebreaker by Horatio Clare | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65a43-7ac93-p1160107.jpgInside pages of Icebreakerhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8a187-e53c4-p1160106.jpgIcebreaker by Horatio Clare2021-09-05T13:49:29+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/videos/2021-06-10T11:48:20+00:00weekly0.6https://iamapolarbear.com/2017/01/10/useful-travel-items-velvet-leggings/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/45e58-fe892-leggings.jpgleggingshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fd2ff-c5f06-leggings4.jpgleggings4https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ce501-66dc7-leggings3.jpgleggings3https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f3af8-d243c-leggings2.jpgleggings2https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/92595-cb6d1-leggings1.jpgleggings12021-05-19T15:52:48+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2016/07/09/plans-for-the-summer/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0c064-d1c5f-640px-fissure_eruption_in_holurhraun_iceland_13-_september_2014-1.jpg640px-Fissure_eruption_in_Holurhraun_(Iceland),_13._September_20142021-05-11T14:33:37+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2018/12/31/2018-in-review/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4af72-b29f3-2018review.png2018 in review title pic2021-02-05T12:03:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/04/18/the-a-z-of-iceland-h-is-for-hidden-people/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/a6e00-437a7-hiddenpeople.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: H for Hidden People | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4a0c1-be50f-33837115876_4468a7ad52_k.jpgElf boulder in GrindavikThis is not typical of the sort of rock the Hidden People live in2021-02-05T11:14:55+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/04/04/the-a-z-of-iceland-g-for-glaciers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/582d6-78e61-glaciers.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: G for glaciers | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/be1eb-799b1-36264484432_71e58806a9_k.jpgMýrdalsjökull glacierhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ff46b-13b98-34044163861_c38b7e4155_k.jpgIce hiking on MýrdalsjökullIce hiking on Mýrdalsjökullhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1a8a2-b87bb-33342249626_d7c8dc8d05_k.jpgVatnajökull from a planeThe great big dome of Vatnajökull appears from my plane window.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9e02c-3a9d5-33722031252_a44cc03e56_k.jpgCamping at Skaftafell in the shadow of Vatnajökullhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/65b65-24859-33253705111_e580d60ac9_k.jpgCrystal clear glacier iceThis is how very clear glacial ice is.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc2c4-bf55d-33254012501_9d789c6f23_k.jpgSkaftafellsjökull snout close upThis is what a glacier snout looks like close up. People for size context.https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/9fc07-1334e-33340892576_88328b61c3_k.jpgJökulsárlón glacier lagoonhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f8e07-dfe96-35625034403_9948ade228_k.jpgIce wall on Mýrdalsjökull glacierhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/f29c4-cb780-30128670828_63d652944d_k.jpgMýrdalsjökullMýrdalsjökull on a dramatically cloudy afternoon2021-01-31T18:40:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/04/29/travel-library-all-at-sea-by-tim-fitzhigham/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/28437-f0cd4-allatsea-1.jpgAll At Sea by Tim FitzHighamhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3adc1-f4b35-allatsea.jpgTravel Library: All At Sea by Tim FitzHigham | iamapolarbear.com2021-01-31T18:04:51+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/02/the-a-z-of-iceland-i-is-for-ice-sar/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dc704-7d0c9-ice-sar.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: I for ICE-SAR | iamapolarbear.com2021-01-31T17:54:31+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/16/the-a-z-of-iceland-j-for-jumpers/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/59133-22f7c-jumpers.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: J is for jumpers | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17392-c010f-26991270669_ac33444dcb_k.jpg66 North storm-wearApocalypse-proof Icelandic clothing also good for horseriding tripshttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dcb12-44254-33260455802_f6abf0174e_k.jpgIcelandic sheephttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2fbf5-ca088-41381172540_1520524b15_k.jpgMargreta lighting a fire while wearing a lopi2021-01-31T17:16:32+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/05/27/travel-library-long-way-down/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/edd8d-6f06c-lwd.pngTravel Library: Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman | iamapolarbear.com2021-01-31T16:47:52+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/13/the-a-z-of-iceland-l-for-leifur-eiriksson/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c9da2-f4eb1-leifur.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: L is for Leifur Eiriksson | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c73c1-02c06-36264909515_da6094aa01_k.jpgLeifur Eiriksson statue in Reykjavik2021-01-31T16:23:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/06/27/the-a-z-of-iceland-m-for-myths-monsters-magic/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/030c7-d70e7-a-z-m.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: M for Myths, Magic & Monsters | iamapolarbear.com2021-01-31T13:03:02+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/11/the-a-z-of-iceland-n-for-nobel-prizes/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/03cc0-22a11-nobel-prizes.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: N for Nobel Prizes | iamapolarbear.com2021-01-31T12:28:18+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.com/2019/07/25/the-a-z-of-iceland-o-for-olafur-tryggvason/https://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aea74-c1337-olafurtrygg.jpgThe A-Z of Iceland: O for Olafur Tryggvason | iamapolarbear.comhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/b949a-7ad99-33880399495_f29ca695c6_k.jpgDee Dee playing an early "converted" Vikinghttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cdaa8-8d241-33380591545_308ad51a4e_k.jpgThe warm lake at Laugarvatnhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/8cfc8-20e6d-33036398714_ef2c4163b2_k.jpgÞingvellir, Law-Rock just visible on the lefthttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/70e26-19a80-45548898192_16c0b8e465_k.jpgOlafur Tryggvason's statue in Trondheimhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/d63ee-7e37a-44684715635_ef590cbe69_k.jpgNidaros Cathedral, Trondheimhttps://iamapolarbear.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3be67-02f80-norwegian-kings.pngFamily tree of early Norwegian kings2021-01-31T12:05:13+00:00monthlyhttps://iamapolarbear.comdaily1.02026-03-29T11:12:14+00:00