Nearly pregnant?

Well until last September, I didn’t know there was such a thing as “nearly pregnant”

Then I went somewhere I had wanted to go for a long, long time: Alaska.

We were very lucky to see a female brown bear and her 3 cubs while in Haines – generally, they have 1 or 2.

Our guide explained that although the bear could have an embryo, it wouldn’t implant unless she had 80% body fat as she would need this to last through hibernation. Then she went on to explain about pregnancy and giving birth. Mama bear goes into hibernation and while sleeping, she gives birth. No pain just wakes up to find her cubs suckling!  

Basically, if there is reincarnation, I’m coming back as a bear – eat as much as possible, then hibernate and wake up with cubs.

One of my favourite memories is in Juneau where we looked around a salmon hatchery. These were set up by a fund that all fisherman pay into, so that the fishing industry is self-sufficient. We were stood outside, watching the salmon jumping up the stream, when 3 seals appeared. They were happily catching and eating the salmon that were just in front of them- it reminded me of a drive-through McDonalds.

I learnt a lot on my 2 weeks in Alaska but in a chilled way. The coach drivers, guides and staff were happy to explain anything we saw and answer any questions we had while we were travelling through this huge state.  The differences in the landscape from where we started in Fairbanks through to where we disembarked in Vancouver; the marine wildlife; the birds; the Alaskan people, both those who were born there and those who moved there.

For me, the reason I wanted to go to Alaska was to see the wildlife as well as the scenery. I had no idea how much we would see on the trip, it blew my mind.  And the bonus was how welcoming the people who lived and worked there are.

So if you want to know more about my amazing trip to Alaska or my help in planning your own, please call me on 0330 303 8408, or email me [email protected]

I’d love to share my knowledge and experience so you can have your perfect holiday.