Travels with Jon the Bear

Name: Travels with Jon the Bear
Address: Las Vegas, NV, US
Telephone: +1 702-378-5354

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Las Vegas, NV
Travels with Jon the Bear

Join Jon, the Forest Service Bear as he travels with his owner Cindy.

03/29/2026

After a game of trivia and lunch, we arrived at the island of Tristan da Cunha. My clothes from this morning were still wet but it worked out to put them back on because a swell as we were loading drenched me again. The landing in town was a challenge for me - thank goodness for strong helpers. I had signed up for a town walking tour but it didn't take long to figure out i didn't have the energy. Jon needed a drink so we headed to the pub. Then walked across town to the Visitor Center/Post Office. Even though it was Sunday, they were open - ships come rarely and they wanted to make every sale possible. Getting back into the zodiac and onto the ship again was extremely challenging for me. A hot shower felt so good!!

03/24/2026

We were so lucky - we lost the sun but no wind and no other ships scheduled so we could return to Grytviken. The original Jon introduced me to the Shackleton story over 30 years ago. He would have loved to be able to come here and toast "The Boss" with a special kind of whiskey. It was very emotional for me to finally be able to bring Jon the Bear here today in his stead. You'd think after 23 years I wouldn't still cry but miss him still to this day.

03/19/2026

We spent yesterday sailing all day following that big storm. Even if we had made it to the Falklands yesterday as scheduled, we would not have been able to make any landings. They had 50 mph winds and heavy rain.
We arrived in Stanley this morning to calm seas and sunshine. But by 10 am the fog moved in but luckily wind stayed calm until this afternoon. By that time I was back on the ship. Since I've been to Stanley several times, I took the Gypsy Cove hike. It was easy and I'll post camera photos of the birds I saw later at Wilson WEST Photography. After I got back to town I walked along the water front looking for birds. Looking forward to taking a shower where I'm not hanging on for dear life!

03/14/2026

Our 3 hour layover turned into a 6 hour layover. At first when it was only an hour I hadn't left the lounge yet so had a light supper. Good thing because now the dinner service on the plane won't start until midnight.
This why I always go a day early so I'm not panicking about missing my charter flight to the ship. And the positive - 3 less hours waiting to check into the hotel tomorrow morning 😀.

03/13/2026

Made it to Houston. Haven't flown United in a long time...that was one, really old airplane. Houston is a very large, spread out airport. By the time I got to the international terminal I was pooped. A cold beer was necessary! Was able to get into the United Polaris Lounge. It is very nice with a buffet, a full service restaurant, bar and showers.
I'll be interested to see if roller bags are allowed on the charter flight to the ship. Supposedly not so I have all my camera gear, laptop, etc. hanging on me. I'm only bringing 2 cameras and 2 lenses. Left my GoPro and my little Olympus pocket camera at home - so no underwater attempts. The cameras are small but it's all the accessories that add up. Luckily Jon's been on a diet so he could come along.

03/07/2026

Jon says he's bored with hanging around home. He's ready to go exploring and is ready with his penguin hat!

11/17/2025

Made a new friend today. Sunny but glad I have my fur coat on!

08/11/2025

The new Delta Lounge is right across from my departure gate to Lewiston so stopped in for a drink and dinner while I wait. Spooky says "why does that darn bear get to go and I have to stay home?"

07/19/2025

Had a lovely salad on the flight from Las Vegas to Seattle (got upgraded just before the flight) and will have dinner on the flight to Juneau (got upgraded 3 days ago so could choose my entre) so will just have a drink or two while we have a nearly 3 hour layover. Back to work!

06/23/2025

In 1970, I was at Penn Cove on Whidbey Island when seven young orcas were captured and sold to marine parks. I heard them crying as babies were taken from their mothers. Most died within a few years. But one, Tokitae, lived in horrible conditions for 53 years at the Miami Seaquarium. Plans were being made to bring her to a sea pen in the San Juan Islands where it was believed she could be reunited with her family – her mother and sister are still alive. Sadly, in August of 2023, she died. Her ashes were returned to the Salish Sea and this beautiful totem of Tokitae was placed in a park outside Friday Harbor. I was finally able to visit her today and say goodbye.
In 1980, Jon and I rented the entire Captain Whidbey Inn at Penn Cove on Whidbey Island for our rehearsal dinner and accommodations for the entire wedding party. Jon passed away in 2002. We had met while we were both working for the Forest Service. Several years ago, I found this little Forest Service bear and he has traveled with me all over the world. I always felt that the spirit of Jon was traveling with me through this little bear.
Today the spirit of Tokitae and the spirit of Jon were joined together. It was a very special and emotional moment for me.

05/24/2025

It was too nice a day to stay on the ship.

Address

Las Vegas, NV

Telephone

+1 702-378-5354

Website

http://www.WilsonWestPhotoAdventures.com/

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