Back in June of this year I went to Svalbard in search of Polar bears. I saw “one” and it was a great distance away. Even though I realized that there are never any guarantees with wildlife photography, I still felt very disappointed. There was a group of us, and we all waited literally 3 years (Covid issues). However, in reality for me, it was more like 10 years of patiently waiting for my time to go to Svalbard and see and photograph Polar bears. I had thoughts of a black cloud over my head. I also felt like in some way it was my fault. I started getting waves of sadness. I worked my way out of that funk, but the black cloud theory loomed over head.
Now, back on track I went to Alaska and my dreams of visiting St. Paul Island in the Alaskan Pribilofs had been squashed! Oh no, not again…Letting things work out for the best and going with the flow worked out well in Alaska. I ended up having a good time and capturing some sweet images.
But all of this has had me thinking. I starting thinking back on my photo career and I have almost never gotten skunked on a trip. The one thing all of this disappointment has taught me is that I am ok. I will go on… with or without the Polar bears sightings. I will live through not landing on St. Paul Island. Why, because it is all part of the adventure. I think Amelia Earhart’s quote “Adventure is worthwhile in itself” has served me well, and acts as a mantra for me when I feel like things are not going as planned. Throw out the plans and make adjustments. Isn’t that what life is, a series of adjustments.
Looking forward, I will revisit St. Paul next year for another chance—come what may. I am ready for it! I am also getting ready for Africa. I am not sure why this trip seems so important, but I am super excited to get back to the Mara. I feel like I am in need of the peaceful feeling I get when I am looking out over the savannah in search of life. But whatever happens, I will be prepared and I will be grateful for the adventure itself.
