Main Page - Itinerary and Price - Checklists - Environment - Expectations - General Information - Maps - Official Products - Participants - Study Guides - Transportation - Web Links
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| Page updated May 26, 2004 | |
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Main Page - Itinerary and Price - Checklists - Environment - Expectations - General Information - Maps - Official Products - Participants - Study Guides - Transportation - Web Links | |
General Information
Clothing
Bring warm clothing, lots of layers and rain gear. Though temperatures may even
reach the 70's it is more likely that we'll see snowy conditions (in particular
in Churchill). The wind off the ice on the Hudson Bay, can drop temperatures
well below freezing, so brings lots of warm protective clothing - gloves, hats,
extra socks.
Footwear - you will need waterproof boots to enjoy the tundra as well as Douglas
Marsh, where we'll search for Yellow Rail. Insulated boots will be a big help
or boots large enough to accommodate several pairs of socks. Above all, make
sure that the boots are at least 10-12 inches in height, as you will be walking
through puddles of icy water and possibly a little deeper water at Douglas Marsh.
This picture is of a birding
group headed for Douglas Marsh
This is a picture of a birding
group at Cape Merry - Churchill
Insects
Though we are not at the height of mosquito season, it will be wise to bring
protective clothing (i.e. head-nets) and insect repellent. Black Flies will
be around in the boreal forests.
Transportation
Transport will be by 15-passenger Van, using the back seat area for luggage.
The leaders will be your drivers. Adrian will pay for the van as well as the
petrel (gas) costs. We will divide up the costs once the charges have been billed
to him.
Meals
Meals are not included in the price. We will be stopping as convenient. Picnic
breakfasts and picnic lunches will be attempted whenever possible.
Polar Bears
No chance at this time of the year, consequently we are not restricted to peering
through the steel bars of a Tundra Buggy. If you should for any reason still
feel the need to be prudent in this wilderness, don't bring your favorite seal
oil cologne and do bring a few empty 16oz cans filled with several small stones
to use as a noisemaker.
Cooler
A cooler will not be available in the van. If space allows and we see the need
we will purchase one.
Baggage
Space is limited, especially as I am sure many will have scopes. Soft duffle
bags pack the best and don't forget everything that you need.
Optics
It goes without saying but a scope is highly recommended - you'll want to know
what a Northern Hawk Owl is thinking! We'll be scanning the mudflats, water,
prairies, tundra ……..
Passport or Birth Certificate
We are entering another country! You will need identification in the form or
either a Passport (best) or your original Birth Certificate. Bring along some
other form of photo ID.
Money
You will need money (cash) to purchase meals, snacks, beer and items of a personal
nature as well as to add to the travel kitty. We will be able to exchange $$
at the airport.
Travel Kitty
Wed will not have a travel kitty. The leaders will pay all costs and amount
due will be determined after the trip.
Motels
All motels (12 nights) have been reserved. You will be responsible for paying
for your room when you check in. Credit Cards are accepted.
Train
We have one night aboard the Great Northern Express traveling from Thompson
to Churchill. Each room will have a view of the stunning Canadian wilderness.
Adrian has received all our train tickets and will hold on to them for us.
Air
Flights to and from Philadelphia have been booked and individual tickets issued.
There will be 9 of us flying out of Philadelphia, Bob will be joining us enroute.
Rooming List
Adrian Binns & Colin Campbell
Bert Filemyr & Karl Lukens
Bill & Naomi Murphy
Frank Windfelder & Chris Walters
Erica Brendel &
Bob Krinsky
Thursday June 3
DAYS INN, Portage la Prairie (204) 857-9791
$90 Canadian
No laundry facilities, but
there is a Laundromat in town
Friday June 4 & Saturday
June 5
LAKEVIEW INN & SUITES,
Brandon (204) 728-1880
$91 Canadian. Breakfast included
in cost of room
Have laundry facilities
Sunday June 6
MELITA INN MOTOR HOTEL, Melita
(204) 522-3999
$54 Canadian
No laundry facilities, but
there is a Laundromat in town
Mon June 7, Tuesday June
8 & Wednesday June 9
MOOSWA RESORTS BUNGALOWS,
Wassagaming (866) 848-2533
$114 Canadian
There is a Laundromat
in town, but should that be closed you can use the laundry facilities at the
resort
Thursday June 10
THOMPSON COUNTRY INN &
SUITES, Thompson (204) 778-8879
$101 Canadian. Breakfast
included in cost of room
Have laundry facilities
Friday June 11
Overnight on the train
Saturday June 12, Sunday
June 13, Monday June 14 & Tuesday June 15
TUNDRA INN, Churchill (800)
265-8563
$108 Canadian
Have laundry facilities