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The Teddies have arrived home safely after a smooth crossing. No need for the sickness pill they took.




Thursday 10th July   Ulvik
Ulvik, I hear you say, Ulvik..........they are supposed to be in Bergen! That's what I thought too. But, last night G checked the ferry time for tomorrow and found that it doesn't sail until Saturday according to our paperwork. I checked it very carefully but that is what it says. A text to Teddy Communications back home generated a 'phone call to DFDS Seaways to check, and, yes, the boat sails Saturday! Honestly, I'm daft to have left a couple of humans in charge of these important arrangements. I'm fairly sure what has happened. The original booking did say Friday and that is why so many arrangements were fixed around that date. Then, I do remember getting new paperwork from DFDS with a new sailing time. What these two failed to notice was that not only had the time changed but the date had too. It's just as well it was sailing a day later not a day earlier! Humans.....honestly! Thankfully a couple of texts have sorted out a 'doggy sitter' for my good friend Smudge. G & H are very grateful to all their good friends for sorting them out.....again!
We have had a quiet drive down the fjord area to this new site which is nearer to Bergen. I think they are trying to make us feel a bit better by taking us for a picnic in the hot sunshine. I think all this heat and sun is getting to their brains. Still, from what I hear that'll get cured when they return home!
Another thing I'm not too pleased about is that Nebby has smuggled his girlfriend into the van. Her name is Nelly and he says she's so beautiful he can't possibly live without her. She's not my idea of beautiful. If you ask me you can't get better looking than Hyacynth....now she's a bear to take home.........and she livens up any party as I seem to remember.
Well, I'd better go as G & H are threatening to sort out the school bears tonight so that they can drop them at the hospice on Sunday ready for fundraising to return them to the schools next week. Somebear responsible had better supervise.
See you a little later than planned
Love to all
Barnaby Bear



Wednesday 9th July     Auland (again)
Yes, we've been out for the day and come back to the same site again. For most of this morning we have been parked in a carpark in Flam which is very famous for its mountain railway. G went on the railway while H & us Teds had some P & Q (G's quite noisy when he gets going you know!)
As you can see from today's picture we have been reading. Actually, some of the bears are still learning to read (they're very young) so Milan has been reading to us. It's a very good book.
Notes from the Professor
After lunch we went for a drive up a nearby mountain to a stunning viewing platform. The road was steep and narrow with passing places. Going up was quite tricky at times, particularly when we met a coach coming down! G reversed as far as he could without reversing round the hairpin but as the coach still couldn't get past the coach had to reverse back up the hill. To be honest, it's a good job G drives this van. I don't think H would even tackle some of these roads in her Polo........we've driven with her, we know her limitations! (Editor's note: cheeky bears......they can walk next time they ask for a lift round town! H) 
I forgot to say last night when I invited you all to the presentation at Northland on August 9th at 3.00pm that this will be an opportunity to collect your bears. By then their certificates will be ready too. If you can't collect them then please contact H after we return and she can make other arrangements. There's no hurry as we bears are all getting along well together and will be very sorry to be separated from each other. Humans could learn a lot from the friendships of Teddy Bears. There has hardly been a squabble at all in 4 weeks.....although I think there may be a few arguements about the hats!
Tomorrow we drive to Bergen ready to sail on Friday morning. G & H are looking forward to going home....us bears are ready to go round again (except for poor Brian in the cheap seat who is looking a bit worse for wear!)
See you all soon
Barnaby Bear
ps ......school bears will be returned by the hospice next week.



Tuesday 8th July       Auland
Still in the fjord area. We have crossed the high mountain pass called the Vikafjell today and we bears had a great time playing in the snow while G took lots of photos for an idea H has for this year's Christmas musical (does she never rest!). These photos will be kept until Christmas.......I'm getting excited already and it's only July!
At the site we stayed last night quite a few of the other campers were obviously there on a fishing holiday. They spent quite a while last night cleaning fish and ages this morning getting their tackle etc ready. We've been fishing too today and G & H had some lovely looking salmon for tea. They caught it from the freezer compartment at the Spar. It seemed to us all a much simpler way.
Notes from The Professor
This area we are in now is stunningly beautiful with high mountain passes and deep fjords..........but lots of tourists. I think it's not just Barnaby who is an Arctic bear at heart. We have seen more wildlife today. Hamish and Rosebud were very excited to spot a moose when they were out on their walk. By the way, they are getting very friendly. We have had quite a few delays with roadworks over the last couple of days. Because of the severe winter weather conditions the roads deteriorate in winter and of course no repairs or changes can be done easily during that period. So even though this is the height of the tourist season repairs, tunnel building etc is going on. Barnaby has some good photos and some funny tales to tell.
Yes, that's right. I've been collecting lots of pictures and Arctic Tales and would like invite you all to my first presentation on
SATURDAY 9th AUGUST 3.00pm at NORTHLAND METHODIST CHURCH
'Bears raising funds - a picnic in The Arctic'
This is a free talk with a buffet tea. BUT there will be a retiring freewill offering towards our Teddies To The Arctic Campaign for St Teresa's Hospice. The fundraising is going very well.........but we've still go £2000.00 to go to reach our £30,000.00 target.
Love to you all
Barnaby Bear




Monday 7th July     Balestrand
Hello Teddy Lovers
We are still pottering round the fjord area and have discoverd some wonderful mountain passes G & H have never travelled before. The scenery was wonderful. Isobel & Monty (our newly weds) enjoyed a quiet moment together (I'm not sure which peeping Ted took the photo). They do look happy together don't they? I'm not sure whether we might have another romance blossoming amongst the bears. I've told them it's not spring........but with all the lambs we've seem today I think everybear thinks it is spring. I wonder how Milan would feel about another Teddy wedding....we'll have to wait and see if romance blossoms or whether the couple in question are just good friends.
After I sent the blog last night and went off to top up my tan the most amazing thing happened to the weather. I think I mentioned that we were camped under the shadow of the icefield (which was high up on the mountains above us). Well, a storm suddenly came off the icefield, the wind was very strong and cold and the rain was heavy. It was amazing and really spectacular to witness ('though it didn't help my tan). Then at 11.00pm the sun came out again & H was out of bed taking photos (not a very dignified sight!)
Another lovely thing about last night's site was that there was an English family camping (proper camping, not the camping for wimps that G & H do).
They came from Derby, but the Mum used to live in Darlington and went to the same school as H. They had stopped in Darlington on their way to Norway because the Mum's Mum still lives there. In fact she used to be one of the magificent army of volunteers who are the backbone of St Teresa's Hospice! These folk are only the fourth set of English folk G & H have met since arriving in Norway. What a coincidence.
Notes from The Professor
It is still warm and sunny. We have seen quite a few lambs and goats today. Tonight we are camped on the edge of a fjord (again). Barnaby & I haven't told the lady bears but we think we've seen either a water vole or a rat by the water's edge. Brian (in the cheap seat) is on lookout duty and will shout if it comes near the van. We are not concerned, but we are all pleased we do camping for wimps!
As the Prof says........not a word to the ladies please Teddy Lovers. We trust Brian to do a good job (better than Jazz did with the mosquitos!)
That's all for now
Love to all
Barnaby Bear




Sunday 6th July   Olden
Again not on your maps folks but still in the fjord area under the shadow of the icefield. Just up the road is one of the major glaciers. This country continues to be amazing..........and so hot and sunny! Sorry to rub it in. I understand it's a bit wet and miserable in Darlington. Actually, your climate may suit your bears better than the weather here. So many of you wrapped them up snuggly for the Arctic conditions, I'm afraid they're all getting a bit hot here. Still, those who didn't have their hat well secured are pleased now...though I can see I'm going to have a hard task on my hands when we get home matching bears with hats!
Notes from The Profesor
We came the long way round to get to Olden taking a detour over an old road over the Strynefjellet (now by passed by a tunnel). This is a very high mountain pass. We climbed from sea level to a height of 3500ft (approx 1000m). There was a lot of hard packed snow still left over from winter. Some of the lakes were still frozen over and to make it even better it was warm and sunny (ooops....that's rubbing it in, Barnaby has just told me the weather isn't too good where you are!)
As you can see from today's picture Yogi, Ali Bear and Bernard went out to build a snowman. They have solved the problem of us feeling watched. We have gained a new stowaway....one who wants to stowaway in the other direction and come on an adventure to England. He is Troll (one of the 'little people' who live in Noway) and he says his name is Percival Nebucanezar, or 'Nebby' for short. If you look carefully at the last few pictures he's been hiding in the background. He's very friendly....so I guess we'll help him smuggle his way back into England.
Well, that's all for today.....I'm off to top up my tan!!
Love to all
Barnaby Bear



Saturday 5th July    Geiranger  (probably Norway's most popular fjord)
Today has been dominated by mountains. When H came back from the shower this morning she announced it must be the shower with the best view in the world. And then gues what..........she carted me off to have a look and have my picture taken with the view from the shower window. She's getting far too excitable. I think the sun might be getting to her. When I had my picture taken I had a strange sense of not being alone. Can anyone spot why I might feel like that? A few of the bears have said similar things but we still haven't got to the bottom of it.
My thoughts have been very much in Darlington today. There has been a very special wedding blessing taking place for Craig and Hiroko who were married in Japan last year. Hiroko's family have travelled over from Japan especially for today. I wish I could have been there. I was at the wedding last year and I had a very smart outfit. Do you know, my outfit was so special the groom's father went out and got one the same. I was very honoured. I had a wonderful time meeting the Japanese, they made me feel very special (which I know I am....not that I want to appear too big headed....but not many bears get to go to Japanese weddings or lead a trip to The Arctic!) I wish Craig and Hiroko continued great joy.
Notes from The Professor
We have travelled through some very spectacular scenery today. Through mountain passes and over the tops of mountains. We went up the famous Trollstig Pass with it's 13 hairpin bends. I think Barnaby has taken some good photos of it.
We're all getting a little concerned about G. He has been spotted sneaking out of the van to take photos without bears on them! We are wondering about his dedication to this project!
Well that's all for today.
Bye for now
Barnaby & The Teds




Friday 4th July  Sunndalsora
Yet another place which is not on your map. If you go down the red line from Trondheim (about 2cm) then go northwest to the coast, that's approximately where we are. We will be spending the next 6 days generally working our way back to Bergen along roads south of here which are not on your map. It is known as the fjord area of Norway and is probably the most popular holiday destination for those visiting Norway. I've been to this area twice before, so I'll try to act as a tour guide for the other bears. It's nice showing off places you know.
As you can see from today's picture both Teddybjorn and The Professor are feeling much better. The Prof says he feels quite bad about laughing at Teddybjorn's sunburn yesterday so he has apologised and bought us all some lovely strawberies for tea (I'm not quite sure about our first course though!) There are lots of strawberries for sale by the roadside here. They were grown in Norway and have been sent up from the south of the country. They do grow strawberries in the north but they are still green at the moment. You'll have to take my word for it....these strawberries are delicious!
Notes from The Professor
It has again been very hot here today. It is hard to believe we are only about 350 miles south of The Arctic Circle. The area around Trondheim is very fertile and there are lots of crops growing. There is obviously some other forms of farming as we came round the corner on the E6 (most major road in Norway) to find a cow wandering in the middle of the road. It wasn't the serious problem it would probably have been in the UK as G & H have commented that the standard of driving is much better over here and folk keep their distance and are much more curteous.
The bears have still been complaining that they feel as though they are being watched. I must say I had the same feeling when I was outside with Teddybjorn and The Professor but I didn't see anything. Have any of you spotted anything wrong? Do send me an email or a text if you can help.
Have a good weekend
Love to all
Barnaby Bear




Thursday 3rd July      Steinkjer (about an inch north of Asen)
We have travelled down route 17 (amazingly beautiful) and we're back at Steinkjer where we stayed over a fortnight ago. Today has been dominated by the sun! I peeked out at about 2.30am and it was shining full on the van. Well, you can imagine, by the time G & H stirred themselves at 8.00am we had all been cooking in this greenhouse for nearly 6 hours! It was so hot and stuffy......no wonder she had a headache.......I thought this was supposed to be an Arctic holiday!
The sun has never stopped shining and the temperature has reached 30 dgrees C. H is complaining she'll run out of T-shirts if this continues. She is so disorganised. It's clear she was never a boy scout. Firstly she had to buy a scarf because she was cold, now she's talking about buying T-shirts because she's too hot! As you will gather from today's photos the sun has caused us bears some problems. When the Factor 40 came round Teddybjorn said he didn't need it because he was born in this beautiful country and it would just be us visiting bears who might get sunburnt.How wrong he was. As you can see Doctor & Nurse Bear had to sort him out. Then we had our second calamity of the day. The Professor laughed at Teddybjorn so much he split his seam! Serves him right. That wasn't very kind. He has been patched up for now, but I think he'll need some expert medical attention from Jacqui when he gets home. He's feeling sorry for himself and isn't sending any notes tonight.
It is 7.30pm, we're parked up under the shade of a tree and it's still 29 degrees! I don't think she'll want her hot water bottles tonight.
The disorganisation continues as they haven't a clue where they are going next. 'Free spirits' they call themselves.......whatever that's supposed to mean!
The bears are still muttering about being watched. I don't know what they're talking about. Do you? Email me and let me know if you have any ideas.
Love to you all
Barnaby Bear




Wednesday July 2nd     Bronnysund
We are now going down a very special road called route 17. It isn't on your map, but it runs between the red road and the coast more or less from just south of Mo-i-Rana to just north of Asen. It has lots of mountains and ferries across fjords. It's beautiful.
Everyone is very tired in here today as yet again G & H were late to bed (keeping the rest of us awake!) because they couldn't stop staring at the sun on the fjord at the campsite last night. Then this morning they got all excited when they were having breakfast because there were two dolphins swimming in the fjord. They are so excitable those two. Why can't they be level headed like your average Teddy Bear!
Notes from The Professor
We have been through a lot of tunnels today on the road leading to route 17. It was a very special experience as the area seemed to be having a power cut and the lights in the tunnels were out! Spooky! We have the headlights on the van of course but they have some deflectors fitted for driving on the right hand side of the road, so they aren't as bright as they would be in the UK.
It has been hot and sunny again today. I think Brian (in the cheap seat) will be getting quite a tan!
As you can see from today's picture Dumpling has lost quite a lot of weight. To see how much, just compare this picture with the one on the 'bears raising funds' page of this website. She says she is very grateful to Jacqui who was a great help in her weight loss! She has become good friends with Wanda our little swimmer. Wanda quite fancies having a swim in one of the fjords if the weather stays warm. When the two of them were chatting last night they again mentioned to me that they feels as though they were being watched. I'm not sure whether it might just be their imagination.
Well, hopefully we are all having an early night tonight so I'm off now
Love to all
Barnaby Bear




Tuesday 1st July       Mo-i-Rana
Geoff & The Professor were out late watching the maelstrom. They got some good pictures and video which will hopefully transfer into the powerpoint for the presentations. To be honest, I'm a little envious of The Professor. He gets to go lots of places the rest of us don't because he's small and will fit into G's pocket easily.
We are now just south of The Arctic Circle heading onto the wonderful route 17. G & H are quite sad to have left the north....I don't know why as it has chucked it down all day and The Prof and Wuffles got a good soaking posing for photos (they're not sad to be leaving).
I've finished my interrogation of Paul and I'm quite satisfied he was left in the 'hayloft' in a genuine error. He hopes his new family (who don't know he is coming yet) are looking forward to greeting him. He has been led to understand that they have guests from afar coming this week for a very special occasion on Saturday.....but he feels sure they will have time to organise a 'welcome to our family' party for him (he's not really a demanding bear....I think he's just a bit starved of love!)
Notes from The Professor
I had to sit out in the rain at The Arctic Circle and I'm a bit concerned I'm getting a chill. However, I have summoned up enough strength to organise this photo of 'Betsy', the demented Sat Nav just to prove the Arctic Circle is in the right place!
Well, That's it for another day. I think I've got another problem to solve now (it's not easy being the leader of an expedition this size). Some of the bears feel as though they're being watched. I'm certain it's not by tourists of other nationalities. As you know they think coming on holiday with 135 Teddy Bears is normal English behaviour! I'll let you know how I get on.
Love to all
Barnaby Bear




Monday 30th June        Saltstraum    (near Fauske)
Hi everyone,
If you look on your maps and go into the sea just west of Fauske, that's approximately where we are. We are actually at the site of what we believe to be the strongest maelstrom in the world. Now remember, I'm just a teddy so I may not have my facts exactly right, but a maelstrom (I'm not even sure if I've spelt that correctly) is a tidal whirlpool. It will be at it's strongest at 9.45pm and G is going down to see it (it's too far for H to walk!) He's taking The Professor so hopefully there will be some good photos for the presentations.
Last night was interesting. Wuffles (who is turning out to be quite an excitable little bear....though still quite shy) stayed up most of the night looking out of the windscreen over the view in today's picture. He kept sighing and keeping us awake. Eventually he made so much noise H woke up. Once she had seen the sky she woke G up. He was so excited by the beautiful colours the sun was making he went outside to take photos! As if that wasn't enough disruption to a bear's sleep H insisted I went out with him to pose for some photos. Honestly, it's embarrassing! They're like kids! It was 1.30am and there were terrible midges! I'm not speaking to them today!  
There is definitely no discipline in bear land. I have discovered another stow away. I've questioned him very carefully and he tells me his name is Paul and he hid away in 'the hayloft' (above the cab) when we all went to Killhope Mine for a 'Teddies to The Mine' day. He says he is looking for a new home and the other bears have suggested just the right one. He is keen to go there as a thank you for a kindness given over two other bears early on in our fundraising. He is insisting his photo goes on the web so after I've finished interrogating him I'll post his picture and see if the family he wants to go and live with can guess where he's coming.
Notes from The Professor
Back in tunnel land. Been through about 7 today. Some very long.
It has been hot and sunny. H is in a t-shirt! It's 23 degrees C.
Well, that's it for now.
Take care everyone
Love
Barnaby Bear



Sunday 29 June 2008
Two inches North of Fauske.
The Professor's plan didn't work well last night. The mosquito dive bombed but Jazz failed to blow his trumpet. I think he was sleeping on the job. Actually, Jazz is causing a little unrest amongst us bears as he has the best seat - on the dashboard (because Mike helped him raise the most money) but he doesn't seem to appreciate it as he is spending a lot of the time asleep. Wuffles has joined him to try and keep him sitting up but he just keeps pulling Wuffles over too!
The lay-by in Sweden turned out to be a wonderful place to stay and there was bright sunshine all night. Mind you, we did have a bit of trouble sleeping as H kept lifting the blinds to marvel at the magnicificant view. G and H slept in this morning but a few of us Methodist Bears got up to have a bit of hymn singing practice since it is Sunday. Wuffles joined us, but didn't quite grasp what was going on. He piped up with his own particular rendition of 'The hills are alive with the sound of music!'
We are parked tonight on the edge of a fjord with a stunning view of the magnificent Lofoten Islands. It is 9.00 pm and the sun is still shining brightly. I'm definitely an Arctic bear.
Love to all
Barnaby bear



Sat 28 June. A lay-by in Sweden.
We have changed our intended route and are heading roughly in a straight line North West from the top on the Gulf of Bothnia through Sweden back into Arctic Norway. Our planned campsite was full, so we are parked up along with about 6 other Mobile Homes doing what is called 'wild camping'.
Really it's camping for wimps but G and H like to kid themselves they are camping. Last night we were on a site which had a few mosquitoes. As you already know H isn't very keen and they both went to great lengths to rid the 'van' of them before bedtime. We bears all had quite a giggle when one lone mosquito dive bombed them both and woke them up.
Notes from the professor
Jazz and I have come up with a cunning plan for G and H to get a good night's sleep. If we see a 'mozzy', Jazz is going to blow his Trumpet and I am going to squirt it (the 'mozzy') with the special spray H bought in a supermarket. The only flaw I can see in this plan is that all the words on the spray are in Finnish and no-one is really sure what the spray is for. However it does smell nice!
Well that's all from our little sunny lay-by in Arctic Sweden.
Love to you all
Barnaby Bear.



Fri 27th June -  just east of Lulea.
Went to Santa village at Roveneimi on the Finnish Arctic Circle. All the bears were very excited but only Wuffles, The Professor, Jazz, Little Ted and myself went for a look round. We all expected it to be quite tacky but actually it was much more tasteful than expected. If you want to know what we got up to you'll have to come and see the Northland Christmas musical in December. We are all sworn to secrecy.
Notes from The Professor.
WOW........Santa. Can hardly wait until Christmas!. Do you like this picture of me on one of Santa's old sleighs.
We are having a change of route, if you draw a line on your maps across Sweden in a North Westerly direction we are going straight up that line back to Arctic Norway. I'm a bear born for wild Norway. It has got in my blood and I want to spend more time there before we come home.
Love to you all
Barnaby Bear



Thursday 26th June    Rovaniemi
Hi Bear Lovers - we are here in Finland at the home of Santa Claus. Actually, he lives in his own village about 7km north of here on The Arctic Circle. We will go and see him in the morning. A few of the bears are getting quite excited. In particular, Little Ted from Bowes Hutchinson School is excited as he will visit visit Santa as their school prize for being the school which has raised the most average per child for St Teresa's Hospice. Well done to you all.
We had an early set off this morning and drove down through Finland. It wasn't particularly interesting -lots of trees. The speed limit is higher here so we made good time. We are thinking of changing our planned route back since we are making such good time......but I'll let you know as we go along.
It was a bit noisy in here last night. G & H spent quite a while sorting bears for photos. Your bear should appear at sometime if it hasn't already. I must say there was a bit of pushing and shoving and poor G & H were quite tired by the end of it all - particularly as G had to fight with the backbox and the mosquitos to get everyone to bed. Then, to cap it off Hyacinth had a party with a few friends. She said she felt a bit left out because Liz and the 'Girls' were having a fundraising party back in UK. As you can see from the picture she's a fun loving bear! Monty & Isobel had a good time even though Monty was under the watchful eye of his chronologically blessed mother-in-law.
Notes from The Professor
We have driven 2180 miles since leaving Darlington. The temp today has been about 14 degrees c and we have seen lots of mosquitoes as Finland has lots of trees and water. We also saw a Moose and a stoat with a mouse in its mouth. Finland is 1 hour ahead of Norway and two ahead of Uk - confused.....just think how confusing it is for a Teddy Bear!
Well teddy lovers. You can have a break from blog for the weekend as teddy communications will be a bit difficult until Monday. On Monday however, you'll be able to catch up with a bumper edition from now until after the weekend. During this quiet period we will still be receiving and replying to emails....so keep them coming.
Love to you all
Barnaby Bear  
ps...all the Methodist Bears send their love to Debs Robinson who is being ordained on Sunday.




Wednesday June 25th    Kautokeino
They had another lie in today and what they have called a lazy day. We haven't travelled all that far but are now heading for the border of Finland. The scenery has changed a lot. It's a bit 'wild west', flat with lots of trees and very little of interest.
Here at Kautokeino there is a famous silver/jewelry workshop......very individual handcrafted pieces. They've been spending money again!
There was great excitement (over excitement....like two kids - honestly - they're not even as dignified as a Teddy Bear) because the piece in the paper made the front page and a double centre page spread. The Methodist Bears are famous!
I've got to the bottom of the giggling and I must say I'm not too pleased. We have a stowaway! His name is Nathan. He says he was adopted by Bryan because he was ugly (likely story) and somehow he found his way to the van via Jacqui's handbag (better check your handbag Jacqui in case there are any other unsuccessful stowaways lurking in there!). He claims he managed to go to the picnic. Can you spot him on the picture.......I think he's wearing a hat for disguise......cheeky little bear!
Heather is very distracted this evening as there are mosquitos on site and some have got in the van.........she's wimp! Geoff has got out the 'mozzy candles' so hopefully she'll calm down shortly!
I think we're going on a bear hunt tonight. Before the picnic everyone was arranged in an orderly fashion and there was system and order. Not any more. It tried to rain at the end of the picnic and everyone dived into the nearest bag for cover! So much for order in the ranks!
Hope you are all well.
Love to all
Barnaby Bear




Tuesday 24th June   Alta
Life is so exciting I hardly know where to start. I realised after I'd finished last night (H rushed me as they were going out) that I intended to try and get the sympathy vote because we had to sit around having a picnic in the cold fog, and I intended to remind anyone who hasn't sponsored us on this trip that it isn't a fun holiday, but a serious fundraising effort for St Teresa's Hospice and you can still donate online using the link on this site or send a cheque to the hospice marked 'teddies' of just put a donation aside until we return. As you'll have seen by the homepage you have all donated a very generous £27,500.00 so far but we would still like to make it £30,000.00....right, that's the begging bit over.
A few of us bears went in to join with Leif and his family at their midsummer celebrations. We had a wonderful evening of laughter and fellowship and sharing their traditional meal. It was very unlike anything we've had before but was nice and we'll tell you all about it at our presentation talks (the first on Sat 9th Aug at 3.00pm at Northland)
We stayed with the Hansens until about 11.30pm when we returned to the campsite. The picture of the midnight sun was taken at midnight...honestly. Ivor can vouch for that as we texted him at midnight (11.00pm in England.........sorry if you were asleep Ivor). The experience was too special to describe here.......so do come along to our talks.
This morning the Methodist bears went down to the church to meet up with Leif and have their pictures taken. Most people just ignored us again (after all they think this is normal English behaviour!) but we were spotted by a lovely journalist called Alan who spent a long time with us interviewing us and taking photos. We'll be in tomorrow's paper (distributed over an area approx the size of Co Durham and North Yorkshire) so by the time we leave this campsite thousands of people we think riding around with Teddy Bears is normal English behaviour!
Notes from The Professor
No tunnels today and very little to add except to say that although 'your teddy will be safe wiuth us' his wooly hat probably won't be, unless it was safely secured. Don't worry though, no-one will be getting cold as the temp at present is around 16 degrees c.
I'm still not sure what all the bears are giggling and whispering about but I'm determined to find out tonight.....so log on tomorrow to see if I've solved the mystery.
Take care,
Barnaby Bear




Monday 23rd June    Hammerfest
What an exciting day this is turning out to be. As you will see from the pictures the weather didn't improve much overnight. It remained very foggy all the time we were at Nordkapp. However, G & H actually rather liked it because it gave our picnic a very mysterious air. It was dry but cold. Most people just ignored us........perhaps they thought this was normal behaviour for the English!! Certainly someone recently described H as a 'good old English eccentric' - a rather nice compliment don't you think? We have to live with her....we could tell some tales!
Talking of tales there is still a lot of giggling and whispering among the other bears. I feel as though there is something I should know, but I haven't got to the bottom of it yet!
Notes from The Professor
We received a text from Ivor when we were in the midle of a 4km tunnel. So, just for daft we texted back from under the sea halfway along a 7km tunnel. Why do we struggle for a signal from the kitchen at home sometimes? Although I'm The Professor I'm still a Teddy Bear and perhaps I'm missing something!
It is midsummer night here and G & H have just had a 'phone call from Pastor Leif. He is back from Stavanger and his family are joining him for a midsummer meal and celebrations. We are 'most heartily welcome to join them'. I wonder which of us bears will get to go. It should be me as I'm leader....but The Prof seems to be going on a few excursions lately (I think that's because he's small!)
Must go as we're expected at the party in 15 mins. I'll keep trying to find out about this giggling.
Love to all
Barnaby Bear



Sunday 22nd June     Nordkapp
We're here at North Cape (or Nordkapp as they say over here). It is cold, wet and very foggy. All my teddy friends are having a mutiny and refusing to sit outside for their picnic! Since I don't really want to travel back with 130 soggy friends I think I'm in agreeement with them. We will wait until the morning. If the weather has improved we will hold the picnic outside as planned, if not we will all sit in the van and share our sandwiches!
We have had a good day generally. The church service had been cancelled beacause Pastor Leif and everyone else qualified to take the service is at The Norwegian Methodist Conference 1000 miles away in Stavanger. We tried to see Ingrid (Mrs Leif) but she was out. However we did catch Irene at home (a very dear old lady we met last time we were here). The weather in Hammerfest was quite bad and Irene told us it is often good at Nordkapp when it's bad at Hammerfest. So we came. Actually it was good most of the way here, quite sunny at times, but has changed quite dramatically now.
Notes from The Professor
6 tunnels - the longest 7km and under the sea....full mobile signal all the way. Maybe we should try sending the photos when we are in the tunnel as we don't seem to be having much success otherwise lately!!
Seen lots of reindeer with their calves....very sweet!
If today's picture ever arrives you will see just how sunny it has been on the ride up here. Arne-Helge (the bear in the pic) is very proud of his homeland.
Off to help Geoff with the washing up..........a taste of his life to come!!!!!
Love to all
Barnaby Bear


Teddie Communications regrets that there are no pictures with this Blog due to a technical problem. We are working night and day to resolve it.
 
 
Saturday 21st June - Hammerfest
These two are just unpredictable! Yesterday they slept in and today they were up and about at 5.15am - waking the rest of us! It was a bright sunny morning so they decided to set off early on the 240 mile trip to Hammerfest. They had remembered the road from Skibotn to Alta as being one of the most beautiful drives they had ever had. The scenery certainly didn't disappoint, but the weather has been very wet for a lot of the day. Poor Brian on the back has had a good soaking today..........serves him right for having a cheap seat!
We have a a quick drive down to the Methodist Church to check the time of the service in the morning....and there isn't one!!! If our Norwegian is correct Pastor Leif is away until Monday. It looks like G & H will be having a change of plan and going up to North Cape on Monday and coming back here on Tuesday in the hope of seeing him then. Tomorrow I think the plan is to drive to his house in the hope of seeing Ingrid (his wife) and also trying to find the house of a lovely old lady they met last time. Life is so much less complicated being a Teddy Bear....you just go where you're taken.
Todays picture shows me sitting on a snow plough.....I was hoping to send one of the wonderful scenery but it was a bit overcast
Notes from The Professor
Only 4 tunnels but one which was 3.2km.long had a full mobile signal all the way through.
We've seen a few reindeer including a mother and baby. I think I forgot to tell you we saw dolphin one of the fjords the other day.
Temp today a little cooler but still in the low teens....not bad considering we are 600 miles inside The Arctic Circle.
Hammerfest has two webcams you can access via the links on this site. The best one is Hammerfest Torget (town centre)
Well, that's it for now. Do keep your emails coming.........no-one up here speaks much English and it's good to hear from home.
I think something is afoot in bear land. There seems to be a lot of stiffled giggles from some of these bears.......I'll see if I can find out what that's all about and let you know.
Love to you all
Barnaby Bear



Friday 20th June - Skibotn   (about one and a half inches before Alta)
We had a late start as Heather & Geoff slept in. We tried shouting at them but they seemed deaf to our calls! After a late start we got held up at a ferry for an hour. However we've made up for lost time and reached our planned destination. We will hopefully get to Hammerfest tomorrow as G & H want to go to the Methodist Church on Sunday (which is where they played the flute duet two years ago). I don't know if they realise they won't understand a word of what is going on.....but then I think their sanity is slipping a little lately. Certainly if the looks other people give them are anything to go by the reputation of the English as a slightly reserved sane race has been shattered.
The drive up here was stunning and we passed through some passes surrounded very high mountains. It played havoc with 'Betsy', the Sat Nav who kept saying 'off route, recalculating' like a demented Darlek.
Notes from The Professor
Only 4 tunnels today but one was a long (over 1km) one in Narvik where we had a full mobile signal all the way through.........very impressive!
Average temp today has been 17 degrees C and it has been quite sunny for a lot of the time. We are now well into the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' so we won't have darkness again now until after we leave Santa Claus on our return journey (Rovaniemi in Finland). It was certainly strange going to sleep last night at nearly 11.00pm and seeing bright sunshine outside. It's wonderful light.
Sorry about yesterday's picture. Geoff has tried sending it three times but it seems to be lost somewhere over the North Sea....or that's about as technical as Teddy Bear gets.
Today's picture is of some of us enjoying a treat of Polo mints. Ethel, a very dear friend of bears sent us away with 24 packets. That's very special as many times a day we get to think of her! Thanks Ethel. Can you spot our new arrival. He's called TeddyBjorn and he joined us at The Arctic Circle.
Love to you all
Barnaby Bear


Teddie Communications is unable to post the picture with this bolg
 
 
Thursday 19th June - Tommernes - 2 inches up from Fauske!
We have had an exciting day, as we crossed The Arctic Circle at around 9.45am. There were lots of texts flying around to and from The Teddy Team. They have all worked so hard to get all us Teds here to The Arctic it was great to share an exciting moment with them.
We spent quite a lot of time at The Arctic Circle trying to get photos of a number of us ready for the talks on our return (I think Geoff found it a challenge searching for all my friends....but the system of storage worked very well.....it's just that there are so many of us!) Today's picture is of a number of us on one of The Arctic Circle monuments. Wuffles is turning out to be a bit camera shy!
We stopped at Fauske to fill up with diesel. If you use the links on this site to look at the Webcams in Norway and scroll down to Fauske, you will see the petrol station we stopped at.
Notes from The Professor
20 tunnels today. Temp around 15 degrees at The Arctic Circle. The rock is beginning to get very interesting and I've been collecting a few samples to bring to the talks.
Geoff had the good news today he's been waiting for.
Bye for now
Barnaby Bear



Wednesday 18th June  Mo-i-Rana
We have had another day making good progress and have reached Mo-i-Rana. We are in a lovely campsite parked on the side of the fjord. As you can see from your maps this is quite near The Arctic Circle. All the bears are getting excited. Of course I'm a member of The Order of Blue Nosed Caravanners ( those who cross The Arctic Circle in a caravan or motorhome - I'm the only Teddy Bear who is) so I'm able to contain my excitement better than the others.
Some of us had quite a laugh at Heather's expense today. In her haste to pack she forgot to bring a light scarf to wear when it's a little chilly (she hates having a cold neck). So far we haven't been anywhere to buy one so she has been wearing a yellow duster to keep warm. When she went into the petrol station she forgot to take it off first!!! We all think she looked a bit like Icicle, the beaver in today's picture....but without the teeth!!
Notes From The Professor - yesterday we passed through 11 bridges but only 5 today. The temperature is hovering around 17degrees C and diesel is getting cheaper as we go north. We paid £1.26/ltre today which is very reasonable when you know that the Norwegian version of a Kitkat is approx £1.50. As we travel north the landscape is changing from rich pasture land to quite wooded terraine. There is more rock which is becoming very beautiful as it's threaded with different minerals.
Well, that's about all for today. Don't forget to email us......there are very few people here to talk to.......no English for miles around! Geoff has still got no news to share.......but hopefully soon.
Bye for now
Barnaby Bear
 



Tuesday 17th June     Steinkjer
We have made good progress today and are now at Steinkjer which is about 40 miles north of Asen. It is a site we have been to before so it's quite relaxing.
We have been plagued with technical difficulties today. The most important being that we have been unable to send emails ('though we could receive them) so we have only just sent the Blog from yesterday. The problem is now fixed thanks to our UK technical 'teddy' Ivor.
Our other problem has been a faulty light which was fixed for us by Mick the Mechanic, pictured here.
Geoff is driving well. It's often a lonely ride as I notice that Heather seems to spend as much time asleep as awake.
Bye for now
Barnaby Bear

 



 


Monday 16th June - Bergen to Lom
 
Dear Teddy Lovers,
Welcome to my first blog from Norway.We have arrived at our first campsite which is Lom. It isn't actually marked on your maps but if you go on the red line east of Bergen for about 2 inches, that's where Lom is. If you go on the links on this site to 'Useful sites', then 'Web Cams in Norway' you can scroll down to Lom and see the entrance to the campsite.
We had a wonderful send off from Darlington on Saturday and had quite a reasonable crossing. Most of us had to stay on the car deck, but the Professor (pictured here with me) went on board so he was able to tell me what went on. Heather & Geoff met up with some good friends, Tom & Jean, a lovely kindly couple from near Preston. These good folk had previously sent the fare for Karel, the Czech Methodist Bear to come on the trip. Although the crossing was quite bumpy at times no-one was ill, probably because of the lovely little tablets the doctor gave us before we set off!
It is surprisingly warm here even though today we have crossed The Sognfjelt, the highest mountain pass in Europe. As you can see by the picture of Brian (the bear in the cheap seat) the snow was still high in places. However he asked for his hood down as he was so warm. I think he may need it up again before bedtime as it looks like it might rain!
Today on the journey we have crossed one fjord by ferry and have gone through 20 tunnels (Brian isn't keen on that bit!)
More tomorrow
Barnaby Bear
 

 

 



Welcome to the website of Teddies to the Arctic.

In June 2008 I am holding The World’s Most Northerly Teddy Bears’ Picnic, 700 miles inside The Arctic Circle, by the light of the midnight sun, at North Cape in Norway.

Why?

To raise money for the development of the specialist Children’s Bereavement Service at St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington, England.

 

How can you help?

 

Every bear needs to raise a minimum of £100.00 for the hospice to pay for their fare. Many of the bears are doing various sponsored events.

 

Why not check out what they are doing and then sponsor them online via the link on this site.

 

 Perhaps you would like to send a bear? Why not email me for a sponsor form and a registration form?

 Teddies have fun too……..so send yours with me on the picnic. Each bear will receive a badge, certificate and send a postcard back from The Arctic.

I look forward to hearing from you soon

 Barnaby Bear


15th January 2008
Life is getting very busy and exciting here. Not only am I getting very booked up for musical coffee mornings and concerts with Mike, but I've had holiday invitations!
Sadly, because my diary is very full I've had to decline, but it was great to offer the chance of travel with two of my friends. Isaiah, the Northland Bear (his eyes aren't level, poor chap) has gone on his travels to Indian Himalayan Railway with Val and David, whilst Yogi is off to Czech with Milan.
Hope to see you at some of our events
Barnaby Bear

 


14th February 2008
Goodness me! It's a month since I last updated my blog. What an exciting month it's been.
On 26th January we had our official launch, and it's been non-stop since.
The highlight at the moment has to be the series of 'Mike' concerts which are happening. If you haven't managed to get to one yet, then do try to catch the one either at Haughton or Northland Methodist Churches.....you'll be missing out if you miss them.
This weekend should be exciting. I'm going to a Wedding Fayre at Gretna Green along with Isabel and Monty and the rest of the wedding party. I guess most of the day will be taken up sitting around looking nice in our smart wedding clothes.....but hopefully we will sell some of our merchandise and raffle tickets (as well as spreading the news about the campaign).
Things are generally going well......don't forget to check the online giving site for the latest total raised.
Keep spreading the word...and remember, Fundraising begins with FUN.
Barnaby Bear
 


26th April 2008
I've been so lax at keeping this blog up to date. So sorry if you have been logging on regularly and waiting for a message from me.
The fundraising is continuing to go really well, with over £14,000.00 raised so far. Well done to everone who has contributed.
I'd like to draw everyone's attention to the Stag/Hen Party that we're having at The Aston Hotel to celebrate Isobel & Monty's Wedding. It will be a very good night out. Tickets are only £5.00 for your bear to come. You can come too (free) but only if your bear brings you and vouches for you!
I am starting to prepare for my Bunjee Jump which I'm doing on 22nd May (sorry this event is by invitation only). I have a new T-shirt with the 'Teddies' logo on it. I'm doing some practice jumps on Sunday so that Ivor can get some good video of my wonderful jumping technique. Actually, I'm being pushed.....after all, would you willingly do a bunjee jump!
It is now just 7 weeks until we sail. There are so many fundraising events for everyone still to support. Please note, if you are sending a bear it would be really helpful if you can bring it to the hospice on Saturday 31st May (10.30am - 12 noon) along with their sponsor money.
See you then
Barnaby Bear



Hello All,
I'm in Berwick with my new friend Boris (named after Boris Johnson, because he looks a bit like him!) We are spending a bit of time in the van tidying up and deciding what we need to take on our Arctic Trip. There was a lot of food stored under the seats which has been sorted through. I don't know how long the onions have been under there, but as you can see from the picture they are definitely past their best.
We have had a great (if wet) weekend and we're really looking forward to Monty & Isobel's Stag/Hen Party next weekend.
Hope to see you there.
Bye for now
Barnaby Bear