Phytheas - bear on the move . . .

Hols

2008-10-09T20:24:00.003+01:00

Hello folks!!

Here's me and some of the Collective. We were on our holiday in France, in a place called Mollans-sur-Ouveze. It was great. As you can see there was a castle and we could see it everyday from the window of the house we were staying in.

We had all sorts of weather, sun, rain, sun, clouds, rain, sun and an amazing thunderstorm. We were all very brave and only needed to hide under the duvet once (or maybe twice).

We went up a big mountain, called Mont Ventoux. We went cycling round the roads and lanes. We went to markets. We went to some really pretty villages. We went wine tasting. . . hic.

We all had a great time and hope we can go back there again. Next week would be good . . .

Bye for now

Synchronised sitting!

2008-08-15T13:19:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone!

It's been a while hasn't it. I'm still here, doing exploring but not so much computing.

Anyway, my good friend, Bob T Bear (esq.) has challenged all us blogging bears to an Olympic Synchroinised sitting competition. Well I couldn't let that one go. So here I am with some of the Collective. You might spot that one of the team didn't quite understand and thought he was in Australia.

Bye for now.

In the Pyrenees

2008-07-16T20:58:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone. I was in france last week. This is the view from my hotel room. Blog you all again soon.

This is Aberdeen

2008-06-11T20:27:00.001+01:00

This me in Aberdeen. We spent ALL day getting here on the train. I'm a bit tired tonight so i'll go and explore tomorrow. Blog again soon.

Test

2008-06-09T18:19:00.000+01:00

Testing, testing, testing. I'm a bear on the move with a mobile phone that can blog. I should be able to let you all know about my travels a bit more now. You may have to lie down to see the pictures though!

Help!!!!

2008-05-27T06:51:00.004+01:00

Please help, this is just wrong, wrong, wrong. Piffle to tradition. It's cruel and unnecessary.

Say no to soldiers wearing bearskin hats.

Thank you

Phytheas

PS - as a bear, this has made me very angry.

Postcard from Bob!

2008-04-10T17:36:00.000+01:00

Postcard from Bob!
Originally uploaded by Phytheas Bear.

Woo hoo! I got a postcard. It's from my very good friend, Bob T Bear (esq.)!

What a morning I've had!

2008-04-06T11:09:00.006+01:00

You wouldn't believe the morning I've had. I woke up early and put the radio on. And guess what I heard being discussed on BBC Radio Five Live - Bob T Bear (esq.)'s petition to the Prime Minister about Charmin toilet paper! I don't know if Bob heard it or not - I hope he did. He's famous now, he's been mentioned on the radio. Wow!

Anyway if that wasn't enough. The weather people had said we'd be having snow today. But as this is the south coast of England I didn't really think they meant it. I thought "Oh yeah, we'll just get some slushly sleetly stuff, not proper snow". How wrong was I. It's been snowing and snowing since 9 am and it's now 11:11am and it's still snowing. Here are some picutres. When it stops I'm off to make a snow man/woman/bear/person!

Wow, it's been a while!

2008-03-04T08:35:00.002Z

Hello everyone - I'm sorry I've been away for such a long time. The truth is I've been having trouble getting on the computer as the JCBinC is doing 'a project' - pah!

But fear not I haven't been just sitting round twiddling my thumbs and counting my honey. Oh no, I've been to some great places. Probably the most exciting was going on the top of a double decker bus! We'd gong to Rye for some work stuff and as usual we'd been good and not taken the car and gone by train. However, the trains were sulking that day as it had been a bit moist the night before and the trains didn't want to work. So we were a bit late with the trains and stuff, but we got there in the end. We thought that they'd all be happy and fixed by the time we came home, but oh no. But the great thing was that they made a double decker bus into a train, and I got to ride on the top at the front! Wow that was exciting!

I've also been to York, but that was a bit 'pants' because I didn't get out to see all the nice places as we stayed where all the students to their learning and it was a bit boring. And then we went to France, that was great, all sunny and sparkly. You won't believe it though the JCBinC forgot (yes, forgot) to take my picture. But I was there, I promise.

Anyway - I'm glad I've got all that off my chest. Off for honey breakfast now - I need to build up by strength if I'm going to have to wrestle for the computer again!

I'm on the move again!

2008-01-28T18:05:00.000Z

Wow, it's been boring round here! The JCBinC and I usually go travelling, which is what I'm best at, being a great explorer. But since before Christmas we haven't been anywhere, just stuck in the office. Anyway, things are looking up as I went out with them yesterday.

We all went to wildest Kent, by the seaside (my favourite place) to a big nature reserve called Dungeness (that's the place I want to take Bob to). It's a bit of a weird place - there are millions and millions and millions of pebbles - all over the place. Where there aren't pebbles anymore there are big holes filled with water and that's where the birds are.

There aren't just birds at Dungeness, there are sheep too.

But it's mainly birds. These are Great Crested Grebes. They were getting a bit frisky and starting their display - they shake their heads at each other and stuff.

But my most favourite thing of all, was this little fellow. . .

It's a tiny mouse, about my size. He was just sitting there are bold as you please, eating dried blackberries. Wow, it was good to be out and about again. What's more I'm out again today and tomorrow and the next day!

Umm, what’s this I’ve found?

2008-01-17T08:34:00.000Z

It’s been blowing a gale here for what seems like weeks and weeks and it’s rained so much that there can’t be any left. Anyway, yesterday it was sunny, so we (the JCBinC and I) could get out at lunchtime. As you know the beach is my most favourite place, so we went there. The waves were crashing about a bit, but we could get quite close to them because the tide was out. And then we saw them, all lying there. Pineapples, lots of them, all over the place. There were also a few oranges. We’ve found lots of things on the beach before, but never pineapples!

Is this going too far?

2008-01-11T08:32:00.000Z

Finally a small adventure. This is my local cafe - yes, a cafe just for bears, it's just wonderful. The Chief Teddy's are always outside inviting bears and not-bears in for tea and cakes. When I went to see them this week, look how I found them! All togged out for exercise. Tsk, tsk. I've decided that bears are not really suited to this type of thing. I do hope they come to their senses soon.

Teddy's will be closed for "re-fur-bishment" in a couple of weeks. I'll show you all how it turns out. I hope all the bears will staying, Teddy's wouldn't be Teddy's without the Teddys.

I've been a bit sleepy recently. . .

2008-01-08T08:51:00.000Z

I'm a travelling bear, it's what I do

It's winter and I've been doing what bears do. Hibernate. Not a big, dig a hole in the garden and stay there for four months sleep. Just a little Christmas and New Year hibernate. But last night I started to wake up, and so here I am again.

Last year was a very busy year. I got adopted into The Collective, I started my travelling life, I became a blogger, I got my own clothes and best of all I met Bob T Bear (esq.).

So what's this year going to be like? I've tried to look at the JCBinC's computer calendar for clues, but I couldn't find any (probably because the computer ate one of her calendars and she's still trying to make a new one!). January looks like it will be a bit stay at home, so I'll have to find some mini-adventures here. February is a bit more promising (St Neots (pah!), York (yippee!) and France (oui, oui, oui!)). March, well that's too far ahead for a small bear to see to.

Today, I'm going to wake up a little bit more and probably watch the JCBinC work (it's an 'in the office day'). We may go for a walk, but if we don't that's OK, I'll just sit and watch.

Get well soon!

2008-01-03T20:38:00.001Z

Get well soon!
Originally uploaded by Phytheas Bear.

I've just heard that Bob and Dilly's mum has been struck down by the horrid tummy bug that's whizzing round the country. This is just to say "get well soon"!

Love

Phytheas

Season's greetings!

2007-12-25T00:33:00.000Z

Season's greetings everyone!

However or whatever you celebrate at this time of year I hope you have a wonderful time, a happy and peaceful New Year and lots and lots of honey!

Advent Calendar - day 24

2007-12-24T07:44:00.000Z

Season's greetings (shame there aren't any bears)

Advent Calendar - Day 23

2007-12-23T07:35:00.000Z

Day 23 - sweet dreams, I hope you get everything you've wished for.

Advent Calendar - Day 22

2007-12-22T07:32:00.000Z

Day 22 - this is a BEAR advent calendar not a food feste (but they do look quite tasty)!

Advent Calendar - Day 21

2007-12-21T14:28:00.000Z

Day 20 - it may be cake, but it's not-a-bear!

Advent Calendar - Day 20

2007-12-20T07:25:00.000Z

Day 20 - what no bears, just berries?

No, no, no, no, NO!!!!!

2007-12-19T17:18:00.000Z

Warning - this may not be suitable for bears of a nervous disposition!

Apparently this happens every year. It is "for charity", but even so. . .

Advent Calendar - Day 19

2007-12-19T07:22:00.000Z

Day 19 - snow walk (with exciting looking presents)!

Advent Calendar - Day 18

2007-12-18T07:20:00.000Z

Day 18 - like my crown?

Wow!

2007-12-17T17:35:00.000Z

Two posts in one day! I nearly forgot, my very good friend, Bob T Bear (esq.) has given me this award. I feel very honoured. Bob makes me and loads of other bears and not-a-bears smile and laugh out loud and sometimes almost pee in their pants because he's so funny!

I'd like to pass this on to Dilly and Arthur. One's a bear and one's not-a-bear - I'll let you find out which is which!

Advent Calendar - Day 17

2007-12-17T14:16:00.001Z

Day 17 - decorations!

My advent calendar

2007-12-16T20:11:00.000Z

My very good friend Bob T Bear (Esq.) has been telling his avid blog readers about the pictures he's found in his advent calendar. So far Bob hasn't found any bears and this is making him a little peeved. Now I'm very lucky because my advent calendar does have bears. As Christmas is a time for sharing I thought I should share the pictures with Bob and you all. As I'm a bear of little brain I've only just thought of this, so there's some catching up to do, but here goes.

Day 1 - Christmas pudding!!

Day 2 - wheeeeeeee!

Day 3 - basket o' bears

Day 4 - I may have had a little too much!

Day 5 - carol singing

Day 6 - did anyone see me pinch this?

Day 7 - it's party time!

Day 8 - wrapping presents is not easy

Day 9 - way-hey!

Day 10 - trumpeter bear

Day 11 - brrrrr!

Day 12 - what's this - no bears!

Day 13 - pah - I'm sending this back!

Day 14 - that's more like it!

Day 15 - bears do NOT do tutus

Day 16 - Bob, this one's for you!

My first present!

2007-12-12T21:16:00.000Z

Wow! I've just had my first ever parcel through the post! And what makes it even more exciting, it was from my very good friend Bob T Bear (Esq.). As you'll know, Bob and I met last month at the Ashdown Forest Llama Park. While we were having our tea, I noticed that he sneaked off and when he came back he wouldn't say where he'd been or what he'd been up to. I was a little bit suspicious, but as it was the first time we'd ever met, I didn't like to say anything.

Well, now I know what he was up to - buying me a present! And this is it - a tiny llama. Now I'm a diminutive bear, but this is a super diminutive llama! When I opened my present I had my new sparkly dungarees on (still not sure about them). I put the badge on, but being a stylish type of bear I could see it didn't go, so I did a quick change and on something more complementary.

Thank you Bob, you're a great friend. Look out for the postperson - they have something for you!

All about bears

2007-12-11T08:32:00.000Z

Hasn't the weather been so awful? It makes you want to curl up and hide under the duvet until it's finished (or the rain turns to something useful - snow). I was just about to dive under the duvet again on Sunday when I was told to find my coat as we were going out. Out in this gale with all this rain? Are you mad!

But we went, despite my protestations. And wow, was it worth it! We went to a bear fair in Hove. The JCBinC has been to these type of things before, but it was my first time. There were bears everywhere. Big, small, tiny, enormous. Some growled, others just sat. Some were dressed and some weren’t. You could even get stuff to make bears. (By the way JCBinC, when are you going to make some more bears?) I wanted to take lots of photos to show you, but they get a bit shy and don’t like having close-ups but I hope you can see how many bears there were.

For us bears that like to dress there was also the latest in bear couture. Coats, jackets, hats, scarves and THIS!

Now I’ve got it home I’m not so sure. What do you think?

A big scary thing, a crack in the floor and some clay soldiers

2007-12-03T20:17:00.001Z

This week, both the JCBsinC had a day off work and we all went to London. Usually when I go to London it's for a meeting or just to get from one side to the other. I thought they might be going to do secret squirrel, Christmas shopping, but they didn't. Instead we did all sorts of arty type things.

The first place we went to was the big Tate Modern gallery. Outside they have this REALLY, REALLY scary monster. It's sort of like a spider, but worse. I thought that London had been invaded by aliens.

Eeeek!

Then we went into inside to see some more "art". This too was a bit scary (well for a small bear such as myself). It was a big crack in the floor. Is this art - where's the colours and stuff? There were lots of people peering at it thinking the same thing.

When we'd done "the art" we walked over the Millennium Bridge. Now I'd be told this might be scary too as when it was built it was all wobbly and made people feel seasick. But it's all been fixed. At the end of the bridge I spotted this big church. Apparently it's a famous landmark.

The second 'big church' I've seen this week

After the big church we walked to The British Museum. This is a big museum with lots of old stuff in it, from all over the world. I asked if there were any bears, but the JCBsinC said probably not. We'd come here to see some old clay soldiers from China. We weren't allowed to take any pictures of the soldiers. We also had to shuffle round with lots of other people, some of whom had very sharp elbows!

I went back to London today, but we didn't have time to take any photos, which is a great shame as we walked over Tower Bridge and saw HMS Belfast. When we came back over the bridge I spotted another bear having his picture taken! The JCBinC said we had to catch a train, so I couldn't stop to say hello. I'm going to have to do some training there I think!

Norwich - a fine city

2007-12-03T19:59:00.000Z

Just a quick post today. I've been to London (more later in the week), but I wanted to tell you about where I went at the weekend - Norwich.

It's not a place I've ever been to. We had to go and see the JCBinC's mum and dad. The JCBinC always finds this a bit stressful, so I and Bear and Walker Bear were glad we could be there to be soothing and comforting - that's what bears do well. While we were at the JCBinC's mum and dad's we noticed that there wasn't a single bear in the house. Can you believe this? A house with no bears - that's just not right!

I cheered up though when we went into Norwich on a pink bus! As well as pink and yellow and green buses Norwich also has a very splendid castle . . .

. . . and a pretty nice cathedral too.

The best bit though was in Elm Hill where I found a particularly fine bear shop. After we'd visited we found it we found that bears were being used to advertise it in the market. They looked quite happy, and I expect they get out for a good frolic when everyone has gone home.

Bye for now. Off to do packing for a trip to Silsoe (where?)!

Count down!

2007-11-30T13:17:00.000Z

My most excellent friend, Bob T Bear (esq.), has just blogged about his new advent calendar and a very splendid calendar it is too.

This reminded me that I had to find my calendar. I use the same one each year. As you can see it has bears on it. There are also bears in most of the windows. I'll post some more pictures after tomorrow when I can start counting down to Christmas. Yippee!

Do I need an exercise regime?

2007-11-29T17:36:00.000Z

It's Thursday. That means that the JCBinC will be going to her weekly Pilate's class. Apparently lots of bending and stretching goes on and this is supposed to do her good.

This got me thinking. Do I need an exercise regime? Should I start a bear-robics class for The Collective? Or would this be against everything that we bears stand for? Let me have your thoughts - I'm perplexed.

I think Christmas might be coming. . .

2007-11-27T21:18:00.000Z

This is the window of the shop where the JCBinC gets her wool for my jumpers

Something tells me that Christmas might be on its way. Tonight I went into Shoreham-by-Sea with the JCBinC. It was dark and drizzly and I wondered why we were going. Normally all the shops are closed by 5:30pm but tonight they were all open and there were extra stalls and games.

It was all to do with the 'grand switch on'. Apparently some one flicked a switch and the Christmas lights came on. Now I hope you don't think it was like Regent's Street or Oxford Street in London, because it wasn't, but they looked quite sparkly all the same.

The main reason I went was to see how the working bears of Shoreham would be celebrating and I wasn't disappointed. Here are my favourite pictures from the working bears of Teddy's Cafe.

Santa Bear

We three bears of Shoreham are . . .

Beary Christmas story

Gingerbread thieves!

After the "big" switch on!

Mr Bob T Bear (Esq.) and Dilly I presume

2007-11-25T17:39:00.000Z

Me, Bob and Dilly

WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW and an extra WOW for good measure! Guess who I met today? Mr Bob T Bear (Esq.) himself and his non fire-breathing dragon sister, Dilly. We also met Bob and Dilly's Mum and Dad and Granny. We all met up at the Ashdown Forest Llama Park (that’s very close to where Pooh Bear and his friends all live).

Wallace also came with me – it was his first trip out. Look what Bob and Dilly gave us – a Grizzly Bar and a Curly Wurly – scrummy. The JCBinC says that the Curly Wurly seems to have shrunk rather since she last had one!

The presents Bob and Dilly gave us

I was so excited to meet Bob, as he’s a bit of a hero of mine (I hope that doesn’t make him blush toooooo much!). Bob is quite a bit bigger than me, but he didn’t mention it once. Dilly is huge (from my point of view), but for a dragon she was very polite. I was expecting her to belch fire at any moment, but she didn’t.

After we’d had our cup of tea we went on a ramble around the Llama Park. They have lots of Llamas and Alpacas (I liked the Alpacas more – I think they’re honorary bears). You can take the llamas for a walk. We could tell they’d been for a walk because there was lots and lots of poo around – Bob was very interested in this, Bob likes poo!

Me and one of the llamas

It was quite a chilly day, but luckily both Bob and I had our blue scarves on to keep us toasty and warm. After our walk we had some lunch and another bit of a look round. Then we had to leave as the JCBinC had to get tea before the shops closed – I was sad as the day had gone so quickly and Bob and I had so much more to talk about. We’re going to look at our calendars and see when we can meet up again.

WOW – I met Bob T Bear (Esq.) today!!!!

If you go down to the woods today. . .

2007-11-23T08:51:00.000Z

I went to the woods this week! It was very exciting as I got to go on the train AND the bus. The JCBinC and I went to Wakehurst Place. It’s a very special place, it’s like a library of all (well not quite all) the plants of the world. There are lots of people wandering round in white coats, looking important. Their job is to collect and sort seeds from all over the world and then keep them in a special library.

As well as the special library, Wakehurst Place has a huge wood – that’s where we went (to look at some tables, would you believe!). As I’ve said before my favourite place is the beach, but I could get to like woods if they are all like the one at Wakehurst. While the JCBinC was looking at tables I was practising my bird hunting skills – I saw a nuthatch, some long-tailed tits and this robin.

Who's this? Did I give my approval?

2007-11-20T17:58:00.000Z

As you know (well I hope you know), I live in a Collective of bears (and some marsupials). There are quite a few of us and I've introduced you to some of them. Every now again a new bear applies to join The Collective, my new travelling friend Artio was the latest. Or so I thought. . .

Look who I found on the desk the other day - a polar bear called Wallace. "Um", I thought, "where did he come from?". He says he was liberated from Waitrose the other day. Apparently he was the only polar bear in a hopper full of snowpeople and reindeer. He wanted to be with other bears, not things that melt and ungulates. So he popped himself into the JCBinC's trolley and ended up on the desk. He did bring some chocolate with him, which was yummy.

I have had to have words with the JCBinC though about procedures not being followed - she says she won't do it again (Um).

Weekend bird count - the report

2007-11-19T08:36:00.000Z

I mentioned last week that I was helping the JCBsinC with an important bird count they are doing. I thought I'd let you know how THEY got on.

Why they and not me? I'll tell you. On Saturday morning the weather was just horrid. It was very angry - I think it had a cold. It was blowing a cold nasty wind and chucking down very wet rain. They said I could go with them, but I decided not to. I'm really glad I didn't, you should have seen the state of them when they got back! They were frozen and wet and the notebook had disintegrated. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not a fair weather bear, I'm just a sensible bear!

Anyway, they went out and did some counting and saw some birds, but as the weather was so bad they've got to go out again another day to do it all properly. Here are some of the birds they saw:
Kingfisher (flashy)
Lapwings (lots and lots)
Woodcock (a snipe on steroids)
Little egret (a sort of white heron)
Long-tailed tits (sweet)
Wren (noisy)
Magpie (bully)
Common gulls (refined)
Herring gulls (ice cream thieves)
Great black-backed gulls (watch your back!)
Black-headed gulls (beach huts and sandcastles)
Jackdaws (annoyed - the JCBsinC have put chimney elephants down the chimneys to stop them nesting)
Little grebe (cute)

I'll let you know when we all do the survey properly.

Doing my homework

2007-11-15T17:44:00.000Z

As you’ll know from my last but one post, I’m helping the JBBsinC with an important bird survey. We’re going out for our first bird hunt on Saturday morning. I wanted to make sure that I knew where the best places were to go to find birds, so I went out this lunchtime to have a look around.

It was such a lovely sparkly day that I wanted to stay out all afternoon (I would have been quite warm enough, as I was wearing my new green jumper with extra long sleeves), but the JCBinC said we had to get back to work (boring). Anyway, enjoy the snaps I took for where I’ll be going on Saturday morning.

Weekend away

2007-11-12T08:30:00.001Z

Banana Bear - bearing up well to the rigours of his job

We went to Cambridgeshire this weekend to see how our good friend, Banana Bear is doing. BB has a special mission to teach a small, sometimes screaming, one year old boy, the importance of bears and honey. As you can see, BB is holding up pretty well, although he now has suffered the well-known injury of the well loved bear - the floppy ear.

While we were there, we discovered at least one other bear living in the house - we've called him Jumper Bear. He spends his time gazing out of the window looking at the garden. We all really liked his jumper and Walker Bear and I think we would like jumpers just like his (Bear always goes au naturel). Some heavy hinting to the JCBinC may be necessary!

Hanging out with Jumper Bear

But, the bestest thing I found in the house is this amazing car! It's an Aston Martin DB9 and just my size. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to play - something to do with everyone being tired. We're tasking Banana Bear with a new mission - to de-stress the parents - GOOD LUCK BB!

Wanting to go for a test drive

As I hadn't had much chance to see much while we were there, I was allowed to do the navigating on the way home and hold the £1 coin for the Dartford Crossing. I'm now off for a big sleep!

I'm going on a bird hunt

2007-11-07T17:53:00.000Z

I'm going bird hunting! Now before you get worried I'm not going out with a gun to shoot them or trap to trap them. I'm going to be helping the JCBsinC with a survey they're are doing. It's all part of a big survey all over the UK to count the number of birds that are here in the winter and again in the summer.

We don't have to count all the birds in the whole country, just in a tiny bit of it. The bit we're counting is right where we live. We'll have to go out and look for the birds and record them in our notebook. We're going out in a couple of weeks for the first time to start. As I wanted to make sure that the JCBsinC knew what they were doing I've been reading all the forms this morning and learning how to use binoculars and the GPS. Best to be prepared.

The Collective - 5 - Artio

2007-11-05T17:35:00.000Z

Hello everyone, I would like you all to meet Artio. He's the newest member of The Collective and as you may have read, he popped out of my new super suitcase when we were travelling in Wales.

Bear and I were so dumbfounded when he arrived that we couldn't think of a name for him. Although he's from Germany we (and he) didn't want a German name. It was clever Granny K who came up with the name, Artio. It's just perfect as we found him in Wales and he's a bear, you can read more about the name on the nice BBC website.

As he came with my suitcase I think it's only fare that he comes on some of my travels.

Tagged!

2007-11-04T15:24:00.000Z

I've been tagged by Mousie - it's not painful, it's great fun! Here is the rule:

Go to the Advanced Book Search at Amazon.com type your first name - or - your screen name into the "Title" field, and post the most interesting/amusing cover that shows up.

I typed in Phytheas - my name, but nothing came up. As you might know there was a bit of a mix up with my name and I got one more H than I should have done. So, I put Pytheas in and guess what, 17 results came back. I was quite surprised. You can see the book I chose - it tells the Extraordinary Story of Pytheas the Greek by Mr Barry Cunliffe. I think I should put it on my Christmas list; Pytheas was a great traveller, just like me.

I'm going to tag two blogging bears

My very good friend, Bob T Bear (esq.) - his sister Dilly got tagged and I don't want him to be left out

and

new blogging bear Arthur. Arthur is like me and likes to travel

My hero - 1 - Sir David

2007-11-03T16:03:00.000Z

Photo courtesy of ABC

Everyone has heroes, we bears are no exception. My number 1 hero is Sir David Attenborough. I think he really likes bears and they like him. He also likes all sorts of wildlife and really enjoys telling us all about it. He's a lucky chap as he's been able to go all over the world. He must have seen all the bears in the world.

Do you have a hero? If so, let me know who your's is.

Spooky!

2007-10-31T09:32:00.001Z

It's Halloween today. As the JCBinC had the day off (it's her birthday, yes, today, Halloween, hehehe!) we went into Shoreham. Remember those bears from Teddy's Cafe all dressed up and stuck on the bollards? Well they're at it again - this time though, they've gone all spooky!

Wales – where I had a big surprise

2007-10-30T07:05:00.000Z

Last week I went to Wales with the JCBinC. This time we remembered to take Bear. He was very grumpy because he got left behind when we went to Glasgow (at least he didn’t have to see all that Kylie stuff!).

I’m a very adaptable small bear and always travel light. Most of the time I’m taking ‘deep cover’ in one of the JCBinC’s many, many handbags. However, I’m starting to get a bit of a collection of things I’d like to take with me (including my new hat and scarf) and I’ve never had any where to put them. So I’ve hinted that I’d like to have my own suitcase.

Well, what do you know? When we got to Wales and unpacked, there was my very own suitcase on the bed, with stickers and a catch and everything. I was sooooooo excited. The JCBinC said “There’s another surprise inside”. When I opened it, look what I found – another bear!!

He’s come all the way from Germany and has a special gold button in his ear. It’s going to be fun to have another bear to travel with, because Bear is now getting a bit old and fragile. He says he doesn’t have a name yet, so the Collective is going to have a completion to find him one (for UK readers, no phone votes will be involved!). If you have any ideas, let me know.

I was so excited by the new bear that I really didn’t get much time to see Wales. There were lots of red dragons though, all over the place – scary!

Polar Bear Cam

2007-10-26T09:27:00.000+01:00

Just a quick blogette - the polar bears in Canada now have their own TV channel!

I'll be back later with a report on my visit to Wales.

Umm, so that was Glasgow

2007-10-15T17:32:00.000+01:00

As you'll see from my previous post, I got all dressed up in my new jumper, hat and scarf for an adventure in Glasgow. Glasgow is a long way from home and it took all day to get there on the train.

The JCBinC had a big meeting in Glasgow, so I knew I'd have to adopt the 'deep cover' pose for most of the day (I'm sure I could have would have been a valued contributor, but I was overruled). After the meeting eventually finished I thought we'd go on a proper explore. It was quite promising to start with. Went to this big slopey park. There were lots of trees and leaves to crunch in.

When we'd got through the park it got better (so I thought) as we ended up at a big old Victorian Museum. I like museums (not the bits with the stuffed animals, but the bits with the all the machines and stuff).

Great I thought - machines and buttons to push! But no, what's this, where are we going? NO, surely not, not the KYLIE exhibition!! "I'm a bear" I protested, "I don't do sequins, feathers and PINK!" Uck, uck, uck. I was told it might help me explore my feminine side. My what? I'm a bear, in a jumper, who does travel and adventure.

I'll be back soon. When I've calmed down. Feminine side, pah!

All wrapped up

2007-10-09T22:17:00.000+01:00

I'm going to Glasgow tomorrow. Glasgow is a long way north of here and places north of here are usually colder than here. So it 's a good job that my new jumper, hat and scarf are ready.

See you when I get back.

PS - the camera has made the colours a bit strange. I'm really modeling and russet red ensemble, with turquoise scarf!

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it's. . .

2007-10-03T17:42:00.000+01:00

ART!

I got all arty today. The JCBinC and I went to Kew Gardens to test an audio trail thing that you play on your mobile phone. The thing we tested it on was the Henry Moore exhibition. Mr Moore was a very famous sculptor. His sculptures are huge. The shapes are all curvy and he used things he found in nature as his inspiration.

While I was in the garden I found these leaves - I think I'm coming over all over arty, so I may have to create something. . .

I also found this very splendid fellow - a bit of a work of art himself.

I didn't see any sculptures that looked to me like they'd been inspired by bears. If Mr Moore was still alive I'd have to have a word with him about that. I did like this one. It looks enormous (it was one of the smaller "pieces" (arty word for "things")), but remember I'm only a very small bear.

Me with Mr Moore's Reclining Connected Forms

Answers on a postcard please

2007-10-01T17:52:00.000+01:00

I was doing a bit of rootling (it's not just pigs that rootle) in the kitchen and look what I found - a giant space hopper! Well that's what I thought it was, but it just doesn't bounce, not even a little bit.

I asked the JCBinC what it was and she said "It came in the veg box. It's a squash, you're supposed to eat it." Umm. As it's been hanging round the kitchen for over two weeks now I'm thinking that the JCBinC doesn't' have a clue what to do with it. Any suggestions?

Bears in the news

2007-09-30T13:21:00.000+01:00

Just seen this on the BBC. If you don't like heights, look away now (but everything's OK in the end).

Beleaguered bear in bridge rescue

It's Bob's blogging birthday!

2007-09-28T18:03:00.000+01:00

It's Bob T Bear (Esq.) first birthday as a blogger. Let's hear it for Bob! Bob and his Mum and Dilly the Dragon are all a bit snotty at the moment, but I hope they get better really soon.

Beach life

2007-09-25T17:50:00.000+01:00

I was feeling a bit "tiddly pom" yesterday; no travelling adventures for two weeks. But hey, I thought, there are lots of places near home where I can have adventures.

I live near the sea and the beach is my best place. Today we (the JCBinC and I) went there for lunch. We didn't do foraging on the beach to find lunch, like Ray Mears would do (I think he'd go hungry on our beach!), we bought it from the shops. I had a quick look round for interesting stuff that a bear might like, but there wasn't much. Earlier this year we had a whole load of oily oranges and tins of baby food wash up on the beach!

So where are we going for tomorrow's adventure then. . ?

Tiddly pom

2007-09-24T17:25:00.000+01:00

I’m in a bit of a “tiddly pom” mood. Know what I mean? You’re feeling a bit nothing and aren’t sure why.

Hmmmmmm.

I don’t have any adventures planned for this week. I’ve peaked at the diary and it’s ‘in the office’ all week and the one after that too! I think some adventures are being planned for the week after that, but two weeks without adventures, what is a travelling bear to do?

Hmmmmmm.

Berrying for bears

2007-09-18T19:08:00.000+01:00

I've been doing some rambling in the lanes near home and found lots of berries. They are all over the place, red ones, purple ones, black ones and some pink ones. Berries are very important for us bears as we like them A LOT! BUT not all berries like us, so here is my quick good bear berry guide.

It is very important to inspect berries very closely

These look delicious, but CAUTION, these are NOT BERRIES FOR BEARS. They are hawthorn berries and if you want to eat them they have to be cooked. Some humans make jam with them.

These aren't grapes, they are elderberries, but they do make wine (hick!). I'm not sure if they taste very good raw, so I wouldn't try them

These are NOT grapes, elderberries or blackberries. They are buckthorn berries. When I was blackberrying I had to be very careful not to pick these as they make you PUKE and are poisonous!

These aren't grapes either, they are sloes. Humans add them to gin and sugar and leave the concoction to mature, then they drink it (but not all at once or they'd fall over!). I tried one of them raw and it made by mouth as dry as the Sahara - eeewww!

These are shiny red rose hips. They are full of goodness and help humans when they have colds. They cook them and make a sticky syrup.

These are my favourite berries - Blackberries. They all juicy and sweet and wonderful and I ate lots and lots and got the juice all over me (you can see it on my foot). If you're quick you'll still find lots of blackberries in the hedgerows (don't pick them if they're near a road or are low down where the dogs can pee on them).

York - a city for bears

2007-09-16T14:59:00.000+01:00

Me, exploring the city walls

The JCBinC and I have been in York this week. During the day the JCBinC had meetings in other places (we went to them on the train, which was great fun). When we came back from the meeting things (mostly boring stuff) we had lots of time to explore.

I have decided that York should be awarded a prize for being a city for bears. It's great, there are some many wiggly places to explore, walls to climb, tea shops to get supplies from and bear shops to look in. There's a very big church in the centre and every afternoon the bells play tunes.

The best, best, best thing about York is Betty's Tearoom. We were going to have a special tea there, but since the JCBinC tried to prune her little finger off at the weekend she can't use a fork very well and thought the waitresses may not want to cut her food up for her. So instead we bought some cakes and stuff and had a picnic in our B&B. Wow, it was scrummy.

Indoor picnic from Betty's Tearooms - look a bear in my chocolate!

This was the scrummiest

The Betty ladies were very kind and wrapped everything up really carefully and put ribbons on it! We were feeling a bit icky by the time we'd finished the tart, so we've brought the chocolate home for later.

50 and still going strong

2007-09-13T17:17:00.000+01:00

Whoa! I've made it to 50 blog posts.

Here's a short film thing to celebrate (sorry there's no music, but I haven't learnt how to add that yet).

If you can't see the film here, try here instead.

World cup fever

2007-09-09T16:35:00.000+01:00

It's Rugby World Cup time and I'm getting really excited. I don't like football (sorry Bob!), but I do love Rugby Union. I'll be supporting England. There are other bears in The Collective who will be supporting Wales, France, Australia, USA and Scotland.

I thought I would see if there are other bears supporting these teams. This is what I found.

This is the England bear. Very smart and he gets a ball to play with.

The French bear looks like he's been flattened in a ruck!

The Scottish bear must be expecting trouble because he's got a protective cap on.

The Welsh don't have bears, they have Dragons!

And the Australian's have a Wallaby.

The Americans don't know much about rugby and don't have any mascots at all. I think that's a real shame as they'd probably do a lot better if they did.

I'll be cheering on for England with the other JCBinC (who gets very grumpy when we don't win). Who will you be cheering for?

I hope you didn't have to go where I had to go this Sunday

2007-09-09T15:34:00.000+01:00

I was looking forward to a bit of a relax this Sunday.Perhaps a bit of blackberrying (more of that later), followed by a bit of rugby watching (more about that later too). All was going well until the JCBinC came rushing in from the garden, going "ooohhh" and "aaahhh" and stuck her hand under the cold tap. The other JCBinC came downstairs from doing a bit of computer work to see what the kerfuffle was all about.

"What have you done?" he asked. "Tried to cut the top of my little finger off with the secateurs" she replied. "That wasn't very clever. Let's have a look" (pause), "I think we need to go to casualty with that."

I didn't want to miss out, so I snuck in the bag. I've never been to hospital before. In the waiting area there were lots of other people going "oohh" and "aahh". They were mostly footballists who came hobbling in. There was someone else who looked like he'd be careless in the garden too.

There were several animals doing important comforting work for their small owners, including a pink rabbit and a panda, who was helping a little boy while the adult he'd come in with was being treated in the emergency room. In the treatment room where the JBCinC had five stitches put in her finger there was a bear too. I was very pleased to see bears doing such important work.

We're now home again. The JCBinC has a large bandage on her little finger and it starting to go "oohh" and "aahh" again as the anesthetic is starting to wear off. That'll teach her for cutting down the flowers the bees really liked!

Student life

2007-09-09T09:05:00.000+01:00

Last week I went to Derby. The JCBinC had gone there for a conference, which usually means lots of boring talk and not many chances for adventures. I was right, lots of boring talk and no chances for adventure. The whole time I had to adopt the "deep cover" mode.

So far this year when I've gone away I usually stayed in some really nice rooms. This one was the best. . .

The bed had four posts and a canopy and lots to places to hide. There were also lots of pillows and things.

When I went to Derby we stayed at the University of Derby, in what I can only describe as a cell. The JCBinC said it was much plusher than when she was a student, so I shouldn't moan. But there was no room stash to make use of and no telly! We're off to York on Monday - I hope we're not staying in a cell there too!

So what's going on here then. . ?

2007-09-07T17:32:00.000+01:00

We've (the JCBinC* and I) have been into our town this afternoon. The JBCinC went to do girly stuff (looking at a friend's daughter's wedding). While she was oohing and ahhing I was observing. Look what I found. Last week I observed the Teddy's Cafe bears in all their wedding finery.

Look what they're wearing today - SCHOOL UNIFORMS! What the heck's going on?!

*JCBinC - Joint Chief Bear in Charge

Spreading the luv!

2007-09-07T08:33:00.000+01:00

I've been tagged again by my good friend Bob T Bear esq. I'm feeling all blushy and very honoured. I have to pass "the luv" onto another blog that I enjoy. I'm passing it onto Nounours. Nounours is a Swiss blogging bear. His blog is in French and I don't understand it all the time (even when I stick a Babel Fish in my ear), but he always has great photos, cartoons and games on his site. Go and check him out!

Bye for now!

Bears at work

2007-09-03T07:52:00.000+01:00

I've been noticing recently that a lot more bears are going out to work. When I was in France last month I found this model bear in a shop. I'm not sure he really was a model, I think he was a spy masquerading as a model.

Since I've come back from holidays I've noticed bears doing work here in sunny Shoreham-by-Sea (that's where I live).

In the baker's, there's school bear

And at Teddy's Cafe there are these two.

I hope they all are getting paid at least the minimum honey rate. I'm going to keep a beady eye out for other working bears when I'm on my travels.

Happy Sunday afternoon

2007-09-02T15:43:00.000+01:00

I'm still recovering from my trip to France. Walker Bear is almost a bear again, and not such a bear with soar head. Any bear who only sleeps for 5 hours and cycles for 78 hours is likely to be a bit grumpy.

Since I've got back I've been experimenting with my blog. I've added a new "header" (a technical term apparently) and have made a map of all the places I've visited. I hope you like the changes.

I've also made two new blogger friends, Nounours from Switzerland and Plumpiemousie from France (thanks to Bob for introducing me to Plumpiemousie).

I have to go now as there's cycling to watch on the TV. See you soon.

Bonjour tout le monde - or The Collective 4 - Versailles

2007-08-28T21:34:00.000+01:00

"Bonjour mes amis. Je m'appelle Versailles. Je suis un petit ours Francais. . ."

"A word of advice, Versailles, most of my readers don't speak French, so should we start again?" Phytheas.

Pah! Hello my friends. My name is Versailles. I'm a small French bear. Last week I met Phytheas (a non French speaker) in my home town of Versailles. He asked if I would like to come to England to stay with him and The Collective. I said, "mais oui". I needed a change as I've spent the last many months in a shop, being prodded and poked my small children.

You will notice that "mon nez est rouge" and I have "une fenetre sur mon ventre". I observe that no other bears in The Collective have these distinctive markings. If I am allowed, I will try to offer a little French flare and style to this blog, I hope this will rub off, I think you say, on Phytheas and his friends. I understand some bears also have a liking for pants, if you are one of them please explain this custom.

Over the coming weeks I will also be cheering on the French rugby team in the cup de monde. Vive la France! Vive l'ours! Until next time - au revoir.

Versailles

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phytheas here - oh my, what have I done? I said I'd introduce him to you, but he's a bit full of himself. I think we may have some trouble with this one. . .

Versailles – my big adventure

2007-08-26T10:39:00.000+01:00

Me at Versailles - it's a big place

For the last week I’ve been pounding the streets of Versailles with the Joint Chief Bear in Charge, while the other JCBinC and Walker Bear have been cycling from Paris to Brest and back. We think it would have been quicker for them to drive but apparently that’s not the point.
So what have I found out about being a bear in Versailles? I’m pleased to say that there are bears doing important work in Versailles. This one is a model and guard. He was guarding the shop for the whole of August as the owners were en vacances. I think they should have taken him with them.

French Bear being a guard (but in disguise)

There are also strange bears to be found in the Palace, this is one of them and apparently he’s been adopted into The Collective. As yet we’re not sure. He only speaks French and keeps saying “ou est le miel?”

New Collective member - I'm not so sure. . .

Speaking of honey, look what I found at the hotel (we sneaked this out of the breakfast room, ha ha!) – it’s just the right size for a small bear.

French bees make honey too!

I also found lots of other things that might be of use to bear in the hotel room. Look Bob, a bonnet, I’m not sure it’s the same as your Mum got though, but it might work for lady-bumps.

We went for lots of walks in the gardens at the Palace. There are hundreds of statues of people with no clothes on, but no bears. There were also thousands of humans walking around, all speaking in different languages. We didn’t go into the big Palace (it’s all gold and marble and queues and queues of people), but we did go the farm and village that Marie-Antoinette had built when she lived in the Palace. Apparently she didn’t like all the gold and glittery stuff. I thought this was the best bit. At the farm there was a very cheeky parrot that kept speaking stuff in French. When we were in the shop I saw these gardening tools – they’re just the right size for a bear.

I’ve been to a lot of history places recently. To help me learn about what the French used to do I was bought this book of important dates. So far I’ve only got up to 1682.

Walker Bear and the other JCBinC were very tired after they finished their big cycle ride, so tired that they didn’t take any pictures, so I can’t show you. They’re both now lying in the sofa and watching the athletics and doing lots of groaning.

I’m off to finish my pot of honey and read some more about France in my history book. See you soon.

Bonjour!

2007-08-23T11:56:00.000+01:00

Bonjour mes amis, je suis en France pour ma vacances en Versailles.

Well friends enough of that French stuff. I'm in France with the Joint Chief Bears in Charge. One is on his bicycle going from Paris to Brest and back (mad, mad, mad) and the other is taking me round and round Versailles. when I get home Ill show you my holiday snaps.

At the hotel I found this computer, so I could blog you all to say hello. Its very slow because the keyboard is all wrong. My name comes out as Phytheqs if I donùt look qt the keys qnd I cqnùt find the punctuqtion keys either:

Its rained and rained and rained some more, just to make sure there's enough rain. Yesterday I got a bit wet and had to change my clothes. There might be some thunder today so I need to find my hug pants or a cupboard.

Better go now as this is costing quite a bit of my honey ration.

Blog you again when I get back.

Au revoir!!

Lunchtime

2007-08-17T18:14:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I went to Brighton. I was promised the beach after the meeting stuff was over, but what did I get, shopping and what's more shoe shopping (Bob T Bear (esq) understands all about shoe shopping). I was a little miffed. I think my miffnest was registered, as this lunchtime we went to the beach. I like the beach, it's my favourite place. I'm a really lucky bear as I have a beach to play on only 10 minutes cycle away. We usually walk, which takes longer, but the Joint Chief Bear in Charge wants to 'get fit' so we got the bike out. I had a go at being a life guard, but no one needed saving while I was there.

That's all for now.

Walker Bear's big adventure

2007-08-13T18:21:00.000+01:00

WB at the finish of the P-B-P 2003

I'm off to France at the weekend with Walker Bear and some of The Collective. WB and the other Joint Chief Bear in Charge are taking part in the Paris-Brest-Paris cycle ride (he'll be going 1,200km in 90 hours!). WB did it the last time it was on four years ago. We're going to cheer him on his way and then 'do some sightseeing' (I bet that means more history) in Versailles for a few days.

Allez, allez, allez, WB!

Shooting stars!

2007-08-13T07:18:00.000+01:00

We were allowed to stay up late last night to see the shooting stars. Wow, they were great! Whoosh, they went, if we blinked we missed them, so we tried not to. We also saw five satellites and lots of planes and some planets.

PS - we didn't take this photo, it's the nearest copyright free thing the Joint Chief Bear in Charge could find.

Sutton Who?

2007-08-10T17:13:00.000+01:00

Whoa! More history this week! Last week I was battling in Battle, this week I was looking at bumpy bumps and fending off sheep in Suffolk. On the way to where we were going (the bird place) we stopped off at Sutton Hoo.

Sutton Hoo is a REALLY old place. Everyone used to think it was just a field with some bumpy bits, but then someone started digging and found a buried boat and lots and lots of sparkly gold ornaments. The boat and all the sparkly things were put there by some old folks called the Anglo-Saxons. You can't see the boat now, but the bumpy bits, but there are some pretent gold sparlky ornamnets which are cool (this is not a word I would usaually use, but I thought I should as I've got my new baseball hat on back to front and that's supposed to be cool).

To keep the grass short on the bumpy bits and to let some special birds nest there the people who run Sutton Hoo employ sheep to eat the grass. I thought they were quite frisky and a bit big. I think they were running up to say hello, but I wasn't sure.

The observant amoung you might have noticed I'm wearing clothes - I'm not sure, but the Joint Chief Bear in Charge bought some for me last week, so I thought I ought to give them a go.

1066 and all that

2007-08-07T07:40:00.000+01:00

You know, the Joint Chief Bear in Charge does take me to some strange places. Last week we went to an art gallery and yesterday we went to the battlefield at Battle (strange that the thing and the place are the same name. . .), that's the place where the William the Conqueror and King Harold had a bit of an argument. Why do you ask did we go there, it's nothing to do with what the JCBinC does, birds and wildlife and stuff. Well, I'll tell you. They have an 'audio device' (whatever that it, that she wanted to test out).

I've never been to a battlefield before. Do you know what, it was very small and a bit dull. I was expecting charging horses and flying arrows, but no. Just a small bumpy field. To liven things up I did my own bit of re-enacting. . .

Oh, no, I've been hit. . .

Only joking, I'm alright really!

After we'd tested the 'audio' thing we had a walk around Battle. As we were feeling a bit peckish we popped into a healthy food shop and look what I found! It's got honey in and everything!

At bit more worryingly though, we went into another shop, where the JCBinC got me some clothes. . . Oh no. . . Some are even a bit pink. . . More about this later, when I've recovered.

Anyway that's all for now. I'm off to Suffolk for the next few days (seaside again, yippee!).

London calling

2007-08-01T19:01:00.000+01:00

Me and the River Thames

Hello folks. This is me in London today. We went for a meeting at a huge art gallery. It used to be a power station. The pictures weren't very pretty. Lots of squiggles and blobs and even a room full of beds. I could have done that! In fact I think I might try.

Back again soon.

Now where's my paint brush. . ?

Invasion!

2007-07-30T07:56:00.000+01:00

Banana Bear (Photo courtesy of Steiff)

We were invaded at the weekend by a nine month old bear terror. We had been warned, so we'd all gone into deep, deep cover. When the bear terror was born, The Collective pooled it's honey money and sent him a bear of his own (Banana Bear). Banana Bear came too this weekend, but was so busy with the bear terror that we didn't get a chance to see how he's doing. It think we should send him some ear plugs!

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. . .

2007-07-26T17:52:00.000+01:00

I went to the seaside this week. The Joint Chief Bear in Charge and I went to north Norfolk. Here I am on the beach at Titchwell. As you can see it's huge and goes on for miles. There were all sorts of shells and birds, you can see some of their tracks.

The Joint Chief Bear in Charge got a bit misty eyed when she was there, not cause the sand was blowing in them but because she comes from Norfolk and she used to come here lots. We went back to the beach in the evening and the sun was setting. Apparently it was very romantic - pah! I asked the JCBinC if she'd put her picture on my blog, this is what she gave me, I know she's taller than me, but I didn't think she was that tall!

Rain, rain, go away come again another day

2007-07-20T17:22:00.000+01:00

Guess what? It's raining. Again. We had a monsoon and thunder storm this morning and it's doing it again now. All this rain means I haven't been out exploring very much. Which being an exploring bear is very frustrating.

I had a small explore yesterday and even got a bit lost for a bit. I wasn't really lost, I knew all the time where I should be going, I just got there in a round about way. Where did I get lost? In The City. That's the strange bit of London, there are no bear shops and lots of people dashing about shouting "SELL, SELL" into their mobiles. I've been told they all work on the Honey Exchange, so there must be some bears there running the whole thing really.

After I found where I was supposed to be I got onto another train and went into Darkest Essex (that's where my good friend Bob T Bear (Esq) lives). I went to this space age looking building, where people watch birds (and the rain I expect). It was quite nice, I think I was the only bear there. I was in deep cover for most of the time as there was lots of boring talking going on.

I'm going to Norfolk next week - by the seaside. Yipee!

There be dinosaurs!

2007-07-12T08:06:00.000+01:00

First, an apology. The camera we took with us yesterday can't do me and backgrounds in focus at the same time (someone needs to take the better camera next time, hint, hint).

Anyway I went to Weymouth yesterday on the train. Weymouth is in Dorset and at the seaside. When we got to the station there was this sign saying, "Alight here for the Jurassic Coast". You know what that means, that means there could be dinosaurs. Huge big dinosaurs, just wandering around, with their buckets and spades and eating ice cream!

Well I looked and I looked, but I didn't see any. But I did see a bird that could have been one. The Joint Chief Bear in Charge said it was a cormorant. They're odd and a bit spooky. When they get wet they have to hang their wings out to dry. Why don't they use a towel?

The Collectve 3 - Spencer Bear

2007-07-10T08:29:00.000+01:00

Let me introduce you to Spencer Bear. He's one of the Collective members I live with. He's been in the Collective for longer than me. I had to persuade him to have his portrait taken, he's a bit camera shy. He says I haven't really caught him at his best.

Like me Spencer is a travelling bear, but only for the big adventures. He came to France with us last month. He likes a bit of a laugh (ha ha) - when we were having our picture taken at the Col de Galibier, he was supposed to be holding on to me, but he let go, just as the picture was taken, if you look really carefully you can see me tumbling off the rock. Oh how I laughed! Really though he's a good guy.

Holidays - or how to sit in France

2007-07-06T17:30:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, here are some pictures from my holiday in the French Alps. As you can see some of The Collective came too.

Balcony sitting - it was a long way down!

Window sill sitting

Rock sitting - and let me tell you I was pushed!

Dashboard sitting and navigating

Snow sitting

Col sitting at 2,410 metres!

Tour de France route sitting

Flower spotting sitting

An honorary bear - the Marmot.

2007-07-05T08:39:00.001+01:00

An honorary bear
Originally uploaded by Phytheas Bear.

I met this Marmot in France last week. We had a good chat about this and that. Marmots don't like honey, funny that. Anyway I think Marmots are "Honorary Bears", just like Koalas!

My big interview with Bob T Bear (esq)

2007-07-04T17:57:00.000+01:00

My very good friend, Bob T Bear (esq) has sent me some questions to answer about myself and my life as a bear. He gave a very interesting interview to Phaseoutgirl in response to her questions. It’s good to see that us bear bloggers are getting asked about ourselves by both fellow bears and “not-a-bears”. Bob speaks Bear English, it sounds like it looks, but you can find more help on Bob’s website.

1)Ar yu naymd arfter that Greek explorer bloke? If so, wat is it like fer a smoll Bear to carry such an esteeemd nayme? Duzz it get hevy?
Yes, Bob I am. P(h)ytheas, I’ll explain about the (h) in a bit, was a Greek explorer. He was around a long time ago (about 2,300 years back). He came from Marseilles (it was part of Greece then) but he got bored with all the sunshine, olive oil and wine and decided to see what life was like a bit further north. So one day he got in a boat and apparently sailed up to Britain and Germany. He said he wrote a book about it, but no one can find it (I’ve looked in my library but it’s not there). He used the stars to navigate (a bit like I use a GPS for my travels). Some people think that he went right up to the arctic circle and found it too cold and icy, so he decided to go back home and have eat some grapes and drink some wine.

You, being a special spy (ooh, should I have mentioned that, is it a secret?), will have noticed that I have an H in my name, but the Greek bloke doesn’t (although I have found some learned books that do have it). Why is that you ask (that I have an H, that it). Well that’s something I asked my Joint Chief Bear in Charge who gave me the name. Her explanation was that as a bear I like honey and therefore I should have an H in my name, I think that’s balderdash and that her finger slipped on the keyboard when she typed my name. Anyway it does have advantages, cause when you Google my name, my blog comes up first in the list.

You ask if it’s a big responsibility for a small bear to live up to having the same name as some ancient famous bloke – no I think I can handle it, when I start getting mobbed in the street for my pawtograph, then I might get a bit fed up.

2)Do yu ever want to hide under the bed, an if so, wat snaks wud yu like to find ther?
No not under the bed i looked at it’s a bit dusty and I’d start sneezing. i do hide in bags (called being in deep cover). I do this when I’m in places where as a bear i might not be appreciated. I would really like to find some honey, but I’m told that bags, honey and small bears don’t mix.

3)Wen yu luk at the clowds, wat sort ov things do yu make out ov the shaypes yu find ther?
In the clouds I have seen bees, honey pots. What I don’t understand is why no else can see them. My Collective friend Walker Bear sees cyclists, but then he has a thing about Lycra! When we were in France I sat in the snow with Walker Bear and when we got up I saw WB's bum in the snow!

4)Wen did yu larst hav a poo, an wher?
Hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee – almost now reading this question! The last time was last week in the car when the other Joint Chief Bear in Charge was driving in France (I had my eyes closed and wished I was in a bag and not in charge of the GPS on the dashboard).

5)Do yu think ther ar Bears on other planits?
That’s a very big question Bob. I think there must be. I think this because it’s them that are making the bees and honey pots in the clouds. We can’t do it from down here as our paws aren’t long enough to do them.

Thanks Bob for asking me your questions. If anyone would like me to ask them some big questions from a small bear then here are the instructions.

1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Do bears need clothes?

2007-07-04T17:19:00.000+01:00

I'm a bare bear and proud of it. Some of The Collective I live with have some clothes, but none of them (with the exception of the two Joint Chief Bears in Charge) have pants. When I say pants, I mean pants in the English way, not pants like the Americans have.

But over the last little while I've got to thinking, do I really need some? What do you think?

Holidays

2007-07-01T17:41:00.001+01:00

Originally uploaded by Phytheas Bear.

Bonjour everyone, I'm back!
Just a quick hello as I'm still recovering from 10 hours in the car yesterday. Some of the Collective and I have been to the French Alps. They are very big and pointy. We saw lots of exciting things - including an honorary bear (I'll blog about him later).

This is us at the start of our holidays in a hotel in Burgundy. The Joint Chief Bears in Charge had gone off for a meal, so we played with the TV and the camera while they were out!

Back again soon.

Passport!

2007-06-09T12:54:00.001+01:00

Passport!
Originally uploaded by Phytheas Bear.

Our passport arrived today. It's very exciting as it means we can travel anywhere now. As a Collective we only need to have one passport. I know I'm going to France, but I'm not sure who else will be going.

As you can see here, quite a number of the Collective are looking hopeful.

All I need now is a suitcase.

Sleepy train to Scotland

2007-06-08T19:56:00.000+01:00

I've just got back from my trip to Scotland. I went on the Sleeper train to get there and back. Well I think they should change the name to non-sleeper train. The train driver thought it was huge fun to slow down and speed up all through the night and the engineers kept banging and crashing on the wheels when they added extra carriages.

So, as you might guess, I'm a little sleepy and quite a bit grumpy. But I did have a great time. Most of the trip I (and my teddy bear) was in deep, deep cover. This was because the Joint Chief Bear in Charge was travelling with colleagues who just don't understand Bears, can you believe that!! However, I did get to go on ferries to Mull and Skye and I saw white-tailed sea eagles and common seals. Scotland does have some nasty wildlife too, midges and ticks - uck!The JCBinC did take some video on her new camcorder toy so watch this space I may premier my film of the trip here.

Off for an early night and then planning and packing for my first trip abroad - yippee!

Planning for Scotland

2007-05-30T17:09:00.001+01:00

Plannning for Scotland
Originally uploaded by Phytheas Bear.

It's the big trip to Scotland next week. I thought before I go, I should check the map for honey shops. If there aren't any, I'll have to fill my rucksack with it. It's very exciting as we going on the train that sleeps overnight. We're also going on a ferry to an island or two.

I've been told though that I've got to go into deep cover mode as I'm not just going with the Joint Chief Bear in Charge, but some of her work colleagues and that they might not understand what small bears are all about.

We should see all sorts of birds, and may be even an otter. They're honorary bears.

Must go and finish packing.

New kit!

2007-05-30T10:42:00.000+01:00

Way-hay, look at me! I've got a rucksack! It's for my holidays (16 days and counting). I can put all sorts of bear things in it. Honey, chocolate biscuits, passport, camera, pooh sticks, emergency honey, mead, maps, compass, whistle, walking sticks, binoculars, back-up emergency honey, handkerchief, strawberries, climbing ropes, French phrase book (bearish version), balloon, Kendal Mint Cake, money, spare honey. . .

Strewth, it can't be that difficult!

2007-05-23T18:02:00.000+01:00

I've been to Wales this week. This time the bit in the middle. I stayed in this wicked place with a huge bed that I got completely lost in. I thought there might be dragons, but there weren't. When I wasn't getting lost in the bed I did some exploring and found this huge giant (I'm sitting on his hand).

I also discovered some curly ferns and did a spot of birdwatching.

So after such a whizo trip why, you ask, am I a grumpy bear? I'll tell you why, the Joint Chief Bear in Charge's inability to take a picture of me in focus. Look at these and see what I mean.

Biscuit hunt

2007-05-17T19:17:00.000+01:00

Bear and I went to South Yorkshire this week. It was a very whizzy visit, so we didn't get time to look around. But we did find these yummy biscuits in the hotel room. It's always best to rootle out the biscuits where you're staying, because you never know when you're going to get something to eat again when you're away from home and your honey supply.

Yippee!

2007-05-15T17:35:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited, the annual Collective holiday destination has just been revealed and what's even better I'll be going! It's the Alps. They are big pointy mountains. We're going to the French bits. I've never seen a mountain before, I wonder if there will be snow? I'm so excited that I've forgotten about having bear flu. Yippee, again and again and again. .!

The Collective 2 - Bear

2007-05-13T11:41:00.000+01:00

As it's raining today and I'm still recovering from the bear flu I thought I'd introduce another of The Collective.

This is Bear. He's one of the oldest members of The Collective. Unlike most of us, he can't sit down and always looks a bit startled. As you can see he's looking a bit care worn now. When he first arrived he had special properties - he smelt. Not in a bad way, but in a soothing, sleepy way. He doesn't smell in a good way now, he's occasionally doused in lavender oil, which us other bears think is really icky. He also travels with me, but rarely gets out of the case as he's a bit old and crotchety.

I have bear flu. . .

2007-05-11T15:56:00.000+01:00

. . . please send honey.

Wow - a holiday on my own!

2007-05-09T19:25:00.000+01:00

Look what I've just found on the www - a package holiday just for bears - how cool is that! I've always wanted to go to Berlin. Better start saving up my honey money.

The Collective 1 - Walker Bear

2007-05-07T15:44:00.000+01:00

Did I mention I'm part of a Collective? I live with several other bears and two honorary bears (or humans). We are all equal, although the humans do call themselves the Joint Chief Bears in Charge (JCBiC). I'm not sure this is entirely fair, but I'm not going to argue too much as I might not to get to go on adventures if I do.

While I'm not travelling I thought I'd introduce some of the Collective. This is Walker Bear. He arrived in The Collective in a packet of crisps. He like me is a very adventurous bear, but unlike travelling in trains, he travels on bicycles with the other JCBiC. He has gone on many bike rides, including the Paris-Brest-Paris, which went on for 1,200 km. At the end he was a bit grumpy as he'd only had about four hours sleep in 72 hours. And would you believe it, he's in training to do it all again this year! I didn't go last time, but I will be this year, so I can cheer him off and offer him lots of honey sandwiches when he comes back.

As he wears a red shirt (most of the time) he tends to support teams that wear red (Arsenal (that's OK with me), Manchester United (Uck!), Liverpool (not sure), but not the Wales rugby team - he does support England, but takes his shirt off. He also supports red cycling teams (there's only one this year, Cofidis). He's going to see them whoosh through London in July when the Tour de France comes.

Well that's all I can think of to say about Walker Bear. Come back again soon and I'll tell you about some of the other Collective (unless I'm off on important travelling duties).

Waiting for frogs

2007-05-04T18:00:00.001+01:00

Waiting for frogs
Originally uploaded by Phytheas Bear.

As it's been a non-travel week (boring) I decided to do some exploring in the garden. Wow, imagine what I found - a pond. It's full of tiny wriggly things, all swimming about. There were also some large dragon looking flying things swooping over the water.

I found this very comfy seat in the middle of the water and had a good sit and a hard stare - I was looking for frogs, but none came up to say hello.

I like the pond and the next time there's a no travel day I'll go back and explore some more.

What's in a name?

2007-04-30T17:20:00.000+01:00

Deep cover

Pah, no travelling this week as far as I can see (I took a sneaky look at the Joint Chief Bear in Charge's diary and it was blank - all week!). If I sit and wish hard enough, an adventure may happen.

My time though hasn't been totally wasted. I thought I'd try to find out why my name is Phytheas. When I googled it I came up first, can you believe that? There were then some really boring entries about professors and other important people. I thought I'd look on Wikipedia, but no. Then I was given a hint, try spelling your name without the H and see what happens.

I did and do you know what I found out that there was a old Greek bloke called Pytheas who allegedly sailed round Britain in old Greek times.

Why I ask isn't my name spelt like this, if I was named after this great explorer? I consulted the Joint Chief Bear in Charge and she said they H had been added because all bears like honey. I'm not so sure, I think the H was added when a finger slipped on the keyboard thingy. So I'm thinking of calling myself P(h)ytheas, just to make the JCBiC feel guilty for making such a huge mistake.

Yorkshire by the sea

2007-04-27T16:45:00.000+01:00

This is what I did in Yorkshire this week.

I sat in a hawthorn hedge and it was very prickly. That's Flamborough lighthouse behind me.

I'm only a very small bear, and the beach was very big.

After being at the beach I was taken to some boring flat place with swishy reeds and water and squawking birds and lots of buzzy flies.

Is this a mouse?

2007-04-27T16:32:00.000+01:00

As you know I've been to Yorkshire this week. I stayed in this huge old house with an enormous bathroom (the Joint Chief Bear in Charge said it was probably bigger than her bedroom at home).

Can you imagine my surprise to find this 'mouse' sitting on the chair by the path? I didn't like the look of its teeth (or it's flowery apron, as bears don't do flowery stuff like that). What do you suppose he (or is a she with that apron) was doing? If that's the size of the mice in the house, what's the cat going to be like?

I found a hole in the beach

2007-04-26T09:42:00.000+01:00

I've been on my travels again this week, this time to the East Yorkshire coast. While I was pottering about at Flamborough I discovered this hole in the beach - do you think it goes to Australia?

More about my Yorkshire adventures soon.

Food for travellers

2007-04-21T11:52:00.000+01:00

I bought this for the rest of the Chalkhills Collective back home while I was in Wales. I'll let you know if it's any good.