Fishing

I was digging through some old photos the other day and came across this shot of a fishing expedition I was lucky enough to attend. As you can see I managed to land this small Mako shark without even using a line! I am a bif fan of 'catch and release' so shortly after this shot was taken we put him back in the water where he belongs. Due to their speed and agility (50km/hour and bursts of 70km/hour) the Mako is a highly sought after game fish, and it has a better hydrodynamic shape than all other sharks. This is probaby helps make it so fast (but not as fast as me!) It is also a ovoviviparous shark which means that it gives birth to live young who feed from a sac full of yolk in the womb. Well, that is the end of todays lesson, until next time....

Charlie

France

Baxter and I just got back from a week snowboarding in France. Here we are at the top of the ridge between Courchevel and Meribel in the Three Valleys link which is in the south east of the country. We had a fantastic time and luckily for us dont have any bones to break (athough we managed to collect plenty of bruises!) Whilst we didnt get any snowfall the weather was amazing, - in fact almost too hot at times. In the afternoon the snow became a little slushy and the clear skies meant it was cold (and icy) early in the mornings. The food was great and the people generally very friendly, although from the looks we received you would think they had never seen a bear and big cat before.

Charlie

Christmas!

Well, after our big adventure in space it was nice to take a break for Christamas. I was thinking about buying Baxter a costume to wear so he could be Santa and deal out the presents but in the end left it too late (I hate the last minute shopping crowds)
Last year we spent Christmas in Scotland, but this year we travelled even further afield...New Zealand! The weather was warmer than England, but the summer is starting later and later each year so hadnt really got going by the time we left. Next year we're hoping to go somewhere exotic as well so I will keep you posted when I know the destination. The picture is of a couch made entirely of Teddy Bears. I saw it in Harrods over the Christmas period, and I have to say I am very impressed with their ability to stay in formation all day. I hope they get a good nights sleep after all that. Until next time, Merry Christmas all!

Charlie

Space, the final frontier!

Well, it has been some time since my last entry. As you can probably see from the photo I havent exactly been able to log on. Baxter and I constructed a rocket to travel to the moon and back. It was an amazing journey of discovery and as you can see we documented our progress along the way. Our equipment wasnt particularly high tech, - but we made do with our aluminium foil spacesuits as being stuffed means we arent particularly vulnerable to radiation. Now that we're back I should be able to post a bit more regularly....and best of all...we made it home for Christmas!!

Charlie

Camel Riding

Today I went camel riding with Baxter. We found some sturdy beasts and had a great time, even dressing up in traditional Bedouin headgear. The camels were fairly good natured, only spitting at us on one occasion. If you ever get the chance to ride a camel, do it!

Charlie

Geobear Visits Us

Today Geobear #10R from the USA visited us. He belongs to Mr Axt's 5th Grade class from Knollwood School in New Jersey. Geobears are sent out by geography classes to travel around the world. At each destination the recipient sends a postcard back to the class to show where the bear has ended up before sending the geobear to the next destination. Baxter and I showed him around the sights of London and he left for Ireland on Friday. It must be an amazing life travelling all around the world with people, - I wonder if he ever gets homesick though? I guess it is getting towards the end of the year now though so I hope someone sends him home again soon. Photo (left to right) Charlie, Geobear #10R, Baxter

You can find out a bit more about geobears from this link
here

Charlie

Paris

I have just returned from my trip to Paris. I took the Eurostar from London which made it a very enjoyable journey. I still havent got used to international rail travel and almost left my passport behind, - which would have been embarrasing. Its bad enough being so short that I have to jump up onto the desk at border control let alone looking like a stuffing head for leaving my passport at home. Although I was only there for a few days I managed to pack a lot of sight seeing in during my stay: Sacre Coeure, Louvre, Pompidou, Musee d'Orsay, and Notre Dame.
The Metro was very convenient although the sign was quite high on the wall so I had to ask people to hold me up so that I could read it. (I am only 20cm tall after all :) The ice cream was also delicious, - I had a vanilla flavoured one (it had flecks of real vanilla pod in it)
Unfortunately Baxter couldnt come as he was waiting for an overseas visitor to arrive. I'm sure I'll go again so hopefully he accompanies me next time.

Charlie

Sleeping

Someone pointed out the other day that I like to spread out in bed. I do love to sleep, but I'm not entirely sure what they mean....

Charlie