| Travels
in North America
In 1997 Pollyanna made a major expedition into the wild west
states of North America, following a shorter preliminary study
trip in 1995, and previous journeys through Canada.
From the blistering heat of the deserts of Arizona -20ºC
in the barren lands above the tree line of Colorado's rocky
mountains, Pollyanna experienced all the extremes of the North
American climate and landscape during her journeys to study
the native wildlife.
Starting amid the spectacular beauty of the Big Sur region
of the Californian coast Pollyanna visited the world's only
rescue and rehabilitation centre. Taking the rash step of hiring
a kayak in strong winds, Pollyanna was able to study these appealing
animals in their natural marine habitat as they swam in the
kelp beds of the pacific ocean.
Moving into Arizona, Pollyanna and Anna-Louise set out in search
of the elusive puma - only to become lost in vastness of the
Sonoran desert, with their four wheel drive rapidly running
out of fuel. Having survived this experience, future forays
into the inhospitable desert environment were made on horseback.
With only six riding lessons back in the UK to prepare them
for this journey, Pollyanna and Anna-Louise found themselves
a little unprepared for the seven hour treks made in unfamiliar
western saddles - but the suffering was rewarded with sightings
of desert coyotes, roadrunners and jack rabbits.
In New Mexico, the horse riding continued - though a 35,0002
mile ranch, home to one of the last remaining herds of north
American buffalo - and accommodation on this leg of the journey
consisted of traditional native American teepees.
Driving through Colorado, Pollyanna found herself somewhat
behind schedule - an unexpected snowstorm trapped them in rocky
mountain lodge for several days - but while in this remote region,
Pollyanna was thrilled with a sighting of a lynx, one of the
most secretive of the North American wild cats.
Returning to civilization, Pollyanna stayed with a wildlife
vet near Boulder in Colorado, and had the opportunity to sketch
many of the animals in his care, including a grizzly bear, a
black bear cub, an American badger - as well as to assist in
the rearing of three orphaned wolf cubs. It was near Boulder
she finally tracked down the object if her quest - the elusive
puma.
A third trip in 1998 prior to the exhibition "Wild West"
took Pollyanna to Montana and Idaho -Big Sky Country - and the
marvels of Yellowstone. While on this expedition, Pollyanna
experienced the excitement of white water rafting, and still
regrets not photographing a very clear yeti footprint in the
mud banks of the River of no return. The yeti has yet to feature
in an exhibition.
Pollyanna signs copies
of her wolf calendar in a branch of Barnes and Noble bookstore
in the USA.
In January 2007 Pollyanna took the opportunity to visit
New England in the winter, to hike in the snowbound mountains.
While there, she was pleased to have the opportunity to visit
the North American Wolf Foundation, to sketch the wolves in
their sanctuary, and learn more about their work. Wolves once
roamed free in 48 states in the US, but have been systematically
slaughtered to the verge of extinction. The Foundation is committed
to teaching people that wolf can co-exist with man, and fights
to protect the remaining wild population. Many visitors to Pollyanna’s
2007 Summer Exhibition ‘Wonderful World’ signed
a petition in support of their latest campaign, to collect a
million signatures to end the government-sanctioned killing
of wolves in Alaska. Paintings inspired by Pollyanna’s
visit to the Foundation were also included in the exhibition.
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