Big Salmon Lake Polar bear plunge

The master Gamekeeper neared the shore of Big Salmon Lake in search of prey. Large ungulates tended to cluster around watering holes like this one as they migrated through the area. Unfortunately, the banks were sparse, practically devoid of life. He saw a coyote drinking on the lake's opposite shore but it split as he approached. Peregrine sighed, then dipped his own muzzle down, used it to break through the thin ice and took a refreshing drink.

He wouldn't go much further before turning back toward the caldera. For the moment, he roamed around the lake, sniffing the air and the ground in turn, looking for anything to hunt. An icy wind swept over the water, ruffling it and tousling the long fur at his nape. It brought with it a scent and he turned, pausing as he tilted his snout into the frigid current of air. When Peregrine identified the animal he smelled, he deliberated but decided to go ahead and give it a whirl. Meat was meat, even if it was stinky.

Ten minutes later, he tore into the skunk's warm carcass. It had succeeded in spraying him and it was difficult to ignore the terrible smell, which was so strong he could also taste it. He polished off the entire rodent, then glanced at the water. It wouldn't get rid of the scent, not really, but it might take the edge off it. He licked his dry lips, trying to muster up the courage for what would be a painfully cold dip.

Peregrine sucked in a breath, then leaped. He crashed easily through the brittle ice, then came up with a gasp. He turned and hooked his claws into the shore so he wouldn't risk drifting under the ice (though he was sure he could bust through it if he needed). He remained submerged for as long as he could stand, then jumped back out of the water, teeth chattering as he gave himself a mighty shake.

Once he got rid of most of the moisture, he put his nose to his own black shoulder and inhaled. He grimaced. He still smelled like a combination of burnt rubber, rotten garbage and unwashed socks. Awesome.