Further North in the Arctic Ocean to Svalbard

 Further North in the Arctic Ocean to Svalbard 

                                          LAND HO!

After dinner last night we made our way back to our stateroom. We secured items on countertops etc as the sea has started to get rougher.  Currently as I write at 0444 in the morn waves are at 2.8 meters, and at times are slamming against the bow.

0900 there is a history of Svalbard lecture, will prob watch it in the room. It was a nice comprehensive historical overview.

0900 to 1030 is a wildlife watch on the bow observation area. My guess is this may not go due to the sea state. Update, the walk way to the viewing area is closed.

1030-1100 is something called Happy Whale, will see what that is about. 

There is what I will call a dangling of the carrot for a sales pitch on HX Sailings to Antarctica.

1300 we should be tucked into a sheltered bay on Svalbard and make a landing.

 

 

A bit about Svalbard - Scenic Spitsbergen
A land of spectacular beauty.

 
Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory; a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful islands. Over the next five days you’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords and see glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea.  

Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions. Perhaps we’ll head to the snowcapped peaks of Hornsund, or visit Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and an important climate research station.

 
Making our way to the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, we’ll cruise through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. The light of the Midnight Sun gives us plenty of time to explore this breathtakingly scenic area. If conditions allow, we may even cross the 80th parallel north and explore the ever-changing ice edge. 

In the shadow of soaring snowcapped mountains, you’ll discover pristine icescapes as the summer just touches the region. Marvel at the array of majestic glaciers and get an insight into the area’s whaling past. On the cliffs above, look out for returning Arctic birds like Little Auks, Arctic Terns, Skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese. If we’re lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear in its natural environment.

The outdoor areas on Deck 5 are closed as it is rather windy out there.

Internet is spotty most likely due to weather.

We have arrived in Burgerbukta, a bay where the seas are some what calmer. One can walk about the ship and not bang into walls or have a hand rail close by.

The expedition team is scanning for Polar Bears and if it is decided it is safe for us to land it will take about an hour to set the observation/safety staff. 

A bit after 1300 a zodiac was launched, there is currently a light snow falling. One factor for landing is visibility, this is due to the Polar Bears blending in with the fog and snow.

We were able to land and go for a hike. We observed the various rocks we learned about in the science center yesterday. Pretty Darn Kewl!

 

 

Back on the ship we rinsed our boots and changed clothes for dinner. Rib eye was the main this evening. The food is excellent, the wine paired well, and the service most excellent. The portions are way more than we can usually eat even when we ask for smaller portions. 

 

We were told the ships engineers would be working on the hot water system from 1400-1500. It is now 1712 and they are still working on the system.  

We are awaiting this evening briefing on tomorrow. The thing about expedition cruising is there is no real set schedule or landing spot. Much of this is dependent upon the weather, the sea and where interesting things to see are at. 



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