Kapp Freeden & Nordaustlandet Ice Cap
As the ship worked its way to the morning’s anchorage, the bridge crew and staff scanned for bears along our intended landing sight. We were in luck; at that point, none were seen in the vicinity. So right after breakfast the kayak platform was readied at the ship, and the staff went ashore to get ready for our morning hikes. The area is dramatic, with large cliffs, a long pebble beach and areas with red and green mosses and tiny Arctic flowers. The long hikers went first, then the moderate, short and photo groups. It was kind of a gray, but as the morning progressed, some blue sky started to appear and the sun shone through from time to time.
Everything was going smoothly, when suddenly the call came from one of the long hike groups that a bear had been spotted a ways off. Well, after some communications between the staff, the bridge and expedition leader, it was decided to slowly start making our way back toward the landing sight and keep monitoring what the bear was doing. Luckily, this particular animal was more interested in sleeping than us, and stayed in the same area it had been spotted, while the landing continued. Bud, our Expedition Leader, positioned himself to continue watching the bear, and we were able to complete the landing, even if some of the longer walks were abbreviated!
As we were wrapping up the landing and heading back to the ship, the “Polar Plunge” was taking place from the ship. Many a brave soul jumped or dove into the icy arctic waters off Spitzbergen, and survived to cruise another day, and tell tales of their bravery to friends and family at home.
As lunch was being served, the anchor was raised and the ship set out for our afternoon adventure, cruising along the ice cap on Nordlaustlandet. This large island off the northeast corner of Spitzbergen is home to the third largest ice cap in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland. At about 2:30 we approached this massive wall of glacial ice and did an amazing cruise along part of its towering face. This time of year there are countless melt streams flowing through and over the top of this enormous dome of ice. The Captain brought us in so close we could almost touch the face, and as we sat there in amazement, the cameras were clicking away in every direction. Before leaving and heading toward the morning’s destination, he also took us very close to a beautiful blue iceberg just off shore. What a fabulous experience and day!
