Svalbard
On this our last full day of exploring in the Svalbard region we enjoyed a compilation of our week’s experiences. Low overcast and light rain greeted us at breakfast as the Endeavour made her way into Kongsfjorden. Steep and rugged mountain peaks lined the boundaries of the fjord and numerous tidewater glaciers spilled into the water. Dozens of eager paddlers opted for kayaking this morning. We glided between sculpted icebergs and cruised the shore of a small island where we found eider ducks and nesting terns. We could hear the distinct but distant ‘white thunder’ of the glaciers’ calving. The Zodiac cruisers also enjoyed the shore and icebergs and a solitary polar bear was easy to spot as it wandered the brown hillside above.
Our afternoon was spent visiting the small community of Ny Ǻlesund. There was once an active coal mining operation here and there are now about 200 souls that call this town home. A number of polar expeditions used Ny Ǻlesund as a base and a statue of Roald Amundsen graces the town center. Many of us mailed letters and cards as this is the world’s most northerly post office. Tonight we’ll pack our bags for the beginning of our homeward journey. We’ll take with us photos and souvenirs but most valuable are the shared experiences with new friends and the rewards of exploring one of the most remote regions on earth.
On this our last full day of exploring in the Svalbard region we enjoyed a compilation of our week’s experiences. Low overcast and light rain greeted us at breakfast as the Endeavour made her way into Kongsfjorden. Steep and rugged mountain peaks lined the boundaries of the fjord and numerous tidewater glaciers spilled into the water. Dozens of eager paddlers opted for kayaking this morning. We glided between sculpted icebergs and cruised the shore of a small island where we found eider ducks and nesting terns. We could hear the distinct but distant ‘white thunder’ of the glaciers’ calving. The Zodiac cruisers also enjoyed the shore and icebergs and a solitary polar bear was easy to spot as it wandered the brown hillside above.
Our afternoon was spent visiting the small community of Ny Ǻlesund. There was once an active coal mining operation here and there are now about 200 souls that call this town home. A number of polar expeditions used Ny Ǻlesund as a base and a statue of Roald Amundsen graces the town center. Many of us mailed letters and cards as this is the world’s most northerly post office. Tonight we’ll pack our bags for the beginning of our homeward journey. We’ll take with us photos and souvenirs but most valuable are the shared experiences with new friends and the rewards of exploring one of the most remote regions on earth.
