Today we awoke to find true arctic conditions–freezing temperature with wind and blowing snow. Although exciting, this made observing the bird cliffs at Cape Fanshaw before breakfast difficult. As our Plan B the National Geographic Explorer headed farther north seeking protection in Lomfjorden, along the northeast coast of Spitsbergen. Here we found suitable conditions for our morning explorations. Intrepid explorers went ashore for hikes of varying lengths on the tundra, while others explored at water level by Zodiac. During the afternoon the ship sailed across Hinlopen Strait to Murchisonfjorden along Nordaustlandet, crossing 80 degrees north of planet Earth’s equator. After navigating through the pack ice into a protected bay, we launched the fleet of kayaks and also explored by Zodiac. As with any true expedition, there were many surprises during the day, from walrus approaching the Zodiacs in the morning, to viewing distant polar bears on the ice from kayaks and Zodiacs in the afternoon. And we even made it back to view the spectacular bird cliffs at Cape Fanshaw after dinner. It was another thrilling day in the high Arctic!
6/20/2024
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National Geographic Resolution
Kognsfjorden
During the night, National Geographic Resolution traveled quite a distance along the northwestern parts of Spitsbergen and in the morning stopped near Sarstangent, a narrow and long sand spit where walruses often haul out. The scouting from the bridge confirmed their presence. For the morning activity, guests were offered landing with, visiting, and observing the walruses resting on the beach. From time to time some of the walruses, probably well rested, moved away and disappeared in the water, others replaced them, coming from the water and joining the group on the beach. After lunch the ship relocated to a nearby Kongsfjorden, offering a spectacular view of a couple of glaciers with ice-covered mountains in the background. The guests had options of a strenuous hike to the top of a mountain for a panoramic view or Zodiac cruising. Large numbers of blue icebergs were scattered in the fjord. Nests of kittiwakes and glaucous gulls were attached to a concaving igneous cliff, providing an excellent shelter from precipitation. Curious harbor seals could be seen around the fjord. The nearby glacial front represented heavily crevassed ice and calved every few minutes. After dinner the guests had a chance to watch the presentation of the voyage slide show. However, the day was not yet over. Later in the evening a few blue whales were spotted near the ship, a very rare observation around Svalbard.
