Hinlopen Strait, Torellneset, and the Pack
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Seeing as though we were between 79 and 80 degrees North for most of the day, the solstice is a bit irrelevant as the sun will not set here for a few months. Long sunny days with no night allow for some amazing opportunities, and today we made the most of it.
After breakfast we landed on the coast of Nordaustlandet at the point of Torellneset. Walks upon the uplifted benches allowed for some great tundra flowers, old whale bones, and the chance to stretch our legs. Certainly though, the highlight was the large haul-out of walrus. At least 40 animals were all piled up together, making for a noisy and smelly experience. A few gigantic males were in the group, possibly weighing as much as 4,000lbs. Truly an amazing experience.
After lunch we headed southwest and reached the pack ice. Winding our way amongst the bigger flows, the Captain skillfully maneuvered the ship. Breaking through the ice was impressive enough but add to that some seals, more walrus, and various seabirds and we were enjoying a beautiful afternoon. Kittiwakes fed on the arctic cod uncovered by the ship passing through the ice. Then, a distant creamy dot was spotted. For quite awhile this polar bear was sleeping, but at one point it did quickly take off running. A seal was spotted at a breathing hole in the ice, and the bear slowly approached the hole. We waited for a while, but we had less patience than the bear, and left it behind, waiting for the seal to reappear.
After dinner we approached the eastern shore of Spitsbergen. Stunning light was a dream for photographers, casting shadows on the massive glaciers. Summer solstice ended with blazing sunlight at midnight, and dreams of what lay ahead for tomorrow.
