Hello again!
We are now aboard the Alexsy Maryshev and I am speaking to you from the arctic ocean, off the coast of Svalbard at approximately 78 degrees north. We are steaming our way northward around Prins Karls Forland (an island off the coast) to our destination of Ny-Alesund. In time, we plan to reach 80 degrees north, turning around just a stones throw away from the infamous pole (so close!). I am writing to you via satellite link, and so as a necessity the photo content of these marine posts will be limited.
It is now approaching 12:00 midnight on a beautiful sunny day in the Arctic (there are NO nights) and we are seesawing our way across the ocean. I can look out the porthole beside me and catch a glimpse of our spectacular surroundings. Outside the sun shines brightly and its reflection glints off of the head of each wave of the tossing ocean. The combined cloudy and clear sky allows strong rays of this sunlight to filter through, creating shaded and illuminated regions of the surrounding landscape. Combined, these conditions highlight the jutting edges and snow covered peaks of the immense mountains that flank our starboard side (I am sounding nautical already). In all, it is simply breath taking.
After we boarded what is to be our home for the next week, we spent much of the following hours learning the procedures and protocols of the crew and tour operators on the Alexsy Maryshev. This was not only for safety and the smooth function of daily activities on the trip, but it was also for the protection of the fragile environment in which we find ourselves. When on the boat we are to be extremely careful with our wastes, and out on land we are, as the saying goes, to “take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
These talks, as well as our experiences thus far, have highlighted the fragility of life here on the edge of the earth. Our mere presence is enough to render conditions unsuitable for sea bird reproduction or plant growth. It seems clear that the dramatic climactic changes that have already begun to occur could push this system over the edge and impoverish our planet of some of the most stunning and spectacular wildlife that she possesses.
There is so much more to say and do, but a fella has to have his sleep.
Good night!
Gotta look pretty for those photos