August 11

Suiting up for the Summit!

Robin wished us a very good morning, ladies and gentlement, at 8:15 this morning. This morning is our last chance to zodiac tour in Svalbard. The expedition staff ran shuttle zodiac service as we could stay out as late as 12:30 pm.

Gary was shuffling around, urging me to get a cup of coffee in the observation lounge and take off to the shore. Umm .. that means no blueberries. We compromised on a speed english muffin and blueberry breakfast, then resumed our preparations for the landing. The staff was available but did not insist on guided walks. Hard to believe, but no polar bears popped up to greet us and/or mess up our plans. Upon arrival shoreside, zodiac life vests went into the blue bins and we were free to roam within the prescribed perimeters. We went off looking for the arctic fox; instead, found a snow bunting feeding and drawing us away so its chick could eat in peace. The rocks are covered with near-neon orange lichens, splashed with a bit of black. I think Jasper Johns may have drawn inspiration from Nature's own abstract artworks.

It was time to turn around and tackle the glacier. Staff advised this was the first time they'd been able to take passengers onto the ice itself. Allons-y! We headed over towards the glacier path, just as one of the faces on the water calved. KA-BOOM! Three minutes later, the beach path was submerged with the rebound wave. I got a little way back from the edge, but that rebound wave came within inches of the top of my gumboot. Whew!

A short rock scramble up to the narrow footpath down towards the mud ice and up to the glacier ice was up next. Walking up in stocking-stuffed gumboots is a bit tricky. We arrived to meet Franz and Chris, our staff on the summit. They were at the two hour mark of their assigned stations. They took turns sprinting back and forth, mostly to restore feeling in their feet.

Most of the passengers attempted and, I believe, made it to the glacier. We were off the ship for a total of three hours. Our treat on the ride back was a stop at the puffin colony along the rocks of the bay. We think we got a few good shots of the little guys.

Back in the mud room, boots were stowed for the last time. We walked to our room, and were greeted by the dreaded suitcases placed on the plastic packing cover. Ugh. Lunch is underway, so perhaps we'll tackle that odious chore later.

This afternoon, outside of one last round of cards, will be a mix of pack, yack, snack and hitting the sack for our merry band of travelers.

Congratulations to Pam for winning the Pooch Poo-bah title for this cruise. Brayden is newly addicted to hearts.