Marc, yesterday morning while talking about bears and sea ice, our zodiac driver/naturalist Chris mentioned that while ice had been retreating, melting faster, that is not the case this year. He mentioned a Canadian expedition ship, that was supposed to do the NW Passage now, but it is blocked by ice so they are stuck in Greenland for the moment, with disgruntled passengers aboard.

I assume this is the case with other ships doing the passage as well. I will ask Robin about specifics. If that happens next year Chris said they would have to reposition the Explorer through the Panama Canal to catch up with the far eastern cruises that follow yours. Watch that ice!

Today's weather is a combo of yesterday's rain and the wind of two days ago. Ugh. This morning is supposed to be the best polar bear day as they are usually roaming a beach flanked by steep cliffs, but in these conditions getting photos will be pretty impossible. We are in the first group, supposed to go in an hour and a half, but plans may change.