Wednesday, September 11, 2024

September 10-11 Bears and Ice!

 

Ursus maritimus photographed from our cabin's balcony!
Yesterday was a magical day - we saw another bear and could video her right from our balcony! This one they think is female and she was fat and happy. Quite a comical creature.  

Latitude 84 12’20" N around 600-700 km from the North Pole and we are about to discover the nature of Arctic sea ice. The survey helicopter and team went out late morning to find a stable ice floe and the ship navigated to and parked alongside the ice during lunch - let's not forget food!

The helicopter went out to find a stable ice floe for us to land 
It is -3.2C and snowing with poor visibility - but improving. We will soon take our first steps on the ice of the Arctic Ocean. What an exciting moment - the ship is buzzing. As we speak the ice scientists are out testing the ice and the perimeter is being set up to mark the safe place for us to venture (unless a bear appears!). Some people will go walking with guides outside that perimeter while others will wander at leisure within the 'safe' perimeter.
Hi Lindsay - not everyone gets the chance to stand beside a ship parked in ice!
Scientists collecting ice cores to measure salinity, carbon, iron, strength, etc
Le Commandant Charcot - an impressive ship and icebreaker
Us!
The ship broke a little ice while tethering to the ice floe

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