The serene beauty this morning of Magdalenefjorden!We are anchoring here in Trinty Harbor – picture postcard perfect!We are on the Rib Boat leaving our ship behind while we go on shore to explore.We are going to learn about the Whaling History in this region.We have to stay behind our guide and no more than 60′ away as part of polar bear awareness. In addition to our guides, there are several others stationed on watch.The Whaling Station Gravneset marker explains the remains of four blubber ovens or furnaces that have been found, as well as a graveyard containing about 130 graves dating from the 17th to the late 18th century.We walked as far as this overlook area to view this glacier and learn more about whaling.And then we got to take an Arctic Ocean Dip! The water was 4 degrees Celsius (that is about 39 Fahrenheit) so not freezing – technically. We received a certificate declaring us a real polar bear for braving the ice cold waves of the arctic sea – but you can see it was as calm as a bath.And the ship awaits with a warm shower.After lunch we had a Rib Boat Cruise to the Smeerenburgbreen. Massively huge glacier making all sorts of noises.The guides measure our distance from the glacier. We can’t get closer than 600 meters for safety. This face was about 100 meters (over 300 feet) in height measured by one of the other safety watch. SmeerenburgbreenVery fun to look at up close.On the Rid Boat you need to wear the special jackets as well as the life vests. We also have rubber boots so we are very warm and dry. This Krykkje black-leg Kittiwake was interested to check us out, floating on his own little ice berg –similar to a gull but different.
One Reply to “Magdelene Fjord, Svalbard Mini-Cruise”
so glaciers, freezing waters, polar bears and whales!!
out of our comfort zone and vey impressed with your stamina and determination!!
so glaciers, freezing waters, polar bears and whales!!
out of our comfort zone and vey impressed with your stamina and determination!!