Spitsbergen
Just after breakfast this morning the MS Endeavour anchored between Amsterdamøya and Danskøya along the northwest side of Spitsbergen. We boarded our Zodiacs for a morning excursion at both sites. Here the Dutch harvested and processed thousands of bowhead whales during the first half of the sixteenth century. Except for a single whale skull, there is little evidence of their operation to be found today. A few firebricks and rusted iron fittings can be found on the beach where driftwood logs bleach in the sand. Arctic terns nest here not far from the water’s edge. They flutter overhead and their creaking calls are the only sounds.
Across the water at Virgohamna are the historic remains from several attempts to reach the North Pole by air using either hot air balloon or motorized dirigible. While none of the attempts were successful the efforts here paved the way for future explorations.
The effects of the Gulf Stream or North Atlantic current extend to these latitudes and the west side of Spitsbergen remains relatively ice free because of its warming influence. Later in the afternoon our ship crossed the eightieth parallel in open water. We were all on deck to mark the occasion with great fanfare and Captain Lampe joined in the celebration. Cameras recorded our sun-warmed faces just six hundred miles from the North Pole. Our furthest north point lay just beyond, at Moffen Island. This protected island is home to a number of walrus. We approached as close as regulations allow and enjoyed great views of these 2000 pound pinnipeds swimming near the ship, lumbering ashore or making their way down to the water.
Just after breakfast this morning the MS Endeavour anchored between Amsterdamøya and Danskøya along the northwest side of Spitsbergen. We boarded our Zodiacs for a morning excursion at both sites. Here the Dutch harvested and processed thousands of bowhead whales during the first half of the sixteenth century. Except for a single whale skull, there is little evidence of their operation to be found today. A few firebricks and rusted iron fittings can be found on the beach where driftwood logs bleach in the sand. Arctic terns nest here not far from the water’s edge. They flutter overhead and their creaking calls are the only sounds.
Across the water at Virgohamna are the historic remains from several attempts to reach the North Pole by air using either hot air balloon or motorized dirigible. While none of the attempts were successful the efforts here paved the way for future explorations.
The effects of the Gulf Stream or North Atlantic current extend to these latitudes and the west side of Spitsbergen remains relatively ice free because of its warming influence. Later in the afternoon our ship crossed the eightieth parallel in open water. We were all on deck to mark the occasion with great fanfare and Captain Lampe joined in the celebration. Cameras recorded our sun-warmed faces just six hundred miles from the North Pole. Our furthest north point lay just beyond, at Moffen Island. This protected island is home to a number of walrus. We approached as close as regulations allow and enjoyed great views of these 2000 pound pinnipeds swimming near the ship, lumbering ashore or making their way down to the water.
