Journal

The seas had calmed down enough for the polarcirkel boats to make it out to Isfjord radio to pick us up.  The boats are alot like zodiac boats except they have a hard plastic bottom and can fit more people.  They are small however and ride close to the water, so getting wet is expected.   All of our bags are either waterproof or covered in a plastic bag.  

Polarcirket boat to take us to Longyearbyen.
Polarcirket boat to take us to Longyearbyen. Lowering the boat off the dock.

All hands on deck!
All hands on deck! Helping to put the boat in the water at low tide.

The boat is almost packed. Just a few more people.
The boat is almost packed. Just a few more people.


People on the boat ready to go.

Al and Steve on the front breaking the waves for the rest of us.
Al and Steve on the front breaking the waves for the rest of us.

Al holding the other boat while they work on engine trouble.
Al holding the other boat while they work on engine trouble.

Terra bracing for the arctic waters.
Terra bracing for the arctic waters on the trip back to Longyearbyen.

Cara and Berit happy to be on the boat.
Cara and Berit happy to be on the boat.


We saw a group of white whales or beluga whales and 4 arctic puffins diving for food.  Of course, lots of great scenery on our way back to Longyearbyen.

Glacier on the north side of the fjord.
Glacier on the north side of the fjord.

A beautiful glacier cut valley.
A beautiful glacier cut valley.


Simon and I had the great fortune of being able to make another run out to Isfjord radio to pick up the remaining bags with Monica, the logistics person from UNIS.  We helped fill gas into the boat and then rode out.

the snow track vehicles roll out to add fuel to the boats.
The snow track vehicles roll out to add fuel to the boats.

Monica taking us out to Isfjord radio to pick up the rest of the bags.
Monica taking us out to Isfjord radio to pick up the rest of the bags.


So Long, Isfjord Radio!

A last look at Isfjord Radio from the boats on the fjord.
A last look at Isfjord Radio from the boats on the fjord on our way back to Longyearbyen.

 

Details
Author
Cheryl Forster
Date
Expedition
High Arctic Change 2010

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