This
morning we met in language groups on the quay in Ny Ålesund. Once everyone was assembled, the Expedition
Team led us on a tour of one of the very most northerly settlements in the
world. The wind ripped down from
Kongsbreen and Kongsvegen glaciers. It picked up sea spray as it tore along
Kongsfjorden and then nagged and pushed and shoved us through the small
settlement.
This
was definitely not a day for launching zeppelins but the Expedition Team told
us of the historic moment in 1926 when Roald Amundsen, Lincoln Ellsworth and
Umberto Nobile did that very thing. The
first flight over the north pole
embarked from this very spot. At
the time it was the most newsworthy event in the world.
We
walked out to the 30 m tall mast from which Amundsen and Nobile launched their
zeppelins 87 and 85 years ago respectively.
After
the walk we had the option of picking up Arctic souvenirs in the gift shop or
to explore the museum and information centre or to just kick about town on our
own..
Just
before 12:00 we cast off our lines and were treated to some scenic cruising
deep in Kongsfjorden. We then headed
north west, exiting Kingsfjorden and made our way towards Magdalena Fjord. We weren’t due to land at Graveneset until
17:30 but we had plenty of activities scheduled in the afternoon.
Starting
promptly at 12:00 we offered everyone the chance to try on a pair of our
sturdy, warm and waterproof Muck Boots.
We have the boots available for rewnt and it seemed that just about
everyone decided that the Muck Boots would be a good idea.
AECO
briefings were scheduled throughout the afternoon and there was even time for a
couple of lectures.
At
15:00 wer were invited to the Observation Lounge for the Captains Welcome
speech and cocktail. We were introduced
to key members of the ship including many of the officers and the entire
Expedition Team.. For some inexplicable reason the chef got the largest round
of applause. Come to think of it, he
gets the most applause every week.
17:30
we landed at Gravneset in Magdalena Bay. The wind from the morning had not
abated but our anchorage was sheltered providing excellent conditions for Polar
Cirkel boat operations. The first people on shore were all of those wanting to
go on a hike to Gullybreen Galcier at the head of Gullybukta. By the way, saying or writing Gullybreen
glacier is a bit redundant as breen means glacier in Norwegian. Kinda like saying Gully glacier glacier.
While
the seas were calm at our anchorage the wind continued to ravage us on shore.
Willywaws picked up sand and sea alike and spun like mini tornados over the
landing site.
Despite
the wind, numerous people braved the icy water and went for a swim. To say they went swimming is perhaps a bit
generous as for most it was a very hasty in and an even hastier out.
Nevertheless, we give credit where credit is due. Everyone that braved the frigid sea will get
a certificate signed by the Captain testifying as to the date and location of
their plunge.
By
20:45 everyone was back within the warm and windless confines of the ship.
