Last night our expedition leader told us we could sleep in this morning, but the wildlife had a different plan. Slightly after seven in the morning we spotted a distant polar bear on sea ice. Slowly and quietly we assembled outside and deftly crept our ship closer. The bear was very active and curious, hopping between floes and stopping frequently to give us a look. After some time running about, the bear got comfortable and fell asleep as kittiwakes and ivory gulls flew by. Such an incredible encounter with icons of the arctic left us with high spirits as we spent the rest of the day sailing through breath-taking ice and sea.
6/17/2025
Read
National Geographic Resolution
Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard
Today, we landed at the stunning glacier front of Nordbreen, nestled deep within the majestic Wijdefjorden. The day offered unforgettable experiences, both on land and at sea. Our long hikers embarked on an epic journey up to the ridge of Slettho. The ascent was rewarded with sweeping views of the rugged, dramatic landscape carved by ancient ice. From this high vantage point, we felt the raw power and isolation of the Arctic. As we stood together in five minutes of silence, taking in the vast stillness, nature answered with a breathtaking moment: the glacier calved. The thunderous sound echoed across the fjord—a powerful reminder of the ever-changing world of ice. Meanwhile, our Zodiac cruisers witnessed the same calving event from sea level. From the water, they felt the full force of the glacier’s collapse—the crash of ice, the rolling waves, and the deep, resonating boom that followed. It was a rare and visceral moment, connecting all of us more deeply with the Arctic wilderness. A day like this reminds us of why we journey to these remote places: for connection, perspective, and awe.
