St. Jonsfjorden, Spitsbergen, 5/17/2018, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Arctic
After watching three bears yesterday in Wahlbergfjorden, we have to travel quite a long way today—the final day of our voyage—to reach our next destination, closer and closer to Longyearbyen.
At age 24 Jonathan had his first experience in Antarctica as a scientist at the coastal French Dumont d'Urville Station. Located on the windiest place on Earth (regularly around 200km/h, maximum up to 320 km/h), and bounded by sea ice eight months a ...
A spectacular day aboard National Geographic Resolution brought us high above the fjord via the scenic sky lift, offering sweeping views of mountains, glaciers, and deep-blue waters below. We explored the lush forest on foot, surrounded by mossy trails and birdsong, before reaching open viewpoints of distant icefields. Later, we crossed the serene glacial lake by boat, its surface reflecting the towering peaks above. It was a day filled with a perfect blend of adventure and awe in this majestic landscape.
Continuing our voyage north along the Norway coast, National Geographic Endurance made a stop at Smola Island today. Smola Island looms large in the history of the local fishing industry, and guests were offered two options to explore: a visit to the small, historic Brattværet Island or a walking tour of the more modern fishing village of Veiholman. Before the advent of powered vessels, Brattværet Island was used a safe haven for fleets of the small sailing vessels returning from sea. Fishermen could unload their catch at the island, avoiding the treacherous reefs surrounding the mainland. In the mid-20th century, the fishermen abandoned the island, and it has become a place with a few summer homes. Our hosts guided us around the island and prepared some fresh Norwegian style waffles! Other guests opted for a walking tour of Veiholman village where a small harbor is home to an active modern fishing fleet. Multicolored houses, flower gardens, and narrow streets add to the authenticity of this charming village.
We started the day in the lovely town of Runde, Norway, where the first group went to the science center, Runde Miljosenter. The guests were provided with both a presentation from one of the scientists about the function of the institute that conducts ecological survey and research, as well as a thorough tour that covered both the natural and local history, especially about the sunken treasure from a Dutch East Indian Company trade vessel. Despite the slightly soggy weather, the strenuous hikers trekked a scenic trail that took them to a vantage point overlooking the breathtaking coast of Norway at the edge of Runde, including a view of a bird colony. The art center offered a variety of paintings to enjoy, and the exhibition included the works of a famous Norwegian named Elling Reitan. The day concluded in Runde as a local band gave a joyous performance in front of National Geographic Endurance as we departed to continue our journey northward through Norway.
