What a spectacular way to end a trip!!!!! Calm winds, sunny skies, and a glorious expanse of stunning sea ice greeted us as we were gently woken over the PA system. A harp seal and a hooded seal had been spotted ahead of National Geographic Resolution, and we rose from our beds with excitement!
The excitement continued when we were able to park our capable ship amongst the sea ice safely enough to step out of our “penguin gate” and walk right down onto the ice. Floating on such a fragile habitat amongst melt pools and pressure ridges was an incredible experience.
Up next, for those not satisfied with walking on ice, we were then invited to swim amongst it! We finished off our morning activities with a polar plunge north of 80 degrees latitude. As we steamed back to Longyearbyen, the expedition feels more like a dream than a reality.
