During breakfast near Brepollen Glacier, our Bridge crew spotted a small pod of beluga whales foraging near the fast ice. Breakfast could wait as many of us watched these remarkable arctic whales in their element.
Hornsund can be a windy place. Today was a good example! Landing at Gåshamna was out of the question, but our captain and expedition leader found a fantastic alternative across Hornsund at Gnålodden. The sound of nesting guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars give the sight its name (“nagging” in Norwegian). Still windy but under the lee of towering marble cliffs, we landed at the foot of the bird cliffs. Famed trapper Wanny Wolstad lived here in the 1930s. Her cabin is a testament to her pioneering grit.
Two very busy arctic foxes were sighted several times. An unfortunate kittiwake was taken back to the den, presumably to eager kits!
Today was a fine start to our expedition.
