June 13, 20025
It’s a sunny day and the sea is calm as we head off on a zodiac cruise of Alkefjellt ( Mount Guillemott) which is the nesting location for 200,000 breading pairs of Brunnich guillemots, The sight and sound of that many birds flying overhead, swimming in the water and perched on tiny ledges is overwhelming1. The bird return here annually to breed, hatch their offspring then leave.
The backdrop for this wildlife spectacle are the 100 meter high cliffs. The light and dark strata of the rocks with the remainder of the melting snow adds to the dramatic setting. Yes, with that many flying birds almost everyone in the zodiac got blessed with bird poop. I fortunately escaped that blessing.
The afternoon was spent bear watching as we located 4 bears in different locations on the ice. The scene on ship when a bear is spotted is fun and chaotic as everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of the bear though the scopes and cameras. I did not bring my big camera because of the extensive travel that I am doing following this trip but have been able to get decent pictures with the 30x telephoto tens that I attach to my iPhone. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is incredible even if they are just sleeping.
At 6pm the tour leader decided that we should go for zodiac cruise on the sea ice that is just now staring to break up from the long winter. So we geared up and set out on the calm sea. It was fun cruising through the ice and we even saw a seal. We have officially seen the big 5 of the Arctic, Reindeer, Fox, Walrus, Seal and Polar Bear!!!!
Eating dinner at 9pm is unusual but it was worth it to get out on the ice and the sun is still shining over the glassy sea.
Yes, another “Best Day Ever…So Far”!!!
