RETURNING HOME

Arriving back in Longyear after the cruise.

Helicopter lowers line over the ship in a medical emergency drill.

The cruise continued this week with another 36 hours of steaming from Moffen Island through Isfjorden to Longyearbyen with windy and rocky weather.  We let a few people off at Longyearbyen that were flying back to Tromsø and picked up a few people that were to take part in the 36 hour campaign in Adventfjorden.  While in the fjord, we did more collections of water and organisms at different depths.  We also went to Coals Bay for bird collection, but it was not to be.  On the way back we had the governor’s office conduct a helicopter rescue drill repelling and lifting people on and off the ship.  Arriving back in the Longyearbyen port, it took about 2 hours to offload the gear, say goodbyes, move the equipment back to UNIS and then open our front door of the house.  It was great to be home and see the family!

Picture of the week: Noon glow.

Nicole and I welcome the light!

This week also was the first week the surrounding mountains began to glow with the sun moving higher up towards the horizon.  It is hard to describe the blue glow that blankets the valley… stunning!  Nicole and I were taking pictures outside and I mentioned that the only thing missing were Northern Lights and just that moment on queue streaks of green flared up from behind the mountains. A ptarmigan also kept us company as we walked out behind the house.  This weekend, Nicole went to the World International Female Arctic Lutefisklag (Lukefisk team or society). Everyone wore hats, ate lutefisk, drank aquavit, and she came home late. We have less than 4 weeks left here in Longyearbyen and are trying to soak it all up.

The annual World International Female Arctic Lutefisklag participants sporting their hats.

Yes... Lutefisk.

"Let the celebrations begin!"