Journey to the North Where North Ends — Part 4 Bears, Walruses, Dinghy, and Heli

“Nowhere to go but South” as our program stated. We are heading South after an exhilarating day at the North Pole. With floating ice surrounding our ship, today is the perfect day for spotting polar bears.

Incidentally, today is also the summer solstice, the day with the longest daylight. I suppose it won’t make a difference since we had been getting 24-hour sunlight ever since we got on the ship. A masquerade party was ordered for the night. Even though arts and craft is not exactly my forte, at least I should put in some effort.

As the party shifted from the saloon to the bar, the crowd started to thin out. Suddenly, someone sprinted towards one of the front-facing windows and shouted “polar bear!!” Weary of drunkenness of people, I took a look myself. And there it was, a dirty yellow furball moving on the ice. I rushed downstairs, grabbed my camera and jacket. Braving the cold, I quickly captured what would be the last polar bear we saw on this trip.

Day 9 Frans Joseph Islands

Today might be the day that we can go on land! Excited for the possibility of riding Zodiacs and seeing more animals, many got dressed and went on the bow deck right after breakfast. As if the Arctic was testing our patience, the fog and ice surrounding our ship made the first landing impossible. We resorted to waiting for the second landing. Waiting out the fog, the ice, or just nature’s mercy. Fifteen minutes, an hour, then 4 hours went by. We helplessly stared into the fog, hoping somehow it would lift if we willed it strong enough.

Out of nowhere, a waterway mostly free of ice appeared that could lead us right to the shore. Wasting no time, the expedition staff quickly shoved some food into their stomach. Within half an hour, all zodiacs are on the water and supplies are unloaded ashore.

Finally, our chance for riding the Zodiac and walking on solid land. I walked around the station, breathing in the fresh arctic air and enjoying the high latitude sunshine. The fog seemed to finally give in as well. Slowly, we could see our ship’s mighty form from the station.

When we landed, the station treated us with some snacks and tea. Even with limited supplies, these rangers never forget to give a warm welcome to visitors. A tradition passed on from generations of explorers. Out here in the harsh weather conditions, people learned to help each other regardless of nationalities. Us human was tested and united in our common battle for survival. Some succeed and some failed. The vast archipelago of Franz Joseph is the testimony to all those who have tried before us.

Everyone was gleaming with joy as we came back on board the ship. Many of us chose to stay on the outside deck as the ship traverse through the icy channels of Frans Joseph Archipelago. “Do you see the walrus, Ruby?” a man with a heavy French accent called to my attention. It was the French captain of another cruise line onboard our ship. I stared into the horizon following the direction of his fingertip. I could barely make out a tiny brown dot. A walrus! The first one caught on my camera.

It’s as if we sailed into a walrus channel. More and more walrus appeared in front of us. What a treat!

Here are some good clicks to treat your eye to some amazing walruses!

This exciting day has not ended yet! Around 10pm, we arrived last and most famous part of Frans Joseph Island, Cape Flora. Due to the sheer cliff of Cape Flora, this is the perfect spot for scenic helicopter rides.

Here is another quick slideshow to commemorate our last heli ride on this amazing ship.

The operation went well into the night. But what is night anyways when you have 24-hour sunlight?