After our last land excursion, followed by an Arctic plunge (the water is 7 degrees warmer in the Arctic than in the Antarctic), we headed back to the ship and finished off our last day out in the open seas. Tonight is the Captain's Dinner, and we make our way back into Longyearbyen where we will disembark after breakfast tomorrow.
It really has been a wonderful trip, so much to please the senses
and I stuck to my promise not to compare the two Polar expeditions on which I've
been. The Arctic and Antarctica have been so unique in their own
special ways. Apart from the obvious, like Polar Bears in the North and
Penguins in the South, the feeling you get on the high seas and vastness
of space has a different energy. The staff and crew have really tried
their best to give us the best possible experiences. Their knowledge of
the area, their attempt to bring a varied and different adventure each
day, coupled with the extraordinary sighting of approximately 15
different Polar Bears was notable and exceptional. At times I felt that
caution was the priority of the day (safety is a good thing), and at
times I would have liked to have gotten a wee bit closer to the bears.
But that's just me. One Ocean Expeditions prides itself that in 13
years, they've never had to fire a shot (warning or otherwise) at a bear
if
they
strayed in too close to the passengers. That is a great thing. As they
have said, one bad incident can really ruin an expedition (and I assume, would be lousy PR).
I would definitely recommend One Ocean and largely Polar
Exploration to others. Like most things in life, don't build the
experience up too much in your head before going. The lower the
expectations the better, and you'll be amazed and surprised with what
you discover and encounter, as well as meeting such wonderful
fellow passengers and staff. I feel I have made some friends for life,
and some of the best memories have been the gut-wrenching laughs made
with these newfound friends. I guess that's all part of the adventure,
now isn't it!
One more day in the Arctic after I disembark tomorrow A.M., then back
to Oslo, then back to the States on Thursday. Thanks so so much for
reading the blog and hopefully enjoying this adventure vicariously as I
have had enjoying it in reality. I hope that there will be many more
adventures to come, and many more to share. Without any Internet, I have
no idea if you have been reading this or what you have been responding
to.
Regardless, I'm glad you came along for the ride!!
Much love and be well,
Dave
