June 8. North of Svalbard in the ice field - polar plunge day ❄️

 JUNE 08 2025, SUNDAY 

Svalbard Northern Region - Norway   We were above 80 degrees latitude today so very high north.

I will start that polar plunge was cancelled as it was too cold and windy so not safe.  The plan was to plunge into the polar ice cap but as you will see it would have been very dangerous as the ice was to close together .  One expedition leader suggested a polar 5k run along the ice but that did not go far.

The ship we are on, the Endeavour, has ice breaking technology so the captain wanted to show that off, so overnight we cruised to the ice edge.  At 8:30ish the announcement was made we were about to enter the ice cap so bundle up and head out.  

We are Canadian so we followed the rules and headed out.  I must say it was breathtaking, but cold and beautiful scenery.  The pics can’t really show the vastness and cannot convey the sensation of the sound of the hull breaking through the ice.




It was also so fun to watch all the staff, expedition team members and crew running around the decks like little kids.  Our butler video called his mom, and when I asked was she mad you were not wearing a coat out in the cold he laughed and said “all moms are the same”.  Everyone was in high spirits considering it was freezing cold and very early.


Bob is looking over the side at the hull, not being ill.  Just want to clarify.

The plunge is being delayed until we are out of the ice and wind so read on each day to find out when.

This afternoon we have zodiac rides in Fuglefjorden so who knows what that will have us experience.  As I said I have had to let it go for this trip as the schedule just keeps changing.  But every change has been wonderful and the lovely crew and staff on board help so the bumps seem less bumpy.

We had another exciting sighting just after lunch, a pod of belugas, by pod I would say easily at least 50.  Sorry no pics from my camera but working on some from others.  They were so cute and so many.   Sorry if you now have the Raffi song in your head.

Bob is headed out for today’s glacier zodiac as my digestive system has decided to show who is really in charge of my life.  I will wander around the ship taking pics as we are close to shore.  Trivia team is worried that I might miss the games but fingers crossed I will feel better soon.  

The light here is otherworldly, the only thing I can say.

Janice you would be proud of me I “crushed” trivia and we won first place.

So during dinner I noticed the light, thanks dad for giving me this gift so headed out to take some pics on my phone before dessert and my limoncello arrived.  Well, I got locked out, so the Captain had to come over to let me back in, but he had problems with the door too. Thanks for him otherwise I would miss Name that Tune tonight. Bob says it’s “too late for me” with an 8am start tomorrow but I will power on.   More prize points to be won!







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