Polar Bear Encounter, Polar Plunge and BBQ

Today, as a contrast to yesterday morning, we woke up to blue skies and sunshine. We landed in a small bay in Liefdefjord, next to “Texas Bar”, a traditional trappers cabin built by Norwegian trapper Hilmar Nøis in 1927.

After sharing tales outside and having a peek inside (at all the liquor bottles, but no cowboys), we went on different hikes. All hikes ended up with a fantastic view over Monaco Glacier.

As we were sailing back North towards Woodfjord, Daniel spotted a bear on the coastline. After observing it for a while by ship, we went out in Zodiacs to see it a bit closer. The big heavy male was clearly affected by the heat (8DgC today), and after swimming and walking for a while it laid down for a well-earned nap. The last thing we saw before returning was a big polar bear skull peeking at us over the rocks.

When we returned on board M/S Quest, it was time for the famous polar plunge, and many brave souls threw themselves into the icy water, which was no warmer than 1 degree Celsius!

Afterwards, we enjoyed a barbecue feast prepared by the team. Plenty of grilled delicacies were savoured in a stunning setting, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. We even heard that after most had gone to bed, some were still dancing under the midnight sun on the outer decks.