Spitsbergen, Hornsund
We have arrived at the Hornsund Fjord.
Sometimes it’s the simplicity of life you find here that is particularly touching.
Or maybe it’s the apparent simplicity: life reduced to its essence. We sailed around, framed by steep jagged mountains which called to our rock climbers.
We enjoyed a warm welcome at the Polish research station. People live there for a full year and must hang together.
Our walk along the burgeoning tundra to a breeding colony of auks was enjoyable, and we met a herd of reindeer nearby.
Later we sailed deeper into the fjord alongside the glaciers: they are breathtaking when you get close to the ice walls with your boat.
When we were looking for an anchor spot, we met a group of seven belugas…! They were alongside a cliff, diving up and down in fishing groups, cornering their prey.
Eventually we anchored in a small cove: Selbukta, which was still covered with sea ice, perfect for a group of resting seals. Their peace was regularly disrupted by two polar bears who surprised the seals from beneath … Eat and be eaten here is the rule.
It is important to be the eaters, if you want to survive.
Heinz.
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