31 Aug 2014

Polar Bear Contemplation

Today is our fifth and final day at Wrangel Island for this voyage and this summer. There is a stationary low pressure system to the North East of Wrangel bringing strong north to north west winds which drag cold air down to us from the North Pole. While these conditions have stopped us exploring the north coast of the island, they have encouraged us to explore sites we haven’t visited before. Yesterday we took time out at a nice sheltered anchorage at the Clark River and a small group set out to explore the mountains of the interior. The target was to climb a 440m peak (one of the highest on Wrangel) but they had to abort the attempt due of time and weather. The trek was declared a success despite this, as they saw some amazing country and encountered Polar Bear, Musk Oxen (one very curious male that came within a few metres), Arctic Fox and numerous Snowy Owls. Regardless of the weather, this island never disappoints.

At the same time another group took the Zodiacs along the coast east of our anchorage and had some amazing Polar Bear encounters which are simply not possible elsewhere in the world. Take a look at the Polar Bear studying us intently below.

Photo kindly supplied by Liz Greive

This morning we are going to revisit the site of the dead whale where Polar Bears will no doubt still be feeding. We will then make one final landing in the tundra before bidding farewell to the rangers and heading south again. We look forward to our return to this remarkable island next year.