19 May 2008
Brrrrr….. Svalbard
(Monday, May 19 00:05) Frigid, Amazed
Well, I just arrived in Svalbard. It’s this tiny island north of Norway. During the summer months (More or less May through July) the sun doesn’t set at all and that’s currently throwing me way off. My mind knows that it’s midnight, and that I should be sleepy and ready for bed. But at the same time, I look up at the sky and see the sun high above me and my body doesn’t believe that it could possibly be night time. When we flew in I got some good videos of Svalbard, and I’m really glad that I’m coming here while it’s still snowy rather than arctic tundra. It’s cold, very cold. My thermometer says 10 degrees F. Anyways, I need to get to sleep now, I think I’ll use the thick curtains to block out the light. I’ll blog more about last Saturday and Sunday (May 17 was amazing!) tomorrow.
How fantastic that you actually see the midnight sun. I read it is often foggy at night obliterating the sun. Have you seen any polar bears or signs of them yet?
Marleen
May 19th, 2008 at 7:56 ampermalink
No polar bears, and no signs of them. Some people say they go for years without seeing one, so I’m not sure if we will get to. However, the trip we’re taking tomorrow is supposed to be the best chance. So, who knows! Our guide from today had a rifle with her, and we saw a man enter the hotel with a similar one.
astromme
May 19th, 2008 at 12:35 pmpermalink