I am on the Arctic Ocean!

Lots of introductions, briefings and lectures. Quite a team to look after us and instruct us on flora and fauna, photography, geology, terrain and, the one that interests me, history – the explorers who found and mapped this place. And instructions and information. We are not on a cruise, apparently, its an expedition (I just quote Our Leaders here). We are the ONLY ship that gets to come this way, and once here we can go wherever we like – or wherever we can, as there are lots of places we can’t get to as the sea ice is all around and along the eastern side of the archipelago. Including, unfortunately, as far across as Jackson Island – the place where Nansen overwintered and the one place I had really hoped to set foot. So its extremely unlikely we can land there but will go as close as possible and get a good look. Good enough!!

We really are out in the wilds, its just us exploring these remote, inaccessible, exciting, icy islands, following in the footsteps of Victorian explorers. With this rather ridiculous contrast of living in the very lap of luxury……

Life on board sees our every need catered for, all the trappings – thick white linen napkins, clean every meal, your water glass refilled when its half empty, beds made in the morning and turned back at night….I’m enjoying it all….for the novelty, you understand, its not really me!

My travel companions are good company, nice people, and I am enjoying being more sociable than usual, especially as I can retreat to my cabin with a book or out on deck to stare at the sea.

So early in our voyage, we have been among sea ice – lots of bits of ice of all shapes on the sea around us, the sea calm and smooth – apparently an effect of the ice, in the fog, just beautiful. That’s all gone now as we motor along, and so far the weather is being kind.