We’ve landed in Russia.

Our first sight of land this afternoon, Franz Josef Land, low lying, all ice and cliffs, its snowing out there……

Our lovely Sea Spirit has anchored just offshore, 6 Russian officials have been Zodiaced on board and we were all called for a face check against our passports and to sign immigration cards before sailing off again for our first landing – Bell Island, tomorrow. We now have 6 Russian Park Rangers on board who will keep us safe from Polar bears, which is a real issue and not just an excuse for them to surround us with rifles every step we take on Russian soil.

Last night we all sat down to dinner and wondered quite what was happening as the ship’s engines were obviously working overtime as we ground to a halt – there were whales everywhere! The ship had to stop, there was nowhere for her to go, whales on every side. We all rushed out on deck. Minke whales and humpback, all round as far as the eye could see, one even arced right out of the sea, it was almost like slow motion. We were so lucky – they are saying they’ve not seen that many in one place before.

On the subject of wildlife, I saw 2 arctic foxes on the hike from Longyearbyen (which I now know is pronounced Long – yer – ben). I don’t ever aim or plan to see wildlife, haven’t the patience and would rather enjoy all the wonderful things around me than feel disappointed at not seeing wildlife, and have been extraordinarily lucky in my travels.

Food. I love my food and love it when somebody else plans, cooks and clears it up afterwards, but, and this is a big but, here on board……there is a ridiculous amount of food, all wonderful, it took about 24 hours for the novelty to wear off and to feel a little – nauseated? overwhelmed? – not sure quite what word to use, but its not a particularly happy one. And not content with 3 very square, overly square, meals a day, there is early bird coffee and pastries at 6am, cakes and buns available all day and usually something like crepes suzette at teatime….a Bit Much!

I, of course, am in the cheap cabin down in the bottom of the ship, not quite down in the bowels – that’s reserved for the crew – but I love sleeping next to 2 old fashioned round portholes with the sea just outside, rocked to sleep to the sound of the waves and waking to look out at the surface of the sea right there next to me. My posh friends can keep their picture windows and balconies…..there is actually a very nice atmosphere and feeling of friendliness and acceptance. Its good!

Love the open bridge policy on the Sea Spirit, we can go up pretty well anytime.

PS don’t expect wildlife pics, I don’t do it, I’d rather watch and experience than fart about trying to get the perfect shot (which I’m never going to get with my little camera) and miss spending time with the whales.