The day began with National Geographic Resolution navigating the narrow, winding Bellot Strait, its waters flanked by rugged cliffs and dotted with broken ice. As we passed Zenith Point, the northernmost point of continental North America, the sheer remoteness of the Arctic was palpable. Soon after exiting we entered a thick expanse of sea ice, the ship's hull roared as it pushed through the frozen landscape.
Our vigil and patience was rewarded with a total of seven polar bears, their yellowish coats contrasting sharply with the icy backdrop. Among them was a mother with two playful cubs, a heartwarming sight amidst the frozen wilderness. The bears, curious yet cautious, provided ample opportunities for observation and photography.
The Arctic continued to unveil its wonders with sightings of bearded seals and graceful long-tailed jaegers soaring above, their cries echoing in the still air. The sky, ever-changing, shifted from brooding gray to patches of blue, casting a moody and mesmerizing light over the scene. As evening approached, the ethereal Arctic twilight descended, painting the ice and sea in hues of blue and silver, a fitting end to an unforgettable day.
