Nordfjord, Norway
This voyage found us traveling from the high arctic of Svalbard all the way down through the coastal fjords of Norway. We ploughed through pack ice to see polar bears and walrus, and cruised slowly in narrow passages like Trollfjord to witness the power of the ice. Svalbard is still actively being carved by ice, while the area we explored today shows the long history the ice has left on the landscape.
Early this morning, we wound our way through the stunning valley of Olden, and passed by a few turquoise lakes. In their mirror-like surface were reflected the high peaks above, many with remnant glaciers rimming their tops. Surrounded by waterfalls, we set off to hike a short distance up to the Briksdal glacier. Beautiful flowers lined the trail as we slowly ascended to reach the tiny tongue of ice dropping down from the larger ice field above.
Everything we experienced today was created by the power of ice. Over thousands and thousands of years the grinding and scraping forces of the moving ice carved the scenery we savored. The glacier we enjoyed is only a mere remnant of what it used to be. A drastic retreat in the last 10 years has left a lovely lake for us to enjoy, but unfortunately is a bit of an alarm of what is happening all around us.
As we descended, the beautiful sunshine and scenery allowed for reflection back on this marvelous voyage. Murres, polar bears, midnight sun, and two inch tall willow trees. Blueberries, spruce forests, deep fjords, and massive waterfalls. What a diverse set of wonders we have enjoyed!
This voyage found us traveling from the high arctic of Svalbard all the way down through the coastal fjords of Norway. We ploughed through pack ice to see polar bears and walrus, and cruised slowly in narrow passages like Trollfjord to witness the power of the ice. Svalbard is still actively being carved by ice, while the area we explored today shows the long history the ice has left on the landscape.
Early this morning, we wound our way through the stunning valley of Olden, and passed by a few turquoise lakes. In their mirror-like surface were reflected the high peaks above, many with remnant glaciers rimming their tops. Surrounded by waterfalls, we set off to hike a short distance up to the Briksdal glacier. Beautiful flowers lined the trail as we slowly ascended to reach the tiny tongue of ice dropping down from the larger ice field above.
Everything we experienced today was created by the power of ice. Over thousands and thousands of years the grinding and scraping forces of the moving ice carved the scenery we savored. The glacier we enjoyed is only a mere remnant of what it used to be. A drastic retreat in the last 10 years has left a lovely lake for us to enjoy, but unfortunately is a bit of an alarm of what is happening all around us.
As we descended, the beautiful sunshine and scenery allowed for reflection back on this marvelous voyage. Murres, polar bears, midnight sun, and two inch tall willow trees. Blueberries, spruce forests, deep fjords, and massive waterfalls. What a diverse set of wonders we have enjoyed!
