Briksdal Glacier
The first day of our expedition aboard the National Geographic Explorer along the coast of Norway was very impressive. The morning was spent learning about the various expertises of the Natural History Staff. They will be in charge of our safety and edification this trip as we make our way north from the established culture and countryside of mainland Norway to the wild and scenic landscape of Spitsbergen.
We also had a chance to learn about proper photographic techniques from the photo staff on board so our cameras will be at the ready for the many opportunities that will unfold during our voyage.
After a quick lunch we travelled along the Oledal Valley to arrive at Briksdalsbreen (Breen means glacier). A part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park, this icefield is the largest in mainland Europe. Many of us walked the 2 kilometers up the small glacial lake which lies below the glacier.
The weather was glorious with just enough cloud shade to make the walk enjoyable. This tongue of ice has fluxuated wildly back and forth along its lower valley during the past century. From 1900 it drew back until the 1950’s when it then began to surge forward until the late 1990’s. It has now retreated and thinned back to the sheer wall it once filled many thousands of years ago.
It was a great introduction to the geology, glaciology, botany, and birdlife that makes up the Norwegian fjord environment.
