Engelsbukta
Our last day in Svalbard would deliver a bounty of memories just as we thought the end of the expedition had arrived. The morning had the National Geographic Explorer making her way into Engelsbukta or the English Bay. This was named for the English long ago as the competing whaling nations of Europe carved up Svalbard into whaling territories hundreds of years ago. At that time it was an age of iron men in wooden ships who braved the elements in search of lucrative whale oil.
Walks of various lengths were offered on this beautiful day as we gazed on the two glaciers at the south end of the bay. The tundra offered many opportunities to see the banana belt side of Spitsbergen Island. As we approached the landing or were out on Zodiac cruises curious harbor seals swam along the coast wondering what all the excitement was about.
The afternoon would be spent on the ship as we plied the waters of the “drop-off.” This area of increasingly deepening water is highly productive and attracts very large beasts of the sea. The conditions were perfect; bright sun and no wind, as we spied at first fin whales, and then the largest animal to ever live—the blue whale. The animal was attempting to feed and not having much success, but then was able to find a swarm of fish or krill that brought it so close to the ship that many on the bow were able to experience a unique feeling that few humans have had. The wet whale breath mist that baptizes a whale searcher into a whale watcher.
This week has been amazing as we made our way farther north than other groups this summer, less than 530 miles from the North Pole and witnesses all that the Arctic has to offer.
