After an evening filled with aurora borealis we woke up well-rested, and the seas were relatively calm. The day at sea started with a presentation by our cultural representative of Iceland, Birna. She expanded on the “Armour of Iceland”: the Icelandic sweater. Later in the morning our resident scientists Conrad and Rosemary gave us insight to their current projects.
The entire morning the ship was surrounded by fulmars, guillemots, and mainly glaucous gulls. The sun came through a few times as the seas picked up a little. In between presentations and the afternoon tea was a celebration to live music. Micky, one of our bar waiters, gave a fantastic piano concert while guests mingled with wine and cheese.
National Geographic photographer Todd Gipstein gave an inspiring talk in the afternoon, followed by a Climate Panel led by Jonathan and Tani, among other staff. It was an opportunity to shed some light on a few facts we might have missed in the jungle of information we are exposed to. Most importantly, we had a healthy discussion about crucial issues that we are all faced with.
This trip has been a wonder in scenery, experiences, and new meetings. It was rounded off with Captain Oliver’s farewell cocktails and another beautiful dinner, as we sailed past the northeastern shores of Iceland.
