A simply delicious day on the Kamchatka Peninsula began with a bear sighting followed by our first glimpse of a Stellar sea eagle! This was to be a theme for the day, and we began our walks ashore at Morzhovaya with appropriate caution and excitement. Thankfully no bears witnessed on shore, but many signs were found and rare birds spotted. The afternoon led to our repositioning to the Zupanova River where the Zodiacs were deployed for an extended cruise and low and behold if we didn’t get a phenomenal look at a coastal brown bear and great views of the legendary Stellar sea eagle. The volcanos of Kamchatka watched over the proceedings and peacefully smoldered on the horizon.
6/17/2025
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Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard
Today, we landed at the stunning glacier front of Nordbreen, nestled deep within the majestic Wijdefjorden. The day offered unforgettable experiences, both on land and at sea. Our long hikers embarked on an epic journey up to the ridge of Slettho. The ascent was rewarded with sweeping views of the rugged, dramatic landscape carved by ancient ice. From this high vantage point, we felt the raw power and isolation of the Arctic. As we stood together in five minutes of silence, taking in the vast stillness, nature answered with a breathtaking moment: the glacier calved. The thunderous sound echoed across the fjord—a powerful reminder of the ever-changing world of ice. Meanwhile, our Zodiac cruisers witnessed the same calving event from sea level. From the water, they felt the full force of the glacier’s collapse—the crash of ice, the rolling waves, and the deep, resonating boom that followed. It was a rare and visceral moment, connecting all of us more deeply with the Arctic wilderness. A day like this reminds us of why we journey to these remote places: for connection, perspective, and awe.
