04 Aug 2016

Soaking in Hot Pools on the Arctic Tundra

We have spent time in true 'expedition-mode' in the last few days.  'Expedition-mode' means being flexible with plans due to weather and ocean conditions - this allows us to be ready for experiences that literally come out of nowhere and are therefore made all the more special.  

We had to bypass Whale Bone Alley on Yttygran Island due to unpleasant weather and alternatively headed for the Gil’mimyl Hot Springs.  Many expeditioners enjoyed a relaxing soak in these geothermal hot pools while gazing out across the arctic tundra.  I doubt there is a hot pool anywhere else in the world with a such an amazing vista. We also got to enjoy the hospitality of our Chukchi friends who had cooked fish and collected berries from the tundra for us to enjoy.  What a treat!

The wind and sea dropped out in the evening so we were able to return to Whale Bone Alley and make our landing.  This meant a delay on our evening meal which is never a problem as our chefs onboard understand the need to be flexible when we are in 'expedition-mode'.  

This morning we have landed at Cape Dezhnevo and the abandoned village of Naukan.  The weather is stunningly beautiful with blue skies and calm seas.

Even in bad weather the Russian Far East is a beautiful place, so the clear skies that greeted us today meant our landing at Cape Dezhnevo was stunning.