12 Aug 2014

Wrangel Ice Clearing

We have already had some memorable moments on our latest expedition Across the Top of the World. Rough weather prevented us from Zodiac cruising the bird cliffs in Prebrazheniya Bay but it eased off the following day which allowed a visit to Whale Bone Alley on Yttygran Island and the Gilmymyl Hot Springs. Yesterday wild weather and strong winds added some spice to our landing in somewhat marginal conditions at Cape Dezhnev, the North Eastern extremity of the Eurasian continent. The big seas prevented our planned landing at nearby Uelen Village, but we spoke to them by radio and promised we would call on the way back. The great news is that the ice has cleared from around Somnitelnaya or Doubtful Bay on Wrangel Island where we will begin our Wrangel adventures, although there is still some around Cape Blossom on the southeast of the island. We should arrive there around midnight tonight and will go ashore after breakfast.