12 Aug 2018

Mount Thomas

We started the day with a shoreline hike on the tundra below Mount Thomas, encountering bowhead whale bones on the beach as well as polar bears dotted on the flanks of the hill. It was nice to stretch the legs and to see and observe Polar Bears on land rather than on ice.  After relocating to Ptichy Bazaar further to the north, we encountered thick fog which thankfully cleared allowing us to walk up the Soviet River. Walkers encountered a family of Polar Bears - mother and two cubs who remained curled up on the shoreline, some of us chose to just sit and enjoy their presence.  The stunted willow, wildflowers, caterpillars, spiders found at ground level on the tundra, delighted others.  After dinner we enjoyed a cool zodiac cruise under the birdcliffs, and at just the right moment the sun dipped below the cloud giving spectacular evening light on the guillemots, puffins and kittiwakes.  A highlight for many we extended the cruise out to make the most of the evening.   

© H. Ahern

© H. Ahern