Polar Bear Alert!

Well we arrived at the Isfjord Radio Station mid-day on Thursday. Our luggage and gear had to go out in one boat, and we were sent out in the second. It is about an hour ride, and the waves definitely got us wet. Upon arrival we learned that a polar bear had been hanging around the last few days, and was even spotted climbing out of the garbage by the dock!

This morning as we were sorting through our gear and loading our packs to head out to the lake, the person who oversees people who stay out here came scambling out to tell us to keep back and come back closer. The bear was back, roaming the tundra a few hundred yards away. The site of him kept us entertained as well as delayed from departing for a good hour or two.

Getting out to the lake was great today. Temperatures really warmed up, we are pretty sure it was above 50 and when the wind wasn't blowing we were all shedding layers, even down to t-shirts at times. I will talk more about that later when I have the pictures uploaded to do it justice. Now it is back to meeting and discussing some of the data we downloaded from the camera's and weather stations that have been continuously running since last year's expedition was here.

Between the constant light of day and the lack of civilization I am finding that trying to figure out what day of the week it is is pointless. Tonight (Friday) will be much like any other night for the next 10 days. I must add before I leave that the food they serve here is delicious! Last night we had what looked like a shepherd's pie but when we dug in, there was salmon beneath. Stay tuned, more to come as we get our projects underway!