Is Seeing Believing?

Is Seeing Believing? An answer once so obvious now has me wondering. I found myself saying “I can’t believe what I’m seeing” more than once during my Arctic Adventure.

I know I am lucky to have visited this remote and pristine place. The top of our world visited by so few. It is a delicate balance for Svalbard. Too many visitors can lead to destruction. Not enough can result in an isolated area being forgotten and not cared about. We must care about this area. What happens in the Arctic will impact all of us. As we set sail on day one I was eager to learn more about the region. The next 8 days were filled with bewilderment, excitement, and gratitude.

Who knew there could be so many shades of blue and white! With pink intertwined at sunrise and sunset. These views will not be forgotten. These views will remind me always of a place so beautiful. A place on earth which serves such an important role. So far away and seldom thought of by many, yet controls the destiny of all.

Most who visit come to see the Polar Bear. There is no guarantee of a sighting. This land is vast. This is their home. This is where they roam. But they are not here for us. They live in such harsh conditions and survival is very difficult. I am grateful to have seen the most magnificent creature on earth. I am forever changed after looking into the eyes of this bear. I am also changed for having witnessed a mother bear showing her young cub how to survive.

I witnessed this mom hunting reindeer. The food needed to give both of them a fighting chance. She was unsuccessful at the hunt. But she was still teaching her young one survival skills. The young cub stood nearby watching intently as mom galloped across the frozen tundra. The reindeer, very much aware of their presence, took off quickly as the chase unfolded. I noticed a young reindeer. This young one also learning survival skills. In the harshest of environments, it truly is survival of the fittest. Perhaps when we left, the Polar Bear had a successful hunt. Seals are their main food source. It wasn’t until several years ago that the reindeer became prey of the bear. A sign that things are definitely changing in the Arctic.

Many days were spent exploring the Fjords of Svalbard. Open seas lead to the pack ice of the North Pole. Wilderness! Miles and miles of water, ice, and sky. The landscape constantly changing. Many hours spent on the bough of the boat. Winds howling and temperatures many degrees below zero. But if I go inside I may miss something. I did not want to go in!

For days the only sign of life were the birds flying above the boat or floating on the open water. Black Guillemots, Northern Fulmars, Terns and Gulls.

It was a treat to also see the amazing Walrus! Sometimes alone and sometimes a mom with her young calf.

As the miles drifted by and there was no wildlife to be seen, I still felt the presence of life. As I looked around I found life in the ice. The shapes constantly changing. There was always movement. The ice was alive.

Ice Ice Baby – it was everywhere. The sounds the sights. Wild life in its own form. I never tired of the sights.

My Arctic adventure. Although it has come to an end. It will remain in my heart and soul for the rest of my life. I will remember those days forever!!