Aurora in Jan Mayen

Here is a brief email from captain Siggi:

Well, it´s getting closer to departure for AURORA from Jan Mayen. We have had a great adventure so far. Beerenberg has proven to be quite a challenge though with strong winds, crevasses and fog so the group hasn´t reached the summit yet. They will have another go tomorrow if weather permits. Down on the coast the winds have been lighter and visibility better. AURORA did a trip today with two bird-scientists from the Norwegian Polar Institute to Koksletta on the northern tip of the island. We also had a group from the Norwegian Olonkin station along for a great day on the water. Highlight of the day must have been when we saw a Blue Whale up close, blowing his spout probably around 10 meters up in the air and showing us his fin.

Attached is a photo from the Weyprecht glacier earlier today.

Coming up from Iceland we encountered sea-ice a number of times along the way but the weather was really fine. Actually to good (!) that we had to motor all the way. We also had a visit from a family of five Northern Bottlenose whales who stopped only a few meters from our boat and had a long and relaxed inspection of us.

We should be back in Isafjordur on Thursday afternoon and we look forward to start another trip with you on Monday.

All the best from aboard AURORA at anchor in Kvalross bukta…