Well if you'll remember before leaving Longyearbyen, everyone had shooting
training and polar bear training. Well yesterday was our second on ice
station and the first day I have been within 400m of a wild polar bear.
Yes, that is correct there was a polar bear on the flow with us. At first
he was heading towards the ship, out polar bear guard persons noticed him as
early as was possible and we all collected. After he walked towards the
ship for awhile it seemed to lose interest in that and decided to come
investigate us. I will admit it was a bit freaky to have this bear coming
towards us. We fired off several flashbangs which had a great effect and he
ran off. Then the ship kept track of him while he walked away. We
continued our measurements. It was interesting to see him and to see his
curiousity. In the morning we had noticed several seals in the water and
even when we were working, which is likely what drew him close, that and the
smell of us and the ship.
We set out a weather station, did some drilling of ice thickness and took
some ice cores.
No flying yesterday but hopefully today.
Otherwise things look good.
Justin
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