Svalbard Adventures part 2: God of the Whale

🎶 God of the sparrow, God of the whale.

God of the swirling stars.                                        

How does the creature say Awe?                        

How does the creature say Praise? 🎶

We awoke in Isfjord Radio, a historic radio station perched on the edge of Svalbard's wilderness. It’s the only structure for miles around. Once a vital communication hub, it has transformed into a cozy hotel that preserves the charm of its past. The comfy living rooms, rustic décor, and the warmth of the staff created an inviting atmosphere, connecting us to the rich history of this remote outpost. The restaurant here, where we have had unique and wonderful dinners, was recently featured on National Geographic’s “Restaurants at the End of the World.”

Setting off on a RIB boat ride this afternoon, we were excited for an Arctic adventure. Guided by the knowledgeable and arctic animal loving Ivar, we donned our protective gear to brave the frigid Arctic winds. The boat sailed through the icy waters, revealing awe-inspiring landscapes and encounters with Arctic wildlife.

As we sailed, seals and walruses were occasionally seen gracefully swimming by, reminding us of the adaptability and resilience of Arctic creatures. We also got to see a walrus colony in a fjord. The true highlight, however, was the majestic fin whales, gliding through the waters with effortless grace. As we scanned the horizon, suddenly flocks of birds would gather on the water's surface. Soon, a distinct spout of water would emerge, signaling the presence of these magnificent creatures. As we witnessed their presence, the hymn “God of the Sparrow, God of the whale” resonated in my heart, reminding me of the interconnectedness of all creatures and their unique ways of expressing awe and praise. "How does the creature say awe? How does the creature say praise?" 

With a flick of its enormous tail and each majestic blow of water into the air,  the fin whales’ graceful movements and the power within their magnificent bodies stirred a sense of awe within us. They offered a unique symphony of praise along with the swirling stars above and the intricate web of life that surrounds us. It brought to mind the thought that each creature, from the sparrow to the whale, bears witness to the splendor and majesty of God's handiwork, teaching us to recognize and appreciate the diverse ways in which all of creation exclaims its reverence and adoration. 

Ivar told us that we were fortunate enough to witness not only their distinctive blows but also catch a glimpse of a massive tail. A whale showing its tale is a sight rarely seen. The rarity and privilege of such an encounter is something that I hope I will always remember. Every encounter with God’s creatures is such a sacred gift.

Surrounded by the Arctic's grandeur, as we motored through the waters, I felt a profound connection to God's creation. The glaciers, wildlife, and ever-changing landscapes were testaments to the intricate beauty woven into every corner of our planet, especially in this northern most sanctuary.

 

Video of Fin Whale showing tale- 

https://youtu.be/MAYQibuBEW4

Second video of the Fin Whales- https://youtu.be/Xbs8-xm-jVc

Svalbard Adventures, Part 1: Journey to the Arctic: From Longyearbyen to Isfjord Radio

After an long journey with seven take-offs and landings across three days, we finally landed in Svalbard! Our first destination was Longyearbyen, where we found our quaint lodging at the Basecamp hotel. Styled authentically like a trapper's lodge, the hotel greeted us with a warm, personal touch that made us feel right at home in the Arctic wilderness.

For dinner, we found ourselves at a local restaurant with traditional Arctic dishes. While reindeer and seal were on the menu, we - Emma, Grace, and I - opted for some pizza instead. A bit of shopping in Longyearbyen followed, after which we retreated to our rooms, blocking out the constant sunlight with our shades for a good night's rest.

Following breakfast the next day, we set off for an unforgettable dog sledding journey. After donning suitable gear, which Emma and Grace found far from fashionable, we were introduced to our new four-legged friends. Learning to harness these eager pups was a workout in itself. Their energy was infectious as they guided us through stunning Arctic valleys, flanked by towering mountains – a scene reminiscent of Telluride. The paths we followed were freshly carved by recently melted snow. Emma and Grace proved to be natural sledders, expertly steering and braking our carts. Once our adventure concluded, we enjoyed hot drinks by a cosy fire and snuggled with the newest canine addition to the pack, “Lollipop.”

Our next leg of the journey involved a 1.5-hour boat ride across the ocean to Isfjord Radio, a destination with a unique charm of its own. 

In this Arctic paradise, we marveled at the wonders of creation: the vibrant landscapes, exuberant dogs, hearty birds, and untamed seas. As we look forward to exploring Isfjord Radio in the coming days, we anticipate many more encounters with the raw beauty of nature.

Oslo Impressions: Electric Cars, Tech Convenience, and Train Ticket Mix-Ups

Yesterday marked the beginning of our journey, with our first touchdown in London. As eager as we were to start exploring, the Yew Botanical Garden was about as far as we got before exhaustion set in. After a much-needed rest back at the hotel, we were ready to resume our adventure this morning. 

We caught a flight to Oslo, Norway, where the weather was not exactly on our side. Despite heavy rain, we ventured downtown via electric train for a bite to eat and some shopping. Much to our delight, the rain subsided, giving us a chance to appreciate the city on foot.

Something that immediately caught our attention in Oslo was the abundance of electric cars. It's clear that sustainability and environmental care are high priorities here. Stores and eateries, including familiar names like McDonald's, utilize self-checkout and self-order systems - proof of their technological progressiveness.

Navigating the train system here posed a fun little challenge for us. Despite our best attempts, our collective brains couldn't quite figure out the correct tickets for our return journey. Luckily, a patient ticket clerk was there to help us out after the fact when we handed him the wrong tickets, showing kindness to us somewhat bewildered Americans, and guided us on how to cover the difference. It was a lighthearted end to our day that began with the realization that we paid $20.00 to take a taxi from the airport to our hotel when we could have walked a number of feet to get there. They were reminders that even in small moments of confusion, we can find help and humor in the journey. 

Our adventure continues tomorrow with a four-hour flight to our main destination, Svalbard. We are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.