Biosecurity Check (Again)

Our last sea day of the cruise today as we head towards Skjoldungen, Greenland.  Before we arrive on shore tomorrow, once again we had to have all our outer gear thoroughly inspected to be sure there are no seeds, spores, dirt, or other potential contaminants we might otherwise inadvertently introduce to this pristine Arctic environment.

This meant that our hiking boots and bog boots were thoroughly inspected (even to the point of running a paperclip along all the furrows in the soles!), as well as all zippers and velcro on parkas and waterproof trousers, gloves, backpacks, etc.  In addition to paper clips, vacuum cleaners and stiff brushes were vigorously applied.  A rather tedious exercise, but all for a very good cause, so no one minded!

We all had to attend a mandatory AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) briefing earlier this afternoon in which we learned all about the Bear Monitors and Rifle Handlers we have on board.   They are here to protect us from polar bears when we are on shore for hiking and exploration.  Yipes!  Better safe than sorry, and as I am not anticipating running into hordes of dangerous bears, hopefully the armed guards will just be a conversation piece, and not needed!