Cemetery, Longyearbyen

The initial impression from last night’s late arrival were further tested by an early morning walk around Longyearbyen. I’m not used to being out at 5:45 am and find that the the sun rose almost 3 hours earlier! A keen wind was coming down the valley and I should have turned back to get more clothing. I didn’t and regretted it as small ice crystals peppered my exposed flesh from time to time.

This area is fascinating. Evidence of past coal mining is everywhere, with the remnants of cable transport systems littering the valley. The first thing you realise is how few vehicles are used. It might have been a Sunday but I counted on the fingers of one hand the number of vehicles I saw in almost three hours of walking around the town. After the rain of yesterday it was pleasing to see patches of blue and warm light illuminating the clouds. At these latitudes the sun will never be high in the sky and it was still behind the mountains to the east. We had been told that the town area was safe from polar bears and I hoped I wouldn’t prove them wrong! I walked around the top of the town before heading towards the local church. All of the time the light was changing, briefly illuminating the ridges of the mountains to the south.

I came across a small cemetery, resplendent with white crosses. The area was growing on me, you could tell there were opportunities for images everywhere.

After breakfast, we walked down to the Svalbard Museum. Each building has a reception area where shoes are removed. At the museum they had Crocs for people to change into. The museum was one of the few places open. Hooray for Sunday Trading laws.

We grabbed lunch and were picked up to go on an ATV (all terrain vehicle = quad bike) safari. We were joined by 4 Norwegian gentlemen and after a talk from the guide we donned onesies, helmets, goggles and gloves and headed out. On a couple of occasions we climbed out of the valley towards mines (both derelict and still working). We stopped for refreshments at Trappers Station where huskies are kennelled and finished up at the Global Seed Vault. It sounded grand but was little more than a concrete structure with a locked door angling into the side of the hill above the airport.

I have many more images but the travelling and busy day have caught up with me so I will try to post some other images when I can. Thanks for all of the interest in the trip. Tomorrow we take a boat to Hotel Isjford Radio for a couple of nights in that hotel. Can't wait.