Burgerbutka, Svalbard. Interim update.

Before I get on to Svalbard I am writing this post at breakfast time. Now I know I have mentioned the weather a few times before but the last 36 hours since leaving Jan Mayen have been awful in terms of wind and sea conditions and indeed, the last 12 hours have been horrendous. 

The captain had warned that it wasn’t going to be a good crossing but the strength of the winds have surpassed his expectations. Overnight, we were facing them head on and it was like one continuous car crash….a small acceleration, a sudden stop, an almighty bang, loose objects in the cabin going everywhere and even us in bed were being tossed to and fro and back and forth. The noise sounded like we were being continually shelled (not the best analogy I know but I can’t think of any other way to describe it). Sleeping was impossible, even trying to rest was extremely fitful at best.

As I write, we are approaching the coast and the conditions have eased a bit, but there is still a way to go. The strongest wind gusts were 56kts, the science centre has lost part of its ceiling panels, wildlife watch outdoors has been cancelled (unheard of), access to the open decks is closed and the lifts are out of use. The hope is that the landing point (due at 2pm) will be sheltered under 3,000ft cliffs and therefore that the rest of the day’s programme will go ahead as planned. 

On the plus side, we both have our sea legs (sort of), and although moving around is not at all easy, neither of us have been seasick. Assuming we do get ashore I’ll provide a report later!