No email, no texts, no social media, no internet…that was refreshing. These last two weeks were about awaking the senses again as I cruised to Wrangel Island.
I had two weeks of uninterrupted observation; feeling the cold wind on my face, tasting the salt water, examining my footsteps on the tundra, rolling with the Arctic ocean, clearing my mind, and falling into deep dream-filled sleep without worrying about what was happening below the Arctic Circle.
Seeing the Arctic and Wrangel Island
And the best part was that all of that time usually spent staring at a screen and responding to email was replaced by staring a polar bear in the eyes, focusing in on the millions of birds living on the every inch of the cliff face, watching the beauty of a muskox’s soft layers of fur blowing in the crisp wind, and staring at a treeless landscape that few people have ever laid eyes upon.
With no internet or cell connections it’s like you are in a vacuum; you can focus on what you are seeing and experiencing.
Unplugged on an Arctic Cruise to Wrangel Island
More than any other trip I’ve taken I’ve completely lost track of time. The woman next to me in the ship library asks, “Do you know what day it is?” Hmmm – not really. I look at my laptop clock which I think is still on Nome, Alaska time and it says Wednesday.
I try to count the days we’ve been here but I am unsure any longer since the sun sets at 10:30 PM and rises at 3AM and I’m waking up at 4AM every day wide awake. I finally say, “I think it’s Thursday, but I’m really not sure any longer.” Another woman joins in – I think it may be Thursday too. We decide between the 3 of us we must be right. And honestly – no one really cared if we were wrong. Losing track of days, time, night, day..that all adds up to a fabulous trip if you ask me.
My last two weeks were spent on the Spirit of Enderby Polar ship cruising around Wrangel Island, passing through the Bering Straight, and soaking in the Chukotka culture of Russia’s Far East. Thanks to the lack of connectivity I don’t have any Instagram pics to show you, however I do have photographs that will be making their way to Instagram eventually, so this week’s Instagram review is just simply a week(s) in review.
I’ve tried to pick out some of my favorite variety of photos from the Wrangel Island tour that can show you the variety of experiences that I had these last two weeks. However, this winter I will be covering this trip in depth and sharing all photography on the blog. There’s so much to share, it’s hard to even organize my thoughts about the experience.
But here’s a beginning look at why Wrangel Island, and a cruise there, is one of the most special places on the globe.
Polar Bear encounters on Wrangel Island
A Fishing hut along the Chukotka coast
A Horned Puffin Takes Flight
An old trappers hut where a lone scientists lives for 2 months in the summer to do bird research on the Kolychun Inlet
The cliffs of Herald Island in the Arctic
Look very carefully – those dots you see are thousands upon thousands of birds found all around birding cliffs in the Russian Far East
Snow Geese on Wrangel Island with the Spirit of Enderby in the background
The first polar bear we spotted on Herald island. Mother and cub will be spending the winter on the island until the ice returns.
How to Go to Wrangel Island:
Only one company has the permits to cruise to Wrangel Island – Heritage Expeditions. See their offerings of Russian Far East Voyages including Wrangel Island.
Website: www.heritage-expeditions.com
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Disclosure:
I was a guest of Heritage Expeditions while on this trip, however all opinions here are my own.
By Erim August 18, 2015 - 11:59 am
This is great. Awesome photos. Makes me miss Alaska.
If you’ve never been to the Southeast region of the state, I highly recommend that as well. One of the prettiest places in the world (that I know of).
Thanks.
By Sherry August 19, 2015 - 7:46 pm
After Russia – now I’m actually in Alaska for the next 3 weeks! Excited to explore it as this is my first time in the state! I won’t be going further south than Seward this time – but I am going above the arctic circle here and staying in a camp there!
By Tricia @ The Adventure List August 19, 2015 - 9:27 pm
Alaska seems to be a popular place for bloggers to visit this year. I live in Denali and traveling to Seward next week for vacation. Going to either?
By Sherry August 23, 2015 - 2:21 am
Great ‘meeting’ you via Twitter! I’m also heading to Seward – but not until next weekend… Love your state!
By Wynne August 18, 2015 - 12:00 pm
Wow – some of those photos are almost other-worldly. Can’t wait to see/hear more about this trip. See you soon!
By Martin August 19, 2015 - 5:02 am
Going without phone and internet is a great experience. I go without any form of thechnology when I go fishing and I feel very relaxed and you can feel a connection between you and nature! Everybody should try this one in a while!
By Sherry August 19, 2015 - 7:42 pm
I’ve never understood fishermen before…but I think you just helped me bridge the gap…:)
By Mary @ Green Global Travel August 24, 2015 - 3:51 pm
Being able to lose track of time and connections to the rest of the world is a great way to really experience a new place. And these photos look beautiful! Thanks for the post.
By Jade April 10, 2016 - 6:14 am
Ive recently started to love cruising and would love to do either an Antarctic or an Arctic cruise but most companies I have researched dont allow kids under 10 or 12. Do you know if this one does?