Yesterday afternoon, as we were listening to a truly interesting lecture on tundra and permafrost, (eg Permafrost holds the largest global carbon reserve, estimated to contain 1,400 billion tons of carbon, nearly double the amount present in the atmosphere. (What could go wrong?)) we got other sobering news that 2 passengers (we assume from 1 cabin) tested positive and per Canadian rules, they have to isolate for 10 days. A guide I was sitting near said last voyage there were 20 who came down with it. We took a mental scan of those who are still present who were at our table at the first dinner and they’re all still present. We’ve been having dinner with June, a surgeon who hails from Idaho and Andrew and Susan, an Aussie couple. We agreed we’d be a social bubble pod for future meals. We brought a wardrobe of masks.
In explorer news, we’re now officially traveling in ice and have now seen 2 polar bears – WAY far away but definitely bears. Very exciting! The picture below was taken by Eric, one of our guides. He showed it at the debriefing and this is a picture of his picture. Trivia for the day: they’re pretty sure this is a female based on her longer neck. Apparently, the males tend not to have necks which is why it tough to fit them with radio collars.
Even though we’re a little ship (126 passengers – only 90 on this sailing) there is a promenade deck so I’ve been able to get out for some very fresh air exercise. Huzzah!
Navigation
Our starting point this morning:
Tomorrow we dock at Herschel Island. Canadian customs officials will process our paperwork so we can continue our voyage.
