Signs of Life

Guest

I was wondering what kind of life do you see so far up North? I know you probably see polar bears & fish, but how about plant life? Are there any kind of insects that far north?

Tell me more about your normal daily routine when your out on the ice.

What will you do if you if the ice closes you in?

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

Hey Julio! Hi!

I am amazed at the plants I see growing in the Tundra. The tallest plant that can grow in this area is about two inches at the most. It is actually a tree! There are very small and beautiful plants this time of year and I will do a posting soon that includes pictures of the various flowers and ground cover. As you may know, this is an area of permafrost, and at this time of year the ground is still frozen, though there is a thaw layer that supports the small plants.

As for animals, I will post about them, soon, as well! It is so nice to finally have a connection! There are reindeer everywhere, and they are currently changing their white coats for their summer brown fur. They are curious and watch us as we cross the Tundra. I have found a den of Arctic Fox, a family of three cbs and two adults that play in a particular rock bed. They are soooo cute! I hope to observe them more closely now that I know where they hang out. One often sees them crossing the tundra. The problem is, this area is a bird sanctuary, so there are many kinds of birds and the fox likes to eat their eggs.

I have not seen a polar bear yet, but they are here. One was driven out of the camp with a tractor two days before I arrived. I will post about them, as well. You sometimes see that they have attacked a reindeer, which is not their main food, but whatever works when you are hungry, huh? There are seals and walrus and whales.

The polar ice will surround us for several days and then be gone for a time. The day I arrived, we had to come on a boat that could cut through the ice. It was awesome! At the moment we are surrounded so no boats can come in. It has been that way for nearly a week so our supplies are running low. There is always a lot of fish to eat, however. And reindeer burgers! If the ice closes us in, it is not really a problem. We have our research activities, hiking, studying, etc. and we would not be going anywhere anyway!

Keep the questions coming!