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Spitsbergen
Explorer
We get a taste for the history of this isolated outpost with visits to Virgohamna, the staging point for many expeditions to the North Pole; and we'll attempt to sail north to the Seven Islands, the termination point for Wally Herbert's 1969 British Trans-Arctic Expedition. We'll also visit the scientific community of NyÅlesund, to send mail from the most northerly post office in the world. At various points we have the
We'll aim to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, the major island of the Svalbard archipelago. We'll venture north of 80 degrees, high above the Arctic Circle, as far as ice and weather permit hopefully reaching the ice-domed island of Kvitøya, just 98 kilometres from the Russian Arctic, and 600 nautical miles from the North Pole.
The wild and rugged mountains on the islands of Svalbard rise majestic and snow-capped, in an area about the same size as Tasmania or Ireland.
LEAdER pRoFiLE
Martin Gray
A native of the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland, Martin works on Peregrine's expedition ships in both Antarctic and High Arctic waters. He is especially passionate about the wildlife and landscapes of the Scandinavian Arctic and his in-depth knowledge and infectious enthusiasm make him a fantastic guide. Martin's talent was officially recognised in October 2006 when he was awarded the silver medal in Wanderlust magazine's Paul Morrison Guide of the Year. Martin's sense of humour and humility was evident at the award ceremony as he remarked, I've had 11 nervous breakdowns since leaving Heathrow. London is mad& give me a Zodiac and an angry polar bear any day! .
12 // PEREGRINE
Our itinerary will be determined by the ice and passenger interest, but with just short distances to travel, we have plenty of time to soak up the magnificent glacial scenery, hike ashore or cruise in the Zodiacs as we travel in a roughly clock-wise direction.
Photo: Lynn Woodworth
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