We are less than two months into our Bamsebu overwintering, so it was just a matter of time before we had our first polar bear encounter. What a few days it has been. We have seen two polar bears in 12 hours! What elevates your heart rate, we ask? Is it running a...

What in the world is Citizen Science and why do we do it? In its richest form “Citizen Science” has the power to transform science and society. We live in a time where technology and information are abundant so it only makes sense to share information and collaborate...

Much of the suspenseful polar literature we have read around explorers that have endured long periods of darkness, survival and despair points to the necessity of routine, celebration and rituals. We officially lost the sun as it dipped below the horizon line on Sat...

Vulnerability is something we have all experienced in our lives. Some more than others. Vulnerability can show up in in the absence of many of our basic needs - often things we all take for granted. Things like food, shelter, and warmth - all crucial for survival. In...

Bearing witness to a change of seasons is a most beautiful thing. You don’t hide from it. You observe, you experience it and you work to understand its many movements. Harsh weather and winters' blanket are sneaking up on us. Here at Bamsebu in the Van Keulen fjord...

October is mating month for the Svalbard Reindeer and our sightings have been absolutely phenomenal. The strong bulls can defend a harem of more than 10 cows. They are not shy at all and have no predators so perhaps it was not a strange encounter when a large male...

The September 13th departure from the Coal pier in Longyearbyen was sealed with a powerful performance by 14 men from the “Store Norske Mannskor”- sharing songs and folklore from Svalbard’s rich history. All 100 guests were onboard soaking in the moments before we...