Today we
traversed the Arctic Desert within the Palanderbukta fjord. When one
envisions the desert you think hot, dry, and arid, but in contrast the Arctic
desert is frigid and rocky, yet teeming with life trying to eke out an existence.
The hills were steep and rocky which made climbing challenging at times, but
provided a great physical workout along with the breathtaking scenery. We
discovered plant life such as lichen and my favorite purple saxifrage. The most
exciting part of the walk was when one of our youngest explorers said she had
found an ammonite. My eyes got big as quarters as I rushed over to see her
discovery, an authentic ammonite. This was so incredible to me because at the
beginning of each school year I start with a geology unit and we talk about
fossils and I always show my students pictures of ammonites, but they never get
to hold an authentic one. This year when I mention fossils they will get to see
their teacher holding an authentic ammonite. Too bad I couldn’t bring it back
with me for them to touch, but at least I know it will be there in the Arctic
Desert for future explorers to find and enjoy.
After our long hike the group took advantage of belly sliding on a snowy
slope, instigated by the children but enjoyed by all ages. This was the
perfect end to an unforgettable day or so I thought. By the end of dinner we
had reached 80° N latitude, just 10 degrees of latitude and 600 nautical miles
from the North Pole!, then it hit me, this is the farthest north I have ever
been and probably will ever go in my life. Truly an amazing day full of once in
a lifetime experiences.
Rocky slopes of Palanderbukta
fjord
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Ammonites
first appeared about 240 million years ago. They went extinct with the
dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
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