We have reached Ny-Alesund, Norway, the apex of this journey and the northern limit of civilization.
At the 79th parallel we are 750 miles from the North Pole.
One can say that civilization’s limits extend no further north considering that this is the northernmost settlement with a year round population (35 over Winter and 120 in Summer) and the northernmost post office in the world.
Our 5 hour ship’s visit briefly doubled or even tripled the local population.
Not everyone left the ship to brave the bone chilling cold.
Ny-Alesund was founded in 1917 after previous explorations had determined that rich coal deposits could be mined here.
In spite of the harsh conditions mining was pursued until 1962 when a mine disaster claimed the lives of 21 miners.
The town is also well known as a launching point for polar exploration.
A 12 room hotel was built here in 1936 and still stands, although it is not currently in use.
Famously, Roald Amundsen set off for the North Pole from here in the airship Norge, and became the first person to reach the South Pole (1911) and North Pole (1926). He is also credited as having been the first to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage (1909). He disappeared without a trace while conducting an Arctic rescue mission in 1928.
The mast from which Norge was launched and a bust of Amundsen remain as testament to the man and his achievements.
Arctic research gained a foothold in Ny-Alesund in the mid 20th Century. It remains the driving force of the settlement today. 18 research institutes from 11 countries have permanently established facilities. 5 are manned year round.
Because of the sensitivity of the scientific instruments a 12 mile exclusion zone exists within which the use of mobile devices, WiFi, Bluetooth, and similar technologies is prohibited.
Polar Bears are a constant concern. Locking exterior doors is forbidden in order to afford an escape route in the event of pursuit by a bear. One is also not allowed to leave the town center unless armed or accompanied by an armed escort.
There was a bear in the vicinity the day before our visit.
Christine and I agree that Ny-Alesund is “otherworldly”… “a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live here!”
Peace Everyone. Pete
PS. On our return south from Ny-Alesund a shipboard announcement was given: For the next 24 hours high winds and waves are to be expected. Services aboard ship will be limited. Objects are to be secured and passengers are recommended to exercise caution in their movements.
Prophetic words. Wind gusts are near 60 miles per hour and waves are crashing over the ship’s bow. “Climatologically Interesting”
