Last summer I went to Svalbard in the Arctic for the second time. It was such a great experience I decided to join a circumnavigation of the main island in the archipelago, Spitsbergen, this summer.

The trip will take us to the remote and desolate north and east coast of Spitsbergen, weather and sea ice permitting.

We may even be able to set foot on the northeastern and southeastern island of the archipelago. Two places I’ve wanted to go to since I heard of them.

When I ordered the trip it seemed like very far into the future. But now it’s getting closer and closer. I can’t wait.

Below is a picture from the northeastern island, called Nordaustland (which means “The Northeast Land”).

I can’t imagine a more beautiful or challenging place.

According to the Norwegian Polar Institute, qualified trappers (do trappers even still exist?) may rent the few ancient shacks that still exist in the archipelago. This sounds unbelieavable to me. But people do overwinter in these shacks, sometimes alone (usually with a polar dog or two).

In the Arctic nothing rots, and only very slowly.

I will blog and write, both before, during, and after the trip.