Last Stop

Ny Alesund, our last stop in “civilization” is owned and operated by Kings Bay which successfully turned the settlement into a scientific research base, after coal mining became unprofitable.  Several countries have permanent stations there including Norway, Holland, China and India, making it an international community.  

When we brought Snow Dragon in to refuel, the harbormaster told us that the pub would be open that night. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to experience the “local color” we decided to check it out. The closest we got to locals was a newly arrived group from California. They were part of a NASA team testing an unmanned research plane that they hoped to fly over the sea ice.

Before we left the pub, word got around that Saturday was dance night and we were told it was an event not to be missed. Our plan had been to only spend two days in Ny Alesund but we decided to stick around. The extra time in town also gave us the opportunity to repair Angela who ended up needing her motor replaced, luckily we had a spare on board.

Just as the repair was completed, a few members of the NASA team stopped by to see our “battle ship”. They were impressed by her construction and kept comparing her to a plane. Though they understood a lot of the systems and navigational equipment, they were not sure how long they would last at sea. Maybe one day some of them will join us and find out.

To escape the cruise ships that come into Ny Alesund, we took a day to explore the nearby island of Blomstrand which had good hiking and a friendly young reindeer who followed us around. After spending time in an idyllic anchorage, we headed back to town. Though the dance was not the most happening event, we enjoyed spending more time with our new friends.

Before we left the following morning, they took us out to see the plane in action. It was fascinating watching the teamwork involved in getting the plane ready, every member was highly skilled and it showed. Their precision was a reminder that in aviation everything has to be just right before the aircraft leaves the ground.

We kept in contact with the team and though they were plagued by they same bad weather we were, they still managed to fly 2,923 km over the sea ice. For more information on the project please go to http://www.espo.nasa.gov/casie/

For more photos of Ny Alesund and NASA please click on Ny Alesund Album and NASA Album.