Arctic #7

Arctic #7
Today is Labor Day -- doesn't feel right up here with no warmth, swimming, family, etc.
This morning it was 0 then warmed up to about 3 or 4 while we were out. The wind was much calmer and the sun came in and out so very pleasant. We also got into sheltered water for our polar bear search. We found the male but too far away to bother taking pictures -- so I just enjoyed watching him walk around. We were in the many bays of a lovely little island so within feet of the rocky shore. Saw an arctic hare -- it was far away but still looked very big.
We are just off the Lower Savage Islands which are between Frobisher Bay and the Hudson Strait for those of you looking on a map.
For our expeditions out on the zodiac we wear: cross country skiing type long underwear and quick dry pants, xc top thermal layer, a light down jacket or fleece, a buff, toque then the big parka. On top of this we have our life jackets which fortunately are those small blow-up kind. We then trundle down the hall to the boot room where we put on our rubber boots. Out in the zodiac we are often drenched by waves but because of the waterproof jacket and tight hood we remain dry from the bum up. I have developed a system of not wearing my gloves in the zodiac so that they are dry for on shore.When on shore we take off the life jackets and throw them into big blue bins. So far every landing has been a wet one -- I believe we finally get a dry one when in Greenland's capital.
For exercise today I did 40 min on the treadmill then later 30 minutes going round and round Deck 6 -- takes 15 times to make up the half hour.
Hope you all had a lovely labor day weekend full of sunshine.