1 July 2025 – Granite Cliffs, Arctic Wildlife & Climate Reflections

Field Notes by Virginia Bria | Team Juliet
Location: Alkefjellet, Torellneset, Brasvellbreen

Despite early overcast skies and strong winds, our expedition leader Christophe gave the green light for a morning Zodiac excursion along the dramatic granite cliffs of Alkefjellet. Our guide Heather, a polar bear expert, led us through chilly, wet conditions to witness thousands of guillemots and Arctic gulls in a frenzy of feeding activity. One Zodiac even spotted an Arctic fox darting across the snow—an unexpected treat.

Due to heavy fog in the afternoon, our planned landing to see walruses at Torellneset was cancelled. Instead, we gathered onboard for a series of inspiring presentations. Caroline introduced the Mindus Green App, created for ACE Expedition members to share this journey while reducing digital pollution—a digital diary that’s as innovative as it is eco-conscious.

Heather followed with a fascinating talk on polar bears—from birth to death—highlighting their dependence on ringed and bearded seals. Then we cruised along Brasvellbreen, the Arctic’s largest ice wall. We witnessed dramatic calving events and waterfalls cascading down its melting face. According to the Captain’s log, we sailed inside the ice wall—an alarming sign of how much it has receded in just five years.

The day ended on a high note with a Portuguese wine tasting led by our very own Climate Avenger, winemaker Howard Folly. His wines, sourced from across Portugal, supported both a children’s charity in Cambodia and a cause selected by Ocean Geographic. Five beautiful wines, one stunning Arctic day.

Wildlife highlights: Guillemots, kittiwakes, Arctic gulls, Arctic fox, walruses (planned), and more.
Landscape highlights: Granite pinnacles of Alkefjellet, towering ice wall of Brasvellbreen.