Page 79 - 2003 SVALBARD, NORWAY

At dinner, we were told that some Fin Whales had been spotted

and that we should get up on deck as quickly as possible.

Up we ran and sure enough, the M/S Endeavour was floating in a
pod of these enormous whales--the second largest in the world

(after the blue whale). They are particularly striking due to the
great length between their heads and their tiny dorsal fin, almost
at their tail section. There were perhaps 15 of the big fellows

surface-feeding all around us and it looked like an orchard of palm
trees had sprouted in the sea as we saw them blow spray into the

air all around us. The spray was probably 20 feet high and fairly
substantial in volume and it really did rise up and resemble a palm

tree. Everyone was snapping pictures again and smiling. Ralph
most of all, probably, since he was able to deliver a final “great

sighting” to our group which had spent at least 3 full days in the
fog (even today was overcast and foggy) and had enjoyed only 3
shore landings.

However, no one on this cruise seemed to be disappointed--we

had witnessed the quite unique polar bear behavior with the
mother bear making the seal kill; we had seen 13-14 bears,

including 3 cubs, we had been charmed by the toothy faces of the
walrus, been thrilled by the midnight sun and the dazzling light

displays! It was a high successful expedition filled with unique and
moving experiences.