We caught up with guest blogger Joey as he explores Iceland and takes to the high seas!

Ahoy! Hello from aboard the Clipper Adventurer! The Students on Ice Arctic expedition is in full swing and we’re on our way to Greenland after leaving the northwest coast of Iceland.  We are six days into our journey, and we have come a long way since we’ve arrived in Keflavik.

Joey painting. Photo credit: Lee Narraway, Students on Ice

We have travelled across Western and Northern Iceland, along the way learning all about the people, the culture, and the nature of this northern Atlantic island. It welcomed us with beautiful landscapes of broad mountains, rolling fields with grazing sheep, and communities old and new.

Glaciology Seminar. Photo credit: Lee Narraway, Students on Ice

We swam in the Blue Lagoon, watched geysers shoot above our heads, and hiked to the top of a dormant volcano.  Iceland truly is a nation shaped by its land.  The blend of mountains, volcanoes, and hot springs made possible by its unique geographical location in between the North American and Eurasian plates creates a lively and diverse natural environment that is not seen anywhere else in the world.

Immature gannet. Photo credit: Lee Narraway, Students on Ice.

The Icelandic people use geothermal energy to warm their homes and protect wildlife with reserves; showing us that it is not only possible, but necessary to live in harmony with nature.

Stormy Seas in the Denmark Strait. Photo credit: Lee Narraway, Students on Ice

Sailing on a ship, we are blessed to swim along with some of the planet’s most majestic creatures. Within our first few days aboard the Clipper Adventurer, we have been greeted by a group of white beaked dolphins and also blue whales!  It was amazing to see fins rise above the surface and mist sprayed from spouts.

Blue whales are the largest creatures to have ever lived on earth; and watching them swim alongside our ship was such a humbling and inspirational experience.

Mother and Calf Blue whales. Photo Credit: Lee Narraway, Students on Ice.

Our expedition so far has been an eye opening experience of the natural wonders of our Arctic environment.  It has offered insights of wildlife and natural wonders, and more importantly, reasons why action must be taken now to protect the world we share.  The world has become my classroom, and it is by far the coolest class I’ve ever taken.  Greenland is almost in sight, and we area all excited for what is beyond the horizon.

Together let’s protect the poles and protect our planet.

-Joey

Up next… Joey spots Greenland and explores the amazing world of glaciers

While you’re waiting don’t just sit tapping your toe, find out more about Joey, Students on Ice and this amazing Arctic and expedition.

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.