by Matthew Shupe, CIRES/NOAA scientist and co-coordinator of MOSAiC

Anchors up, and underway. After a few days of turnover, we are now on our way. We’ve said goodbye to our Leg3 colleagues, after absorbing as much information as possible on their experiences, the state of the instrumentation, and ideas on how to proceed. Then a last farewell on the working deck as they walked the gangway over to the transfer ship. Some cheering. Some crying. Many hugs, and lots of waving as the ships finally parted. They were guided out of the small side fjord off Longyearbyen out into the broader Isfjord. Fog and some scattered low clouds masking the mountains at times. But then a sun splash and a glimpse of broad valleys parting snow capped mountains. This land has so obviously been carved by glaciers. Out in the fjord the winds whip strongly. To stand on Polarstern’s deck was a challenge….but many of thescience team braved the wind and snow to savor the moment. The transfer ships, Sonne and Maria S. Merian, sailing out ahead, side-by-side. Then Polarstern gaining speed and moving into position between the others. Three ships abreast, blazing their way through the fjord. Quite a scene. Truly exhilarating to be standing on the deck moving forward with such power.