Today we were greeted by our first bluebird day, but in Svalbard blue skies also means cold weather. Both Ryan and I spent part of the day with very cold toes.

At one point later in the afternoon Ryan commented, I'm wearing three layers of down.'

We woke up focused on making a plan for the rest of our adventure which consisted of veering away from the ocean and up a nearby valley to do some ski mountaineering and climb several peaks. As we climbed higher, our perspective on Temple Fjord allowed for a better assessment of the terrain - most importantly if the actual fjord was frozen. With clear skies and no mist, we could see all the way to the glacier face forcing us to amend our amended plan.

We climbed a little higher and found a suitable spot for a base camp where we could launch several climbs. After a quick lunch of Clif bars and soup from our Stanley jars, we switched our polar boots for Scarpa AT boots and alpine skis.

A short skin later, we were at the top of a nearby mountain. Ryan, in front, cautioned to be careful as he spotted several caribou. What ensued was an incredible interaction with a herd of about 20 caribou on the football-sized top of the mountain. As we circled the perimeter, the herd followed us growing more courageous by the minute.

Looking out, we were treated to an incredible view of the nearby peaks and valleys. The sun was low on the horizon and cast an orange glow on the snow. All in all, not a bad way to spend Easter.

I thought how much Maria would have enjoyed the view (although not the temperature) and when I would be able to take Merritt on hiss first adventure. But I only lingered for a minute because it was gold and I tucked my Ergodyne multi band under my Optic Nerve goggle band and turned my skis down hill