We got an early start this morning in the hopes of reaching Temple Fjord Glacier.

It was bitterly cold as we packed up camp and skied down from our ski mountaineering base camp. Descending, we were able to make good progress to an arbitrary point where we would pitch camp before headed (sledless) to the glacier.

It is without hyperbole that I call the area we are in completely stunning. We are in the middle of a broad valley surrounded on two sides by mountains and sea ice all covered by a seamless blanket of white. Imagine the great rift valley in Africa (smaller of course) covered in snow.

After we sorted our gear, we left the sleds behind and skied over the frozen fjord toward the glacier. From the map, we estimated the distance to be roughly 7 miles. Three hours later, we were still skiing toward the glacier face.

The last time I was on a National Geographic Expeditions cruise. It was raining and I remember the day vividly. Maria and I posed for a picture along a flanking moraine.

The weather today was considerably colder and the landscape looked different as well. We were able to ski right up to the glacier face. Over 75 feet of turquoise ice towered above us. We spent over an hour investigating. At the glacier's base, sea ice was crumpled back, pushed from the forward motion of the glacier.

With much hesitation, we put on our ski gear and made the long trek (20 mile round trip) to our camp.

Ryan, ever mindful of wildlife was especially captivated by the seals poking their heads up to check us out as we skied by.

If you don't hear from us after today, its probably because we've been eaten by a polar bear. We are currently camped on the sea ice surrounded by seals - a favorite snack of polar bears.

Image: Ryan with Temple Fjord Glacier in the review mirror.