Sunniva Sorby from British Columbia and Hilde Fålun Strøm from Svalbard are citizen scientists, stationed in the Arctic between Norway's mainland and the North Pole, collecting data and samples for researchers around the world, helping in the important work of climate change. With the closest other inhabitants 87 miles away, their Arctic neighbourhood is the ultimate in social distancing!
Their daily routine involves wearing multiple layers to dealwith the extreme Arctic cold, feeling the doldrums that 24 hour a day darkness delivers, and yes.. arming themselves to fend off pesky wild polar bears! Sunniva and Hilde are the first two women to ever survive a winter without a man in the Arctic.
Sunniva and Hilde were supposed to leave their 215-square-foot cabin and head home in May, but sadly plans changed. Thanks COVID -19. Their social media team alerted them that all ships would note travelling to the Arctic and their ride home would be rescheduled to September. That's some serious overtime!
What is more incredible is that these citizen scientists are using this unwelcome delay as an advantage, continuing their important work and using their extended stay as an opportunity to collect more vital data as the Arctic seasons change. Two amazing people using their social distance to help the world.
When they arrive home both adventurers are looking forward to hot showers, warm cinnamon rolls and cappuccinos. A well deserved great coffee break indeed. You can follow their incredible Arctic adventure at Hearts In The Ice, as well as preorder their book about this incredible journey The site is amazing!
All photos are copyright to Hearts In The Ice.
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