Okay...Roger Lovegrove is a sadistic #$@&, and just what the hell is this???
Yes, we can put away the shorts, flip-flops and shades.
Seriously, Dude???
Our first Island is frozen in the Arctic Ocean just off the shores of Siberia.
And is known as The Polar Bear Nursery.
But here we are.
So let's take a (cold) look around.
According to the weather is it a balmy -18 degrees out on Wrangel this morning.
The island is 93 miles long and 50 miles wide.
Rocky and mountainous.
Since its designation as a "ZAPOVEDNIK" or Strict Nature Preserve in 1976 all human activity except scientists has been prohibited. There are 4 Rangers who reside here year-round and a rotating group of 12 scientists who collect research during the summer.
Otherwise- it is the sole home of polar bears, musk-oxen, seals, arctic fox, lemmings, walrus and birds.
With a record high in the deep summer of 64 degrees and average lows around -26 degrees and windy the rest of the year...there will be no basking here, anytime soon.
Now is probably a good time to mention that this was the place that Woolly Mammoths met with extinction. A smaller dwarfed version...carbon dated to exist until about 2000 BC.
Making them the final existing Woolly Mammoths.
"This isn't Tahiti...let me see that map..."
But you do have to hand it to the animals who have managed to call this placed home.
Along with finding some of the skeletal remains of the last mammoths on Earth.
Sometimes in situ...which has to be exciting to discover!
And the Outpost on Wrangel Island
Experience Wrangel Island
https://youtu.be/6goNL5p-a2g
Hoping our NEXT virtual island is a bit more tropical...
Next up: Graciosa
Now I need a hot bubble bath and a mug of cocoa!!!