[From the logs of Tara, a research vessel sailing into Arctic pack ice during 2006-2008.]

Aug 16: Our last few days at sea since Cape Chelyuskin have passed much like the rest since Murmansk, albeit with heightened excitement for our arrival in Tiksi. Little wind and calm conditions allowed us to make a test of our new sounder. Capable of measuring to a depth of 4,000m, this instrument will be important during the drift to assess the depth before making a CTD sounding.

However, for now our minds are turned to the coming few days in our last port of call before two years in the high Arctic Ocean. Early this afternoon, shortly after fastening the mooring lines, we had the pleasure of receiving an official welcome from the people of the Sakha Republic. Adorned in traditional robes, singing and offering food and drinks provided an unexpected but appreciated reception. Although delivered in a language we did not understand, the smiles, warm handshakes and heartfelt speeches conveyed all of the sentiment. With such a welcome we are looking forward to our stop of one week where we will undertake provisioning and preparation for the final push north.