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Kongsfjord is a large fjord system on the
northwestern side of Spitsbergen Island.
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We entered an arm of the fjord called Krossfjord
which branched into Lillihookfjord.
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We anchored in a small bay called Signehamna.
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We were transported by Zodiacs to shore
for a hike.
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As usual, our naturalist guide (Karen Copeland)
carried a rifle and flares in case a polar bear was spotted.
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It was snowing and cold at the start of our hike.
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A small mountain lake where crew in a zodiac
kept an eye out for bears.
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An arctic tern if I remember correctly!
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Soon the snow stopped and the sun came out,
allowing us to see the magnificent scenery that surrounded
us.
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Hiking through the fresh snow
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Some of us had to break trail
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Near the end of the hike, it started to
cloud over again.
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Time to return to the mother ship
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The National Geographic Explorer is a converted
Norwegian ferry boat. The stern was redone to make her more
ice worthy.
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A group of white-beaked dolphins were observed
surf-riding just off the bow.
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