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HORNSUND, SPITSBERGEN ISLAND, SVALBARD

PHOTO GALLERY

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We arrived off the southwestern tip of Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard archipelago.
We had clear blue skies, crisp Arctic air and a breathtaking coastline.
The captain sailed the ship into the bight of Hurnsund in a side arm called Burgerbukta.
There was still the remnant of fast ice at the head of the inlet, clinging to the shore and resting up against the glacier faces..

 

 

Seabirds resting on a chunk of ice.
The captain maneuvered us to the edge of the ice while everyone was on the lookout for polar bears.
A female polar bear with two cubs were spotted on the fast ice. Fortunately there was a high powered telescope set up on the bridge so we could get a better view as they were still too far away to see with the naked eye (click on the photo to see a better view)
Backing out of the ice.
The next sighting was closer. The bear was feasting on his seal kill.
 
Fred enjoying the beautiful scenery
 
We disembarked the ship at Gnalodden. Since we are in Polar Bear territory, our guides carry flare guns and rifles in case of an unexpected encounter.
Old trappers hut
We're ready for some exercise.
   
A barnacle goose
The Purple Saxifrage was in bloom
   
View from the top
We had to cross a snow field
Our ship awaits the tired hikers

To learn more about our visit to Hurnsund on Spitsbergen Island, go to the Spitsbergen Island Newsletter. To view the next photo gallery, go to Northern Spitsbergen Photo Gallery.


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