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We arrived off the southwestern tip of Spitsbergen
Island in the Svalbard archipelago.
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We had clear blue skies, crisp Arctic air
and a breathtaking coastline.
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The captain sailed the ship into the bight
of Hurnsund in a side arm called Burgerbukta.
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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..
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Seabirds resting on a chunk of ice.
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The captain maneuvered us to the edge of
the ice while everyone was on the lookout for polar bears.
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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)
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Backing out of the ice.
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The next sighting was closer. The bear was
feasting on his seal kill.
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Fred enjoying the beautiful scenery
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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.
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Old trappers hut
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We're ready for some exercise.
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A barnacle goose
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The Purple Saxifrage was in bloom
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View from the top
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We had to cross a snow field
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Our ship awaits the tired hikers
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