SPITSBERGEN - Page 2

Although we never saw a Polar Bear on the ice I think this guy more than made up for it. He was fairly high on the rocks but we were able to get right under him on the zodiacs. This is as close as I'd like to get.

Polar Bear skull

Cotton grass - notice the Reindeer in the distance.

This is a good example of why you wear waterproof boots on land (not to mention the wet landings since there are no docks along the way).

Tundra is so pretty.

Arjen is 6'7" tall. Note the rifle he is carrying . . . you cannot go ashore without a firearm because of the Polar Bears. The naturalists carry flares, a pistol and a rifle.

Rub-a-dub-dub

Kittiwake colony . . we saw about five fat Arctic Foxes who preyed on the babies that fall from their nest.

See all the bruises on my perfect little legs??? It was so hard getting out of the top bunk the front and back of my legs were covered with bruises.

Can you see the fogbow?

We saw Reindeer on most every landing. We found some antlers and were amazed at how heavy they are - no wonder their necks are so thick.

Arctic Skua

Arctic Fox with his summer colors. He will be totally white in winter.

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