August 20, 2014

We found these bathing beauties basking in the Arctic sun like so many other sun worshippers on a sandy beach!

They moved from one spot to the other on this little floe.

July 14, 2012 Svalbard

The ice and the birds were amazing on this stunningly clear, blue sky day near the arctic circle.

2014-08-01
Working on photos from the trip to Svalbard but still on the first day's adventure. The question remains, can you take too many pictures of wild creatures and the answer persists as a resounding no.Here are a few picks:
 The Tundra has a beauty all its own that is unexpected and breath-taking.

 For safety we had armed guards on our perimeter at all times when we were ashore.

 One of our guards at the ready for anything whether preserving our safety or preserving a record digitally! 

 All the vegetation was quite tiny and close to the ground but it was prolific in July. It was almost impossible to avoid stepping on it.

 We wondered what the story was behind this carin (Ebenezer)

 Lichen gives a bright color to the landscape.

 Pristine environment where once coal mining was prolific.

 This arctic fox was after lunch but all the geese and other birds worked together to frustrate all of his efforts and keep him harried.

 Red throated loon.

 Safe enough for the moment, the geese and goslings take to the pond.

 Tracked by the birds the entire time he was in the vicinity.

 First polar bear sighting!

 Ever vigilant, keeping the fox at bay.

 First polar bear on a slightly snowy day.

2014-08-01
Working on photos from the trip to Svalbard but still on the first day's adventure. The question remains, can you take too many pictures of wild creatures and the answer persists as a resounding no.
Here are a few picks: