Today was a day that typifies the expedition spirit of our travels. We woke to sea ice and scattered fog as we rounded the north coast of Spitsbergen. While photo instructor Jeff Litton taught us about expedition photography, we sailed into Woodfjorden, occasionally breaking through sea ice with the expedition staff on the lookout for the apex predator of the Arctic. The keen eyes of naturalist Kerstin Langenberger spotted a polar bear mother and her two-year-old cub.

After observing the bears, we explored deeper into Leifdefjorden. Following lunch and under spectacular conditions, we embarked kayaks for a paddle on the mirror-like waters of Idabukta and then Zodiacs for a cruise up to the stunning glacier face. Our adventures continued with a celebration of the Summer Solstice and fantastic walrus sightings after dinner.