Svalbard, Norway (and the Polar Bear.....)

It was the summer of 2005 and the ship was heading north, already within the Arctic Circle for our arrival at Longyearbyen, the principal town of  Spitsbergen, Svalbard. For some reason, I woke early that morning and peering from my porthole found we had already made landfall. Curious as to what was happening, I quickly dressed  and made my way to the Bridge. The Captain had decided, with advice from the local Pilot, there was time in hand to make an unscheduled visit to a remote glacier in a secluded bay.

Before telling the passengers of our 'surprise' visit, he asked if I would like to join the Staff Captain and three Able Seamen as they were about to lower one of the lifeboats to take a closer look at the terrain.

It transpired they had seen a Polar Bear in the far distance and wondered if it could be tempted to make its way closer to the ship for the benefit of the passengers.

The landscape around us was stunning and the flat calm water reflected the majestic snow covered mountains.

Two glaciers were clearly visible at the end of the Fjord.

We took to the lifeboat and were lowered to the water.

As we moved away from the ship's side and slowly headed towards shore, we could then see quite clearly this awesome creature making its unstoppable way along the shore's edge.

It was still barely 6am but the Captain decided to make the announcement to the passengers that they should make their way to open decks to enjoy this rare opportunity.

The Polar Bear, was indeed heading in the ship's direction, but was still difficult to see from the distance the ship was positioned, particularly as the immediate terrain was snow covered.

The object was that we would 'follow' the bear's path, allowing the passengers to use the lifeboat as a visible guide to see him. As he made his way along the shoreline the snow was less in evidence, thus making it easier on the eye.

The magnificence of this creature was becoming more and more apparent and despite the rocky, craggy ground, his progress was unfaltering.

Up to now, we had kept a distance of around 50 meters from the shore, but as we edged a little closer, he became less comfortable with our presence and climbed the rock face to keep, it would seem, that comfort zone between us.

We edged further away and he returned to his original path, by the shoreline.

He gave us a 'look' as if to say 'now keep your distance!'

He sniffed the air as if he could 'smell' our presence, or maybe he could smell breakfast cooking on board ship!

A job well done, we headed back to the 'falls' to be lifted back to the ship's deck.

As we were attaching the 'falls' to the boat's tackle, we were amazed and a little concerned that he had taken to the water and was heading our way.

Either we, or the bacon had taken his fancy.

The next, you'll be pleased to know, is courtesy of  'photoshop'

So, a rare sight in a stunningly beautiful part of the world and all before breakfast.

Thank you Captain!

and thanks to the Polar Bear for putting on a show.

The beachbum