What can one say?National Geographic, eat your heart out. We can only say we were so lucky, the quality of the team on board, the weather and of course the wildlife were all outstanding
- What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many moments to chose from. You can't forget the sight of your first polar bear, maybe even the second. Even the 23rd was pretty good!
A polar bear mother and cub was neat, but then a mother and 2 cubs was better.
A mother and 2 cubs being stalked by a beaten up male bear was a sight to behold, even having our Polar Bear (ian Stirling) expert purring with content.
60,000 gilmots flying around overhead wasn't bad either...
...and then there was the reflection. With the waters of the Fjords being so calm and the skies so blue it's hard to describe the tranquility of the area
- What did you think of your group leader?
Paul Goldstein - unrivalled energy.
Who would want to run the Brighton Marathon, climb Kilimanjaro and then run the London Marathon all in 7 days, let alone with a 10ft tiger in his rucksack.
Such and eye for a great photo, with a quirkiness to go with it. But he doesn't like puffins!
- Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for anything and everything.
We were lucky (or unlucky) not to get the 2am wake up call to gather on deck to see a polar bear. We had so many to chose from without early rises
It may be cold, but in the sun may warm you through. Take plenty of sun cream.
Dress in layers, you'll be able to adjust to temperature changes quickly.
Be prepared not to see a star for 2 weeks, with 24 hours of daylight time seems to have no meaning
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
It is such and awesome experience, yes we were the fortunate ones maybe. But you take your chances with wildlife.
Words and photos hardly describe the beauty of the region, and to see your first polar bear...