We began the day with a pre-breakfast landing at a place we call "Stefan's Hanging Garden." Here, our group of tripod wielding photographers collected on shore to explore the miniature world of tundra wildflowers. This special location along Spitsbergen's northwest coast is fondly named for naturalist/photographer Stefan Lundgren, who is with us for this voyage to share his knowledge of the Arctic and how to capture it on film.
A bright overcast sky this morning provided us with perfect conditions for close-up photography. In no time at all, naturalist Steve Maclean had us on our knees identifying a variety of tiny flowers and clicking our shutters hoping for the perfect composition. On our way back to the Caledonian Star, we made a short excursion with the Zodiacs to view puffins and other seabirds that were nesting along the rocky cliffs nearby.
Back on board for breakfast, everyone was buzzing about their first landing on Spitsbergen. It already seemed like a full day and it was not yet 9 am!
