Arctic Cruise: Day 2
DAY 2 - Saturday, 25 June 2022 - Hornsund: Svalbard's southernmost fjord with 8 glaciers cascading into the water - SPECTACULAR! Whale bones dating back to circa 1620!
Arctic Cruise: Day 1
The word Antarctica comes from the Greek language, antarktikos, which means “opposite to the Arctic”. In turn, Arctic comes from the Greek word arktikos, which means “of the bear”, in reference to the northern constellation called Osa Menor, in which is the Polar Star, which marks the North Pole. An Arctic Expedition was a bucket list dream come true! Sadly our rustic Photographic Expedition Ship was delayed on a final inspection at the last minute so we were forced to switch to a Luxury Cruise with Ponant, the only other vessel sailing in the same timeframe. 'The scenery in this part of the world is simply spectacular. Icebergs, sea ice and volcanic mountain landscapes extend as far as the eye can see. And amidst it all roams the polar bear, king of the Arctic, in complete peace and tranquillity. To take an Arctic cruise is to allow yourself to be transported to a world where man is simply a spectator and nature reigns supreme.'
Norway: Svalbard
To the uninitiated, Svalbard may seem desolate and barren with large open landscapes, sparse vegetation and endless glaciers. But if you look beyond this first impression, you will discover an eldorado of nature-based experiences – all year round. The seasonal variations this far north are enormous – the long, dark winter season is replaced by bright spring months, which in turn are replaced by a surprisingly mild summer with sun 24/7.
Finland: Bear Centre – Lentiira
Bear Centre is a Finnish company located on the eastern border specialising in Bear, Wolverine and Wolf photography safaris. There are 29 rustic hides to choose from offering the best photographic opportunities as well as luxury cabins, all of which are set in the pristine forest.
Maldives: 2022 – Grand Centara
Whale shark and manta ray sightings are almost guaranteed ... South Ari Atoll is a spectacular destination for divers and snorkelers. Boasting sun-swept island beaches and sandbars surrounded by tropical blue waters it truly is a tropical paradise ...
Sri Lanka: 2022 – Ella to Kandy Train Journey
The Ella to Kandy train is one of the world's best and most unique rail journeys and all this on a shoestring budget in 3rd class! The train gently rocks around steep mountain passes and through lush green tea plantations. The trip takes around seven hours and really was one of our top highlights of our trip!
Sri Lanka: 2022 – Yala National Park and Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Yala is an experience like no other! Forget whatever you may know about safaris in Africa! There are no rules that apply here, no limit on the number of safari vehicles entering the park or at a sighting - it is a complete free for all! (If this place was controlled it would be PARADISE). This is Sri Lanka's 2nd largest Park and is spectacularly located on the Indian Ocean in the south eastern corner of Sri Lanka. It has the highest concentration of leopards in the world as well as elephants, sloth bears and a variety of other fauna and birdlife. On 26th December 2004, the tsunami waves flooded the middle of the park killing 60 visitors. 35,000 people lost their lives in Sri Lanka. Interestingly enough there were only two water buffalo deaths and no other animal corpses found. Elephants and wild boar were seen running away from the beach with their tails raised three hours before the tsunami struck fuelling the notion that animals possess a 6th sense....
Sri Lanka: 2022 – Ahangama: Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach is the largest fishing port on the south coast. It is popular with tourists and is the base from where to set off on whale watching activities. In the evening it transformed to many little pop up restaurants on the beach offering freshly caught seafood. It has a good vibe.
UK: Scotland – 2022 Glen Coe and Bidean nam Bian
Bidean nam Bian is a complex range with many ridges and subsidiary peaks. It lies to the south of the spectacular area of Glen Coe which is situated in western Scotland and is the highest point in the former county of Argyll standing at 1,150m. The main summit of the munro is hidden from the road behind the Three Sisters and is accessed via a stunning hidden valley.
Sweden: Jukkasjäarvi – Wildlife Photography
An amazing morning with our Sami photographic guide ... birding, red squirrel, reindeer and moose all in the most incredible scenery...blissful