We were checking out Lillihoekbreen, a fjord just northwest of Ny Alesund, looking for a nice background to photography Wind Horse. Just as we were about to launch the dinghy Joe spotted something white with black nose in the water.

Mr. Bear was swimming across the fjord, at a speed that would easily keep up with an inflatable dinghy be rowed at a rapid rate.

He appeared to be having a bad hair day – check out the clump on his back – so we gave him a wide berth.

Once across the fjord he climbed out onto the shore.

Keeping a close eye on us, he trotted up the mountain, keeping an eye on us (as potential food?) all of the way.