Category Archives: Franz Josef Land (Russian Arctic)

Whales and a Wrap Up — Franz Josef Land

Posted on August 17, 2019 by rongatesphotography

Our last day in Franz Josef Land….as we headed back to Alexander Land to clear customs and immigration….three humpback whales cruised along with us. As is typical, we got mainly tails, fins and some blow holes. We also spotted a … Continue reading →

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Polar Bears and Walrus

Posted on August 17, 2019 by rongatesphotography
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A Visit from a Russian Icebreaker — Franz Josef Land

Posted on August 15, 2019 by rongatesphotography

Toward the end of our cruise, this 75,000 horsepower, Russian nuclear icebreaker on lease to the company that ran our trip met up with us.  The I/B 50 Years of Victory is making three trips this year to the North … Continue reading →

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Russian Arctic #2 – Polar Bears and More!

Posted on August 13, 2019 by rongatesphotography

As I said in the first blog post, I signed on for this trip for several reasons.  First, Franz Josef Land is a group of islands of which I’d never heard.  I was intrigued by the thought of going that … Continue reading →

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The Russian Arctic…Franz Josef Land

Posted on August 8, 2019 by rongatesphotography

Franz Josef Land is located at about 80 degrees north latitude close to straight north of St. Petersburg, Russia.   At the northern most island in the archipelago, Rudolf, we were approximately 600 miles from the North Pole at 81 degrees … Continue reading →

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