Day 8 started with a pretty rough morning. We entered Hornsund with the intent of landing at Isbjornhanna. We expect to find a colony of little Auks (birds) here. The seas are very rough, however, and we have to reposition the ship a few times to reduce the swell at the zodiac loading stairs. The staff lands first to ensure that there are no polar bear nearby.

We make our way up the rocky slope to the Hansbreen glacier only to find the little Auks gone. We don't stay long - our time was cut short due to the amount of time it took to get the zodiacs loaded. The trip back is much calmer.

We moved on to Burgerbukta, to much calmer seas and better weather. We go for a zodiac cruise within the fjord, spotting a very distant polar bear (think butter-colored dot) and a seal. We have the traditional BBQ on the stern of the ship that night. The largely Canadian and American passengers are thrilled to be getting burgers and hot dogs, having missed a 4th of July celebration. They even pass out funny hats.