The sea ice met us with the chance of zodiac cruising and kayaking in some great conditions. We were so close to 81 degrees latitude and were hopeful of making it with the ship. Sure enough, the Captain pointed the bow Northwards and we were able to achieve 81 degrees, 002 minutes north before the ice stopped us and we turned south. However later that evening we experienced the stuff of which dreams are made. A female polar bear with two cubs had spotted our very slow progression and in no time they had crossed the ice to examine this strange object. Many of us were in tears as we watched these magnificent animals exhibit their natural behaviour of complete calm and relaxation.