These images were taken during a rare, 10000 km. expedition that I took on a Soviet era icebreaker across the top of Russia's North: from Anadyr in far eastern Siberia to Murmansk near the Finish border. This photographic journey includes polar bears, people and adventure. As the ship struggled through icy seas, a stunningly beautiful world unfolded before my eyes. The endless polar light created a palette of colours that was a photographer's dream.

The adventures continued on shore as we stopped at small Siberian communities and wandered through abandoned Soviet stations on this month long expedition. Getting stranded on Wrangel Island overnight was definitely not on the itinerary but added to the excitement as we watched for polar bears and waited for the fog to lift.

This was one of my most memorable journeys and was a rare opportunity to record seldom seen places, meet interesting people and to experience a world that few have witnessed. The Soviet spectre still lingers over the landscape.