1st Landing - Ziegler Island, Franz Josef Land, Russia by Ella Derbyshire

Nikon D80's

This rocky, flat island is located among the middle islands in Franz Josef Land in a subgroup called Zichy Land. It was named after William Ziegler who lead the Baldwin-Ziegler North Pole Expedition in the beginning of the 20th Century.

There was once an Austrian observing site, Payer-Weyprecht, on the island. We found sheds and debris there that looked a lot more recent.

We saw hundreds of seals in the ice near the island, and a polar bear was spotted nearby.

There were a variety of arctic wild flowers, mosses and lichens growing in the warmth of the midnight sun.

This was an interesting island. We arrived by the helicopter that you see here. The landing seemed easy, but the walking was a bit unsteady on the loose rocks. A bog by the lake claimed a few of our boots. There was a ridge with a nice view of the sea and of nearby islands.