In a perfect world we would still be in Canadian waters en route to our disembarkation in Canada. But ice conditions require that we head back to Greenland for one more adventure before our final day aboard. Such is the nature of expeditionary travel!
Our day at sea bring different things for different people. Some of us spend time on the bridge with the ship’s officers and crew, eyes searching the horizon for signs of wildlife and other treasures the sea may hold for us. Accompanied by fulmars that constantly sail around our vessel, we watch a parade of icebergs that act as sentinels in this watery domain. We observe these icebergs through binoculars and on radar screens, and it becomes a game to see who can spot them first.
The day is also filled with programs from our natural history staff and guest speakers, including talks about the Arctic, its explorers, early human history of the north, and explorations by present-day explorers, some of them in our company.
Other guests catch up on reading or use the time to review the hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of images made during the expedition. With laptops open, we converse about angles, composition, and exposure. Reviewing our images, it’s hard to believe that we’ve only been onboard for a week. After doing so much, no wonder some members of our expedition are taking the time to rest up.
On deck for afternoon tea, we enjoy reindeer gyros and a sampling of beer, a festive way to celebrate our journey east. Tomorrow we have another day of exploration in Greenland, and what it will bring is yet to be seen. But we are ready and willing participants in this discovery of the great north, and the people and wildlife that call it home.
