National Geographic Explorer departed Ilulissat last evening, leaving the big glacial ice of western Greenland behind. This morning a few scattered fantastically-shaped icebergs dotted the ocean landscape, gleaming in the brilliant sun, as we crossed the Davis Strait. One guest commented that it was as though an artist had arranged them.
We had a flat, calm sea, giving us a smooth ride. Northern fulmars were our constant companions, soaring gracefully and effortlessly alongside the ship. More dark-morph birds are showing up as we direct further west and north. Other birds included thick-billed murres, pomarine and long-tailed jaegers, and various gulls.
The morning was occupied with a photo presentation by Steve to make us more comfortable with our cameras. Our Global Perspective guest speaker Dr. Joe Macinnis, gave a captivating talk on what it means to be an explorer. He was followed by his son Jeff, a true explorer in his own right, who had sailed across the Northwest Passage on a catamaran.
As we approached the pack ice edge east of Baffin Island, we skirted to the north. Seals and more birds were active here. Suddenly we were able to glimpse a few sperm whales and we shared a few moments of the brief time they spent catching their breath at the surface before diving to the depths of the ocean.
National Geographic Young Explorer Hunter showed the afternoon matinee and discussed the classic movie “Nanook of the North” in preparation for our visit with the Inuit people of Arctic Canada. A mandatory briefing about Arctic shore landings further instructed us for this experience.
As the sun will not set for several days yet at this latitude in this time without darkness, we look forward to what the Canadian Arctic will show us.
