By now we were high up in the North, well beyond 78°, close to 79°. Sunset was now after 23:00, and even then only dusk would take over. Eureka Sound impressions below – judge for yourself 😉
Category Archives: 2015:Far North
Through the Cardigan Strait
After we had passed through the ice field at the entry of the Jones Sound, our journey was fairly uneventful. Hanseatic had continued its Western course and we were about to enter the Norwegian Bay.
The original plan had been to do so through the Hell Gate, a waterway between Ellesmere Island and North Kent Island. However with the exit of the Hell Gate locked by ice (as strange as it may sound), the bridge decided for the alternative routing through the Cardigan Strait – between North Kent Island and Devon Island.
Ice was our constant companion during that passage, though it did subside the further North and deeper into the Norwegian Bay we made it.
In a further lecture in the afternoon we got some background on the early exploration of this region by Norwegian explorers. The result can be seen even today, with the names of many of the islands, bays and fjords referring back Norway.
In the evening we had another pre-cap, where the captain and the expedition leader presented the plans for the next day … we were set to continue North through the Eureka Sound – with the Eureka weather station being our destination for the next morning.
Ice, Ice – Baby
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This gallery contains 20 photos.
After our departure from Pond Inlet we continued our journey North, first with a slight Eastern course through the Lancaster Sound, passing by Devon Island and then into the Jones Sound. On the way we also came across our first … Continue reading
Pond Inlet
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This gallery contains 12 photos.
We continued our journey along the Northern coast of Baffin Island. The morning was spent with more lectures and an occasional visit on deck to enjoy the views. We made it into the Eclipse Sound around lunch time and soon … Continue reading
Walker Arm Fjord
After our polar bear encounter we continued deeper into the Walker Arm of the Sam Ford Fjord – with the destination being a glacier, that our expedition team had already visited in previous years.
We got to the spot and zodiacs were made ready just after lunch. My zodiac group was the first to go today – and I managed to catch the first zodiac and (for a change) take some pictures without too many of my fellow passengers.
Ashore a nice hike was waiting for us; from the landing point up the massive frontal moraine of a retreating glacier, through the sandy remains of its glacial lake (with the one or other stuck rubber boot) up to the actual glacier remains.
Our geologist – of course – was up front and providing good hints on where to walk and where not, pointing out things, providing explanations and – of course – making sure everyone was well.
In the evening – during cocktail hour – we had our first recap, to review our first shore landings, get more background on commonly asked questions – but also get to see footage and insights not everyone may have had the opportunity to (e.g. local flora, animal tracks, views from vantage points only few had made it to). These recaps really add to the expedition feeling and provide some interesting views back and more.
Lesson of the day: if you are ever offered polar bear liver, better decline that offer – otherwise you are bound to die of an overdose of vitamin A.
Sam Ford Fjord
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This gallery contains 12 photos.
We used this day to further explore the wild side of Baffin Island – making our way into the Sam Ford Fjord. The fjord, surrounded by mountains up to 1700 meters, did welcome us with wonderful vistas – which only … Continue reading
Morning Mood
We hit the first ice in the early morning; this happened unnoticed by most passengers – until just around sunrise the voice of the cruise director was whispering into our ears. Given the time (around 5 / 5:30) she had omitted the gong and also used the lowest setting of both the microphone and her voice.
Those of us, who made it on deck, got to see a stunning and atmospheric sunrise …
Clyde Inlet
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We left Clyde River at lunch time and continued deeper into the Clyde Inlet – while enjoying another fabulous lunch (not sure, what we had – but I cannot remember a meal, which has not been fabulous). In the afternoon … Continue reading
Clyde River
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This gallery contains 16 photos.
Welcome to Canada and what is probably the most unlikely entry point to the country – Clyde River, located in Clyde Inlet at the Northern side of Baffin Island at 70°28.5′ N, 68°35’ W, covering about 900 inhabitants and a … Continue reading
Baffin Bay Crossing
This day was spent at sea, crossing Baffin Bay from Greenland to Canada’s Baffin Island. For us passengers it was still a busy day; we were introduced to the expedition team, had our zodiac briefing (mandatory for everyone wanting to hop on a zodiac) and got our expedition parkas and rubber boots. We also got going with the first three lectures: glaciology for dummies (as I’d call it), an introduction to the Canadian state of Nunavut (covering its young history, people and way of life) and a primer in Arctic ecology. All lectures did prove handy during the next few days.
Even with this trip being an expedition cruise, it was still a cruise. So in the evening it was time to dress up for the traditional captain’s welcome cocktail (more introductions … this time to the nautical team), followed by the Welcome Dinner.
I did not take any photos this day … for impressions go back to the photos of day 2 during my second Antarctica trip … most of the officials were the same (just remove the Christmas decoration).
Overall … this has been a fairly busy day … even at sea …