Morning Report : Current Position is 70° 31’ 58.4” N , 22° 30’ 5.0” W, Speed 3.9 kn, COG 174°, Wind 285° at 1.2 m/s.
Sunny skies are greeting us again this morning.
We are at Nokkeldal in Hurry Fjord. The plan is to make landings at 0900.
In the afternoon we will be in Scoresby Sund at 1530. The plan seems open and my guess is cruising about.
I have mentioned Scoresby Sund a good bit so here is a bit more about this location.
Where is Scoresbysund?
Scoresbysund (also known as Scoresby Sound or Kangertittivaq in greenlandic) is the longest fjord system on Earth located on the east coast of Greenland high above the Arctic circle. It stretches about 350 km (220 miles) inland from the Greenland Sea. Scoresby Sund is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering cliffs, icebergs, and glaciers, making it a popular destination for tourists and researchers interested in studying the Arctic environment.
Scoresby Sund is situated between Jameson Land to the north and Knud Rasmussen Land to the south. To the west, just beyond Milne Island, you’ll find the Renland peninsula. The terrain encircling the fjord is predominantly mountainous, characterized by steep, ascending edges.
The entrance measures 29 kilometres in width, extending from Kangikajik (Cape Brewster) at the terminus of the Savoia Peninsula to Uunarteq (Cape Tobin). The southern portion presents an impressive, sheer wall of basalt, soaring between 1000 to 2000 meters (approximately 3,280 to 6,560 feet) in height, while the northern side is comparably lower and possesses more rounded features.
Scoresby Sund is definitely worth visiting. Nowhere else on earth can you experience colossal icebergs floating through narrow fjords framed by some of the planet’s oldest and most majestic landscapes. The wilderness is truly untouched by humans and it offers the explorer a chance to connect with nature in a seldom explored place.
Why Visit: Natural beauty ( an understatement) with its breathtaking natural scenery, which includes towering cliffs, colossal icebergs, glaciers, and pristine Arctic wilderness.
Here you can be one of the few to discover the small settlement of Ittoqqortoormitt heavily influenced by Inuit traditions . For nine months out of the year, the settlement is completely isolated from the rest of the world due to the sea ice that surrounds it, making it a true symbol of inaccessibility. This is an opportunity to connect with a way of life vastly different from our own and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human culture.
Here one can witness icebergs reaching heights of up to 300 feet above sea level, displaying a range of shades from green to blue. The sheer magnitude and number of icebergs cannot be fully captured by media, and must be experienced in person to truly understand.
There is no guarantee of encountering wildlife in Greenland, spotting it in its natural habitat is extra special. The region is home to various animals such as musk ox, Arctic hares, and occasionally polar bears. The surrounding seas also harbor narwhales , which are often referred to as the ‘unicorns of the sea’.
Explore the world’s longest natural fjord and remote wilderness. Scoresby Sund offers a sense of remoteness and solitude which is very hard to explain. The isolation and untouched landscapes are pure raw nature.
Due to a very foggy morning and at 1200 still foggy we were unable to make a landing. Thus many of the days activities were moved up. This is an aspect of Expedition Cruising that is to be expected, the Expedition Team moves on to Plan B all they way to Z or more as needed.
1430 - What’s in the. Bag- we can learn what is in the big orange bags the Expedition Team takes ashore for the landings. The large bags and covered bucket/jug carry survival gear for 10 people. There is food and water, flashlights, TP and plastic bags, blankets, thermal pads, an emergency blanket suit and a shelter.
THE BAG WATER Biscuits for Food , so have a candy bar in your pocket Blankets, one for two people Thermal Pads Headlamps Warming Blanket A Shelter
Lynn had a full lunch in Anue and I had some crackers and cheese. Then I got a HX burger takeaway and had a very private picnic on deck 8.
1500 - paint our clay creations, Lynn painted hers and I left min plain.
1630- Discovery Session -The Marine Food Web
1730 - Lecture - Whales and Dolphins of East Greenland
1800 - We were lucky to enjoy another Taste of Greenland Chef’s Table. The same excellent menu was presented, a wonderful meal.
2030 - Briefing
2045 - Crew Band