Just before breakfast, National Geographic Explorer passed Kap York (Danish). This landmark is located at the southern end of Melville Bay. We sailed along a seemingly endless row of icebergs. These colossal slabs of ice have calved off from the Greenland icecap. Of all the frozen fresh water on the planet, Greenland holds an estimated 9 percent (cf. Antarctica 90% and the rest only one percent). Thus our morning exploration aimed for more close encounters with ice. Virtually all our guests joined Zodiac cruises to see glacial ice up close. We zig-zagged through–as one excited guest described it – ”a massive forest of icebergs,” right up to an impressive glacier front, in places over 100 feet high. The bright sunshine created harsh light conditions for photography. Nevertheless there were still great opportunities to capture a multitude of forms, colors, and also the tiny Zodiacs like miniature toys against the white backdrop of immense walls of ice.
During the afternoon we enjoyed two different, but neatly interconnected presentations by naturalists Karen Copeland and Ian Bullock. Karen gave a stimulating lecture about Arctic stress: ”Man and Nature Adaptations to the Cold,” whereas Ian spoke on ”Inuit–Art of Survival,” using beautiful drawings, paintings, photos, and sculptures. The Inuit have survived under the most demanding climatic conditions on the planet, having to deal with extreme cold, dark winters, and a constant struggle for food and shelter. Their kayaks and hunting techniques–developed over thousands of years–have enabled them to survive conditions that few people on earth can match. To make this possible they developed clothing to keep them warm–thanks to the caribou, the seals, and the polar bear. The illustrations reflect a people celebrating life despite their constant struggle for survival. Ian finished his fascinating talk by sharing the meaning of the Inuit word ”Nuannarpoq,” which means ”To take extravagant pleasure in being alive.” On our wonderful ship we are all so well provided for, and we are indeed privileged to visit these remote waters without having to worry about freezing, or even catching tomorrow´s dinner. After yet another great day of exploration in this pristine environment we certainly have every reason to share the Inuit´s ”extravagant pleasure”!
