Yesterday’s bright and sunny weather, brilliant white icebergs, and the polychrome buildings of Ilulissat – such vivid visual memories – faded into the expected monochromatic palette of bluish-greys as we sailed out of sight of land, across the Davis Strait towards Baffin Island. We are in the midst and mist of a comfortable sea passage towards new Arctic lands in Nunavut, Canada. Foggy conditions have limited our views of this North Atlantic wilderness, allowing a slower-paced day for rest and reflection on our journey so far.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 18 Aug 2023
Davis Strait between Greenland and Canada, 8/18/2023, National Geographic Explorer
- Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
- Arctic
Robert Edwards, Naturalist
Growing up in the Appalachian foothills of the Garden State, Rob instinctively knew it made a lot more sense to head over the hill into the fields, forests, lakes, and streams behind his house, rather than down the road to the shopping mall in front ...
Read MoreShare Report
Related Reports
9/9/2024
Read
National Geographic Explorer
Battle Harbour, Labrador
Today we landed at the absolutely spectacular Battle Harbour, Labrador. In typical east coast fashion, we had all four seasons in one day, which made for stunning vistas as fog passed in and out of the small islands surrounding us. We started the day meandering through the scenic fishing settlement and were treated to some fresh fish cakes (a local speciality) and berries - in typical east coast hospitality. In the afternoon, the fog cleared to display the brilliant blue skies above, giving us spectacular views of the town and surrounding landscapes. Several naturalists led interpretive walks focused on local geology, wildflowers, and photography, making use of the trail systems from town to several sites. A truly glorious Labrador afternoon indeed. We were sorry to leave but excited as we make our way further south for the final few days of our voyage.
9/8/2024
Read
National Geographic Explorer
Indian Harbor, Labrador, Canada
After a morning at sea, we arrived at our anchorage with a 20-knot wind blowing steady and rain following. Alright, no kayaking this afternoon, but there is a ghost town to explore. Right there, a few wooden builds that have lost all their paint. Right there, just below the hill, the hill with the polar bear at the top. Alright, no hiking this afternoon, but not to be thwarted, we take to the Zodiacs for a closer look! In 1896 a small hospital was built here by the incredibly industrious medical missionary, Dr. Wilfred Grefell. This was one of several cottage hospitals he established in Labrador for the fishermen, settlers, and native people. Over the years there were less and less people living in or frequenting this area, certainly not enough for a small hospital or even a nurse station. First the doctors were reassigned, then the last nurse left the summer settlement in 1938.