Today we sailed in the wake of the Vikings! The crossing towards Greenland has been truly delightful so far. In order to be properly prepared for outings on Greenland, we attended a mandatory briefing about behavior in the Arctic, including the importance of complying with safety procedures for landings in polar bear country. All guests and staff brought outer gear down to basecamp for biosecurity. Today’s teatime was hosted in and around the laundry on deck three, and we got to meet the laundrymen and other key personnel working behind the scenes. The afternoon program included two great presentations. Captain Aaron Wood gave a very informative talk on National Geographic Endurance, and Special Guest Speaker Inga Dora Markussen introduced us to Greenland’s history, culture, and living conditions in general. Many questions followed both presentations, proof that the topics resonated with guests. We’re all excited at the thought of reaching the east coast of Greenland during the coming night. Stay tuned!
8/21/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Sydbay, Greenland
On our last expedition landing of the voyage, guests had the chance to visit Sydbay, the former site of the community of Sisimiut. Here we were able to see how this island has been continually inhabited since time immemorial. We viewed the remains of early Dorset housing, Thule tent rings, and sod houses standing alongside a modern Inuit seasonal fishing and harvesting cabin. It was not difficult to see what attracted people to this location for such a long time, as the landscape and seascape teams with a bounty of natural resources and traditional foods. Throughout our journey across Kalaallit Nunaat (the Indigenous name for Greenland) we were able to see the seasons begin to change. Even though we are just barely entering into late August, hints of autumnal colors, from browns and golds, to vibrant reds and majestic deep purples began to spread across the tundra. The beauty of the season made the island’s inhabitants, a colony of snow-white Arctic hares, stand out against the autumnal backdrop and black lichen covered rocks. A fine mist carried by ocean winds transformed this vibrant landscape into dreamy, muted colors that will stick with our guests long after our voyage is over.