An experienced traveler, Michael has lived on several continents, including a year spent working as a naturalist and zoologist in Galápagos and three months in Kenya conducting a study of birds of prey. He is the author o f Galápagos: A Natural Histo...
Today, National Geographic Explorer made one of its final stops. It is the second to last day and it was truly unique. In a way, National Geographic Explorer has fallowed a path of Vikings, the first settlers of the Americas, from its journey from Iceland, over to Greenland, and then to Baffin Island. The journey continued along the eastern coast of Canada, with one of our final stops being L’Anse Aux Meadows which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a special destination for me, one I never expected to see with my own eyes, because it feels like walking the way of my ancestors. I know some of our guests felt the same way. Some of us explored a Viking trail, while others appreciated the joys of the sea. This special day filled with history ended in St. Anthony’s where the ship awaited us, eager to carry us to the final stops on our journey along the Viking route.
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.
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.
