While not as notorious as the Drake Passage, the Denmark Strait has a reputation for uncomfortable crossings. Not so today, however. We woke to smooth seas with only the gentlest swell and clear skies. Our morning began with an introduction to Greenland’s history by cultural specialist Hunter Snyder. This concise introduction to a complex topic was followed by a lengthy discussion which allowed people to ask questions about specific aspects of Greenland’s development. Following a short break, we reconvened in the lounge for a further talk from Global Perspective guest speaker Dennis Dimick on National Geographic’s Future of Food series.
After lunch, we were all summoned to the bridge and outer decks by a sighting of killer whales. As it turned out, this was only the beginning. Quickly it became clear that there were also pilot whales in the area, and soon we were also joined by white beaked dolphins. While watching this mix of species around the ship, blows of large whales were spotted on the horizon. We sailed out to them, accompanied by the various other species we had already encountered, to learn that they were fin whales, the second largest animal to ever live on Earth. We were deeply privileged to spend time in the midst of this hive of feeding activity, and got great views as well as photos of these magnificent creatures.
After moving on, most people got a warm beverage and returned to the lounge for a talk by National Geographic photographer Dan Westergren, followed by another given by archaeologist Vincent Butler on Vikings in the North Atlantic. In all, it was a very full day on the ship, preparing us for a good night’s sleep as we began to enter the ice of Greenland.
