Today we headed south across the Greenland Sea towards east Greenland.
There were low clouds as we sailed, which soon turned into fog. The sky was gray and so was the sea, save for patches of brilliant white packs of ice.
We encountered thicker ice, ice that we could no longer completely avoid, about 70 nautical miles from the coast of Greenland. Some pieces we sliced through silently, while others sounded like we were popping bubble wrap as we went through it!
As we sailed, there was little to no wind, nor was there a noticeable swell. It was just Arctic seascape all around us.
By the afternoon we’d sailed through 40 miles of ice and it was getting harder and thicker the further we went.
Just before we headed for Iceland, the marine radios came to life with a sqwark! Orders were given, cranes were manned and our expedition leader announced over the PA system: “We are going to give you a chance to take part in a real Arctic polar plunge, surrounded by ice!”
We gathered with strong spirits, ready to go! There was a safety boat waiting, plus a scout boat, plenty or towels, a doctor, a cameraman ready in the safety of a Zodiac another on the jumping platform, and even one in the water, ready to capture the moment.
In ones and twos, the guests jumped, flipped and even belly flopped in the water. Some plungers looked brave while others looked like they were having second thoughts – but everyone had fun!
After an eventful day making our way through 40 miles of pack ice, we’re now on our way to Iceland.
