John Ford Fjord, Baffin Island
This morning we awoke to find ourselves gliding between steep rock cliffs. The morning sun was glinting off the fjord walls and the low clouds clinging around some of the taller peaks, creating a decidedly mystical effect. There was even a rainbow to be seen by a few early risers watching from the bridge. Cruising through the twists and turns of the glacially carved landscape we found a rocky beach to begin our morning hikes from. The ship hove-to and we climbed into the Zodiacs to begin a morning adventure.
One adventurous group of hikers chose a more independent hike over a glacier. They started out a bit earlier than the others and were left to explore from a different beach landing. Fresh polar bear tracks were discovered, although the bear was never spotted. Others chose a long hike that ended with a glorious view of a glacial lake hidden among the valleys behind the shore. Still others chose medium and short walks discussing the effects of frost on the landscape and learning much about the tiny arctic plants underfoot and the gigantic, towering cliffs above. There were also the remains of a Thule village here. The tumbled rock walls and entrances told a story of how these ancient people may have lived in this harsh environment. As a final option this morning, a few chose to forgo a walk and stayed on the water for a Zodiac cruise. The opposite wall of the fjord from the ship looked far more interesting so the fifteen minute (two mile) long ride was undertaken to get a closer look at a hanging glacier. The National Geographic Explorer turned into a tiny dot, far away, as the cruisers arrived at the other side of the fjord.
Nothing does quite such a good job at putting the scale of the landscape into perspective and making a person feel small and insignificant as leaving the ship far behind and striking out on foot or by small Zodiac. Between hiking on the ice of a glacier, walking deep into a rugged valley, or cruising at the foot of steep cliffs, we all had a chance to feel like real explorers today.
Heading south to our next destination, the day was wrapped up with several interesting lectures by staff and a quiet afternoon spent cozy on the ship. We could all relax easy knowing that we were intrepid adventurers today.
This morning we awoke to find ourselves gliding between steep rock cliffs. The morning sun was glinting off the fjord walls and the low clouds clinging around some of the taller peaks, creating a decidedly mystical effect. There was even a rainbow to be seen by a few early risers watching from the bridge. Cruising through the twists and turns of the glacially carved landscape we found a rocky beach to begin our morning hikes from. The ship hove-to and we climbed into the Zodiacs to begin a morning adventure.
One adventurous group of hikers chose a more independent hike over a glacier. They started out a bit earlier than the others and were left to explore from a different beach landing. Fresh polar bear tracks were discovered, although the bear was never spotted. Others chose a long hike that ended with a glorious view of a glacial lake hidden among the valleys behind the shore. Still others chose medium and short walks discussing the effects of frost on the landscape and learning much about the tiny arctic plants underfoot and the gigantic, towering cliffs above. There were also the remains of a Thule village here. The tumbled rock walls and entrances told a story of how these ancient people may have lived in this harsh environment. As a final option this morning, a few chose to forgo a walk and stayed on the water for a Zodiac cruise. The opposite wall of the fjord from the ship looked far more interesting so the fifteen minute (two mile) long ride was undertaken to get a closer look at a hanging glacier. The National Geographic Explorer turned into a tiny dot, far away, as the cruisers arrived at the other side of the fjord.
Nothing does quite such a good job at putting the scale of the landscape into perspective and making a person feel small and insignificant as leaving the ship far behind and striking out on foot or by small Zodiac. Between hiking on the ice of a glacier, walking deep into a rugged valley, or cruising at the foot of steep cliffs, we all had a chance to feel like real explorers today.
Heading south to our next destination, the day was wrapped up with several interesting lectures by staff and a quiet afternoon spent cozy on the ship. We could all relax easy knowing that we were intrepid adventurers today.
