National Geographic Resolution navigated through the night from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut to Johansen Bay, Nunavut, which is located on the southern end of Victoria Island. A spectacular, post-glaciated landscape was laid out before us and it was perfect for our morning activities that included short, medium, and long hikes, and Zodiac cruises. Under blue skies and in balmy temperatures, those on Zodiacs enjoyed exploring deep into marine inlets and riverine systems that drain waters derived from snowmelt and lakes in higher elevations.
Following lunch, National Geographic Resolution was repositioned to Edinburgh Island where, again, the hiking was superb in a terrain that consisted of shallow ‘U’ shaped valleys between rugged and steep-sided cliffs. Beach walks provided wonderful opportunities to look at fauna and flora in these sensitive coastal environments.
Today was special, very special, as it provided us access to an area so infrequently visited by humans. We entered the domain of indigenous peoples that have used these lands for thousands of years and for that, we are grateful.
