It began as a whale of a day! Shortly before breakfast we observed a single sperm whale on the surface, preparing for a deep and long dive. We then passed by 4-5 humpback whales, all of which provided a view of their flukes before diving. Finally, we saw another pair of humpback whales just before entering the port of Sisimiut.
Sisimiut is a classic Greenlandic town with houses and buildings painted in vivid colors. Three options of excursions were offered in the morning, including touring the town, visiting ‘Dogtown’, or hiking the 900-foot elevation Arctic Trail. Dogtown is where most of the town’s 1,300 Greenlandic sled dogs are housed. Puppies less than six months are free to roam and play before growing up to be avidly working sled dogs. Arctic Trail hikers were challenged on a vigorous uphill hike and were rewarded with a jaw-dropping view from the top. All groups eventually converged at the museum and nearby shop for a sampling of traditional Greenlandic fare of dried fish, muskox soup, shrimp, and crab.
The afternoon consisted of touring for wildlife and listening to presentations on photography and the birds of Greenland.
