Sisimiut

“We shall not cease from exploration.  And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” 

T.S. Eliot.

Photo © Corina Gamma

The sun continued to light our path northwards as we plied our way towards Sisimiut.   

At 09:00 we crossed the Arctic Circle.  In recognition of that momentous occasion King Neptune himself paid a visit to Fram this morning but he declared that the price to be paid when crossing the Arctic Circle is baptism with frigid Arctic waters and ice,  all of which would be poured down the back of your neck!  Many people lined up and paid the frozen fee with a smile on their face.

“ We are now truly in the land of the midnight sun.  From June 3 until July 10, the sun never sets in Sisimiut.

Photo © Corina Gamma

At 11:00 Fram reduced speed and turned towards the coast and the entrance to Sisimiut harbour.  Snow patches covered the rocky shoreline in a quilt work of sparkling white and rocky browns.  We tied up at the pier a little ahead of schedule at 11:30.

Looking across the bay from Fram we could see the imposing mountain, Palassip Qaqqaa, where the long hike for the afternoon would take place. There was hardly a cloud in the sky.  Later in the day we heard from the weary hikers that the conditions encountered on the arduous trek were a little soggy but the views from the top were unparalleled. 

Photo © Corina Gamma

In fact everyone returned from their various excursions completely satisfied and with smiles on their faces.  

Today everyone had to be back on board the ship by 17:30 and at 18:00 we bid adieu to beautiful Sisimiut.

As we cruise northwards towards Ilulissat in Disko Bay the sun continues to shine.  
There is a light breeze and the seas are about a metre.  We are now truly in the land of the midnight sun.  From June 3 until July 10, the sun never sets in Sisimiut.

Photo © Corina Gamma