While we were sleeping the FRAM exited the Sondre Stromfjord and turned northward toward our first port of call Qeqertarsuaq on the southern coast of Disco Island. There were several activities as we traveled along in calm seas and 10°C or 50°F temperatures. First we received our Hurtigruten weatherproof jackets and then as we had crossed the Arctic Circle we were visited by King Neptune who welcomed us to his kingdom. The Kings welcoming had a chilling effect on some of us.
Officer getting baptised
Later in the morning we attended the mandatory lectures
required for those of us planning to go ashore. These orientation and safety
lectures are assembled by AECO, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise
Operators. In the afternoon we had two introductory lectures one on Greenland geography
and one on Greenlandic culture and sociology.
By then we were at Qeqertarsuaq and the FRAM set anchor and
we headed ashore to explore. A walking tour of the village and several hikes
were available. The hikes were both longer and shorter depending on a person’s
preference and ability. All the walking and hikes afforded us excellent views
of the coastal area and the icebergs that were just offshore.
Sea kayaking and a trip in the Polarcirkle boats to motor through and around the nearby icebergs was a new experience for some of us.
After our visit in Qeqertarsuaq we met several whales making bubble net and eat their prey.
Ending with: A Happy 239th Birthday to America!
