Greenland Greenery
Our hike led us into some wonderful arctic tundra regions. The plants were small and stunted because of the short growing season and the poor conditions, but they made up for it with their vibrant colors.
Noteworthy Trail Observations
We saw some egg shells from a bird that must have recently hatched. There were also some interesting mushrooms and different types of arctic lichen.
Picturesque Views
Le Boreal continued down the Kong Oscar Fjord and we were rewarded with some beautiful scenery along the coast of Greenland.
Surrounded by Whales
Our ship was surrounded by a large pod of humpback whales who were feeding on a layer of plankton that was near the surface. It was exciting to see so many whales at one time and to observe their behaviors.
Humpback Tails
The tail of a humpback whale is like a human fingerprint because the markings on each tail are unique enough to allow researchers to identify the whale.
Ittoqqortoormiit Village
Ittoqqortoormiit Village is a very remote little settlement, one of only two towns on the Greenland coast. The name translates roughly to mean "the place with the big houses" and since there is nothing but wilderness for miles in all directions, that name seems to work. The village economy is based on hunting and tourism and the views from the village were stunning.
A Simpler Lifestyle
The people of Ittoqqortoormiit Village live a much simpler lifestyle. The main street was all dirt and rock; no pavement, traffic signs, or lane markings. There is a small church and a simple cemetery. Since the ground is deep under layers of snow, bodies can only be buried during the summer months.
The people of the village provided samples of musk ox for us to taste. This is a staple food obtained by local hunters.
Children of Ittoqqortoormiit
Robin stopped by the local school to check it out. We also passed the playground and saw lots of kids engaged in small groups with different kinds of toys. The teenagers all had ear buds and most of the homes had satellite dishes. Even in the middle of nowhere, technology is omnipresent.
Different Modes of Transportation
During the winter, sleds and dogs are the primary method of transport. The dogs that we saw looked bored and anxious for winter.
There are several hundred dogs in the village. Visitors are asked not to get too close to the dogs because there is a strict rule that says any dog that bites must be immediately put down.
Traveling through Scorsby Sund
Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world. As we traveled through the area, we were treated to some beautiful icebergs and some amazing scenery.
