Dispatches from the field

We decided to visit the community of Kullorsuaq this afternoon to speak to the population there about their experience with climate change.

Reaching the marsh took extra time, including a slow crossing of the aptly-named Giesecke Ice fiord, where the question was constantly which ice floes were safe to bump into – OK if the size of a vacuum cleaner, preferably not those the size of a fridge.

Dr. Tim Dowson discusses his reasearch into Greenland’s salt marshes.

Finally the day has come for kicking off the first leg of Sailing to Siku – our voyage to the Last Ice Area.

The biggest challenge for the crew takes place at the supermarket.

The next day we decide to circle Disko Island to the east to see the mythical Ilulissat glacier.

Being a little ahead of schedule, the crew takes the opportunity to make a few useful, but enjoyable, stops.

Arrival on shore transports us from a monotone maritime world to a small community beaming with the colors of summer, bright flowers and even brighter houses, people welcoming us with smiles to match – a wonderful introduction to Greenland, its people and culture, that has only increased our desire to discover more of all.

Well, after 10 months, the final narwhal radio has either fallen off or is malfunctioning! Not at all bad though, and the adult female still transmitting position signals into mid June was right up there as one of the longest datasets yet for telemetry/radio-tracking of this species!

It’s only been a week at sea, but it feels a lot longer, probably due to the almost constant fog that has engulfed Arctic Tern since our departure from Canada.