Live from the Silver Cloud - Reykjavik to Ft Lauderdale September 8 - October 1

[spinnaker2]

The water is blue.

[mchell810]

Lovely photos!

[DocMarcus2]

Agreed that it’s magestic and mouth-dropping…enjoy the peace and the “meander.” That tower was dwarfed by its surroundings. Can’t wait to see the next set! 

[spinnaker2]

Sun is lower in the sky as we make our way to Nanortalik.

[spinnaker2]

[spinnaker2]

At our debriefing today we learned that Hurricane Lee may pose a threat to our itinerary but there are alternative plans in place.  We don't know yet what they are as any changes will be contingent on the trajectory of the storm.

 

The weather has been sunny with blue skies and little wind. It is cold, right now 33.8F or 1C. As we leave the Sound and head into the Labrador Sea, the winds are 38.2 knots, picking up. 

 

The passengers are upbeat and enjoying all that the Cloud has to offer. The expedition crew are wonderfully energetic and knowledgeable.

 

 

[DocMarcus2]

Thinking of you both as you pass by this gorgeousness. Not as chilly back in these parts…💜

[spinnaker2]

Morning from Greenland. And then after I took a few more photos, the dreaded fog arrived from the direction of our stern, moving forward and obliterating the view.

[spinnaker2]

Nanortalik, Greenland. The fog has lifted. We wended our way in threading the needle past some rocky islands. We are anchored and the first zodiacs are going to shore, an anticipated dry landing. It's windy and cold. Activities in the village include an open air museum and the opportunity to hear a choir. There will be handicrafts for purchase, no bartering allowed, as it is bad form. 

 

 

Edited September 12, 2023 by spinnaker2

[spinnaker2]

Greenland is not for sale, note to some who are trying to buy it.

While one may buy real estate the land does not come with it. There is no private property ownership in Greenland. The island is considered part of the realm of Denmark but is an autonomous nation. Eighty-eight percent of Greenlanders are Inuit or mixed Danish and Inuit( Kalaallit). The rest of the population are of European descent. The population of Greenland in 2021 was about 56,653.

There is a race to exploit the natural resources of Greenland, as there are light and heavy rare earth elements, as well as zinc,lead,iron ore,gold,copper and oil.

No roads exist to connect settlements to each other, travel is by plane,boat,helicopter,snowmobile or dogsled.

 

 

 

 

[spinnaker2]

Nanortalik. Charming and colorful and cold.

[DocMarcus2]

Yay for dogsleds. 🐶 

[spinnaker2]

Now on our way to Uunartoq Island, where pax may get off, take a short hike, and swim or bobble in a thermal spring. 

 

Lunch at the grill was quite popular even with the cool temperatures. Plenty of blankets to be had and heat lamps. As always the crew are attentive and personable. I asked for a poke bowl and was told i would need to give 24 hours notice, then to my surprise, the chef made it for me anyway. Kudos to the chef.

[jpalbny]

A poke bowl sounds perfect on a cold day at the grill. Unlike your french fries, you actually want this dish to get (stay) cold!

Edited September 12, 2023 by jpalbny

[spinnaker2]

Dinner at the grill a la parka. As I was afraid we might ignite in our polyester thinsulate, the chef cooked for us. 

A few hardy souls were there and actually the heat lamps made it warm enough.

 

The experience of hot rocks is so different. While the food is similar we miss the live music. 

 

Bruce and other canned music played in the background. 

 

And the times they are achangin

 

[DocMarcus2]

How was the excursion???

[spinnaker2]

And tonight the northern lights 

[jpalbny]

A fitting finale to a gorgeous day! 

[spinnaker2]

Just when I am getting the hang of the pronunciation we are winding down our time in Greenland. Today is Qaqortoq and Halsey.

 

We arrived at Qaqortoq on time. Also sharing the harbor with several icebergs and a Windstar vessel. The Windstar vessel is using tenders to go ashore.  We just learned that the museum in town is closed, we had been told it would be open.

 

The town surrounds the harbor and up one hill. The houses are painted in vibrant colors.

 

It's a balmy 46 F.

 

[TLCOhio]

Continued great details, visuals and reporting by Spins about Greenland.  Just saw a national story on the NBC-TV Today Show about the Norway ship and its unfortunate incident.  Major story and situation.  Be safe!!!

 

Had headline of "Cruise ship with 206 on board runs aground in Greenland" with this sub-headline: "The Ocean Explorer ran aground in Alpefjord in Northeast Greenland National Park".  

Full story at: 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/cruise-ship-206-board-runs-aground-greenland-rcna104755

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[spinnaker2]

On our way now to Halsey. UNESCO world heritage Arctic farming complex with ruins of a church from the 14th century. The settlement was a Norse farmstead. We continue to encounter icebergs. The air is so fresh and clean. 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

2 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Alpefjord in Northeast Greenland National Park".  

Just north of Scorsby for those that are interested. Currently three ships in Scorsby and Hurtigruten just outside Alpefjord.

 

Sorry for the mini hijack.

[spinnaker2]

1 hour ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Just north of Scorsby for those that are interested. Currently three ships in Scorsby and Hurtigruten just outside Alpefjord.

 

Sorry for the mini hijack.

No hijack no worries. Hope you are enjoying and warm

 

[spinnaker2]

We won't be going to visit the ruins. This is a photo from afar

[spinnaker2]

Second night of lights over the sea.