Wednesday 15 August 2012

The expedition in film

Throughout the preparations and during the trip we filmed our adventures. Way back in February we shipped out a P&H Scorpio packed with goodies. This was a mini adventure in itself and was documented in the movie 'Shipping Out'.

At Easter most of the gang met at Arisaig to get to know each other and paddle together along the Knoydart coast. Although the weather was not all that good, we had a great time and created the movie 'Paddling the Mists of Knoydart'.

Now that we are back we have a collection of short films that make up a three part mini series...

Part One: 'The Journey to Greenland' is all about how we came to arrive in Tasiilaq via Iceland.



Part Two: 'Heading North' The adventure continues as the expedition team heads north towards the Knud Rasmussen, and Karale Glaciers where they calve dramatically into the sea.


Part Three: 'Wind Ice and Fire'. In the final episode the expedition team heads into icy Sermilik Fjord. They find whales (dead and alive), have problems with strong winds and hear tall tales around the campfire.


East Greenland is an amazing place. The scenery, the people and the ice make it a perfect place for a kayaking adventure.

Thursday 2 August 2012

Where did we go?

This is a basic map of the areas that we paddled in East Greenland.

In 12 days of paddling we traveled over 300 kilometres.

Tuesday 31 July 2012

Back Home

From Kulusuk we caught a flight back to Reykjavik where we based ourselves at the city hostel campsite. This gave us a chance to do some more sightseeing and relaxing in the naturally heated outdoor swimming pools that were conveniently situated right next door.

Once we had relaxed as much as we could it was time to catch a flight back to the UK. There are an initial set of photos here.

Saturday 28 July 2012

Back at Tasiilaq

The last three days of paddling took us back to the dusty camp at Tasiilaq. At one point we spent half a day off the water due to strong winds.



Taking in the sights and sounds of town included souvenir shops, ice creams and the only bar.



Finally, we were picked up from the campsite and taken by boat to Kulusuk for our flight to Iceland.

Monday 23 July 2012

Sermilik Ice

We have entered Sermilik Fjord. As the wind changed direction the ice became more and more tricky. Eventually we landed on some rocks where we could camp. The wind rose with heavy gusts one of which took a tent into the sea! It took three of us to retrieve it!

Having visited the village of Tititiqelaq, known locally as Dididaa, we are now heading for the shelter of Ikasgtivaq Fjord.



Friday 20 July 2012

Glaciers to the Sea

Over the last couple of days we have been on a mission to explore the carving faces of the Knud Rasmussen and Karala glaciers. Our camp was dramatically positioned on rocks between the face of Karala glacier and a smaller tributary. I have not slept in a more stunning location. Every now and then we woke to the thunderous boom and roar of house sized hunks of ice falling into the the fjord.

Having covered a long distance yesterday we are now resting in a community service house in the village in Kuummiut where we can also buy some extra supplies.



Greenlandic Settlements

Since leaving Tasiilaq we have paddled along the fjord network that lies to the north. The highlights so far have been spotting humpback whales, sunny settled weather and spectacular icebergs. The weather has even been warm enough for a short evening swim.