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.

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.

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.

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.

Tasiilaq Campsite

This is a slightly scruffy site located between the helipad and the rubbish tip. However, across the water towards the peaks of Angmagssalik island are amazing. We will stay here for one night. Tomorrow we will sort kit, pack our kayaks and head off.

Blog updates will be sporadic from now on as we do not know how much mobile Internet access we wil have along the way.

Arrived!

We have just arrived in a cold and blustery Kuluk.

Warm clothes have been pulled on as we wait for our boat transfer to Tasiilaq.

Meet The Team # 8 - Jules

Jules is Dave's wife.



Having recently retired as chair of Shetland Canoe Club, she still plays a key role regularly helping with paddling sessions.

Meet The Team # 7 Dave

Dave has also travelled from Shetland where he works as a coastguard.

Meet The Team # 6 - Martin

Martin has arrived in Iceland following a long journey from his home in Shetland.




He brought good news that the supply ship has arrived at Tasiilaq. It's like Christmas for the locals because this is the first fresh supplies since last October. This also means that my kayak has arrived.

Meet Team # 5 - John

John's birthday was yesterday and we celebrated at the house of Stephanie's friends Dora and Hurdor.



John normally spends his time trying to go fast keeping fit and training for races so he is looking forward to slowing it down a bit and enjoying the scenery.

Meet The Gang # 4 Jim

I have only just got back from the Woodmill Sea Symposium in Southampton. I now have this evening tomorrow evening to dry and pack my kit!




I am relieved to say that my split Mitchell Blades have arrived just in time with the new style connector. I just can't wait to get out there and get paddling.

Meet The Gang # 3 - Kirstine

Kirstine has been dashing around in the last couple of days buying a few last minute bits of kit and weighing up what food to take.

There are already 240 Clif Bars out there waiting for us as well as a kilo of cous cous. To add some flavour, Kirstine is packing some small curry packets and sachets of soup. There will be cuppa soups and mug shots for lunchtimes and plenty of custard for puddings.

On a cultural note, Kirstine has been reading about how Gino Watkins prepared for his expeditions to east Greenland in the early 1930s.

Meet the Gang #2 - Chris

Other members of the gang have recently returned from trips. Chris tells of a tall tail (or fin).

"Not long ago I was paddling in the Sound of Barra in the Hebrides. This is a photo of me, with basking shark."

"Here is another photo of the shark as it swam under my boat. I wonder what kind of animals we'll
see in Greenland?"