August 28 Ataa Sund, Greenland then at Sea

 

Baffin Island on the left

Today we were to have been landing on South Baffin Island and so entering Canada but the weather gods thought otherwise. The approaching weather pattern looked a bit rough so the EL decided to head for Ataa Sund a little north of Disko bay where the synoptic chart promised calm waters. And it was – totally delightful. 

Our ship, Sylvia Earle, hiding behind an iceberg.

Sky sea and ice - exquisite tranquility

We were out early in zodiacs (and some in kayaks) exploring the shoreline, weaving between icebergs, and visiting an abandoned settlement of Ataa but we didn’t land. The settlement was established around 1830 and by 1900 it housed ~100 people.

This berg had grounded and had rock incorporated into it

Our crazy leader posing for a fun shot.

The settlement of Ataa. Some 'local' people holiday here in summer

The settlement once engaged in the most bizarre industries – yarn making and bacon processing (where the meat came from is anyone’s guess).  The settlement was abandoned in 1960 but I think it might be used as a summer camp these days. We were in the EL’s zodiac which was fun but I wished I had been in Alex’s because the rocks along the coastline were intriguing. C’est la vie! 

Fascinating patterns in the rocks caused by volcanic intrusions

Massive waterfalls cascaded over the cliffs

Reaching way over the side to capture samples of the crystal waters

Ashley clambered ashore to collect this rope washed up
and tangled in the rocks

Aurora has a commitment to the environment so no rubbish found is left uncollected, that goes for everything from the tiniest fragment of plastic to large stuff washed off ships and fishing vessels (if it can be moved.) 

The face of the glacier Eqip Sermia

Back on board we did a ship cruise to see Eqip Sermia, a huge glacier draining Greenland’s massive icecap.  Then we headed back to sea to head westward to Canada (with slowly building seas).

Someone brought back a lump of iceberg ice for the Bar.