August 30 Sam Ford Fjord

 

Overnight and this morning we sailed north to cruise in Sam Ford Fjord (bit of a tongue-twister).  This fjord lies along Baffin Island’s northeastern coast and was named in memory of Sam Ford, one of Canada’s most important Inuk linguists who died tragically in a helicopter crash. The region is a traditional hunting area for the Inuit and when you see it, you can understand why – it is magnificent and tranquil sheltered by impressive mountains. We did a bit of Citizen Science in the fjord – some Secchi disc observations. This gives a rough measurement of the density of the phytoplankton in the water; phytoplankton are basically an essential part of the marine food web and their abundances indicates the health of the water (they also produce over 50% of the earth's oxygen)

Just for interest

The temperature had been dropping and is currently zero C and it’s been snowing. The cliffs and valleys with their heavy dusting of snow look breathtaking. I leave you to browse and wonder, but never did grey seem so beautiful ....

The vistas were stunning but once back on board our valiant Captain took us as close as safely possible to the floating 'snout' of one of the fjords larger glaciers. Breathtaking!

Sunset through a flurry of snowflakes!