The Northwest Passage Day 10
“A journey is a person in itself, no two are alike. All plans, safeguards, policies and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” John Steinbeck
We were supposed to visit the hamlet of Grise Fjord today, the most northern hamlet in North America. But due to a death in the town, they asked us to wait a day until they could have the funeral. They wanted to welcome us in the community center, but they needed it for the service.
Instead, we sailed to Smith Sound and did the usual wet Zodiac landing followed by a hike. The scenery was stunning. Like most places in the Canadian Arctic, this place has a stark beauty. Although it looks barren, it has many, many plants. You just have to look down, and even sit down to appreciate these miniatures.
Today was also our most northern day—74 degrees north. The original plan was to get to 79 degrees north in a day or two, but the prediction for that area was for high winds and high waves. The Captain decided it was in our best interest to change course. Otherwise, he’d be fighting the waves in one direction and we passengers would likely be crawling on the floor to get around…and vomiting. Not a pretty sight. As usual, the sun and sky proved to be spectacular.
