Heather's travel stories 2022: August 13 Kangertigtivatsiaq Fjord

Today really was day 1 – we had reached Greenland and were sailing up Kangertigtivatsiaq Fjord which, according to those who know, has some of the wildest coastal landscapes in all of Greenland. The peaky Watkins Mountains look formidable and include Gunnbjornsfjeld—the highest peak in the Arctic. It was all jaw dropping. Some of the fjords our captain navigated were not charted. We were out on deck as we inched slowly towards the head of the fjord. It was freezing and there was a coating of ice across the decks so we had to be very careful walking. It was worth it for the views. I have posted a selection of images from that glorious morning. The weather was perfect and the reflections stunning.

On one level platforms projected out over the water

The decks were very icy

Jagged peaks framed ice-encrusted waters

When it got too cold you could slip into Mawson Bar to thaw out.

The views from our cabin were rather stunning

After lunch we headed for Storo Island an uninhabited island in the Scoresby Sound fjord system at the mouth of Kangertigtivatsiaq fjord. Most of us went ashore and the kayakers also got out on the water. It was an exciting afternoon. The landing was fairly difficult for some – me included, because we were stepping onto huge boulders (some slippery with seaweed). This is why we need to be fit and have good balance - but thankfully we had help plus our trusty walking poles. Then we hiked across tundra, water-logged in places, inspecting two old wooden huts with a turf house close by. We saw two unknown graves on the island. The views from the island were spectacular but then we had to negotiate those dastardly boulders to reboard our zodiacs and cruise around some of the icebergs. It was an unforgettable day.