DAY 5 - Kvanefjord

Sermersooq (Place of Much Ice)

After sailing overnight up the west coast of Greenland, the ship entered a fjord where the zodiacs took us ashore to set foot on this remarkable land.

Zodiac landing spot. There was an option to kayak in the area.

We hiked along a carefully marked trail as this area contains graves, and with increasing numbers of visitors, cultural sensitivities are high.

The graves face the sea and the deceased are buried in a sitting position waiting to meet the "Sea Spirit"

They are quite nondescript and blend in easily with the terrain. The advance party place suitable markers to keep us on the right track.

The graves are associated with the Thule who are the ancestors of all modern Inuit. They spread eastwards from Alaska and developed techniques to hunt whales from kayaks using harpoons attached to a float.

The Thule were very innovative and developed equipment that allowed them to carry things on the back of their kayaks or on top of their sleds.

Their descendants can still be seen today in Volvo cars carrying bicycles and skis.

A reminder that polar bears can appear at any time.

Pep's Log : Landing in Kavanefjord - went about 3.30 pm

Blackflies biting - need to buy mozzie nets

Lecture on river currents, tides and geology - interesting.

Not fussed about going kayaking

Lovely food today - lentils, glass noodles , salad

Temp about 7 - 8°C outside