Northwest Passage - Canadian Arctic

August 19th, Baffin Bay and Albert Harbour (Lat. 72° 45.3' N, Long. 77° 25.4' W)

As we approach Canada lets look at some maps to get oriented and check out some history
This morning as we neared the end of our crossing, the glaciated mountains of Baffin Island came into sight. While we sailed toward Albert Harbour, Carl shared some of his knowledge of icebergs with the lecture "Calves I Have Known", followed by Eric's lecture "Gneiss and Old - the Geology of the Arctic". For a lucky few on the bridge there was an incredibly close sighting of a huge polar bear, right beside the ship!

With the afternoon came our arrival at Albert Harbour. Welcome to Canada! After almost two days at sea a chance to stand on terra firma was a welcome event. We launched the Zodiacs, sending a brave advance team to free the landing area of Polar bears. Thankfully there were none. Once this was completed we departed for shore. At the onset we were all very excited by the view and by the chance to stretch our legs. To add to this excitement we found the beach littered with bones from small and large land and sea mammals.

Carl led a challenging hike up the steep slopes to where many enjoyed the fine vista. Along the way we checked out tiny but beautiful plant life that exists in the Arctic .From an altitude of just over 1,000 feet there were spectacular views to be had across Pond Inlet to distant, glaciated, Bylot Island. Out in Pond Inlet many Narwhal swam by but they were a long way out and even through binoculars, showed up only as specks. For some it was enough to just stroll the beach and there was the excitement of the hearty/crazy few who went swimming.

Back on the ship, our chefs prepared a barbecue feast (Arctic Style) on the aft deck, which we enjoyed in the spectacular natural surroundings. But despite the beauty of the landscape there was a chill in the air and we soon found ourself alone. With the winds increasing, we weighed anchor and finished our barbecue while steaming westward past the last rugged mountains and glaciers of Bylot Island toward the community of Pond Inlet, bidding farewell to our days on Baffin Bay. Drawing up to our anchorage, we were surprised to see a mirror-image of the Orlova, the ex- Alla Tarasova, now the Clipper.Adventurer.