August 23, Beechey Island (Lat. 74° 43' N, Long. 91° 48' W) & Prince Leopold Island (Lat. 74° 00' N, Long. 90° 00' W)
Our Zodiac excursion 
took us on a short trip into history, 
motoring across Erebus and Terror Bay. to the polar desert of limestone on Beechey Island., Our first stop was the burial site of 
three of Franklin's men, This was the site that marks the first winter camp of the famed, yet doomed, Franklin Expedition.
Next, we walked a few hundred yards to the remains of Northumberland House, 
intended as a supply depot for use by the members of the Franklin expedition, should they return to Beechey Island. Even today, the site is a point where ships passing leave a cylinder 
with evidence of their visit. Too soon, it was time to leave. It had been an unforgetable experience.
harks back to the many resourceful enterprises Franklin and those who followed him, had in the endeavor to survive in this baron land. These are lasting impressions of the 129 brave sailors who died during the Franklin expedition while in search of the "Northwest Passage".
After lunch the Orlova 
headed out across Lancaster Sound towards the mighty bird cliffs of Prince Leopold Island. 
This small island is the summer home to several hundred thousand seabirds. The high, dramatic cliffs and the throngs of birds make the island a spectacular place.
En route to Prince Leopold, the highlight of the trip for many was recorded - Account Settlement with Dapper Chris and his Beautiful Young Assistant. She was so beautiful, in fact, that many of the male bill-paying passengers never even saw her take their money! Meanwhile, Eric was revving up for his final presentation of the cruise, 'Climate Change in the North.' He was able to finally explain the changing conditions, which finally allowed our landing at Beechey Island - this young man will go far; all the way to where he comes from, in fact!
Our final Happy Hour 
was followed by the informal Captain's Dinner, 
during which we were able to reflect on not only many splendid meals but also the excellent company enjoyed during them.
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