National Geographic Resolution spent the day heading south along the northwest coast of Alaska. The day began with the ship rocking in the choppy, shallow sea under a gray sky. After a relaxed breakfast, we watched the seas and broken clouds until Tua’s presentation, “The Spirituality of Vikings and Polynesians – the Similarities and Differences.” National Geographic Resolution continued southward toward the Bering Strait throughout the morning. At 11:30 a.m., our talented coworker Annie Petalassie shared with us her amazing talents. A delicious lunch was served and followed by a disembarkation briefing in preparation for our arrival in Nome and our flights back to our homes. Captain Martin presented an informative talk on ice navigation and how National Geographic Resolution is so well designed for traversing the Northwest Passage. After 3:30 p.m., we could finally see the Diomede Islands, the coastline of the Chukchi Peninsula of Russia, and the Seward Peninsula of Alaska. As we sailed through the Bering Strait, we drank champagne to celebrate the earliest ever passage of the Northwest Passage by a passenger ship! This was followed by continued celebration at the Captain’s cocktail hour and dinner.
8/28/2022
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National Geographic Endurance
Sisimiut, West Greenland
In the early morning, the town of Sisimiut came into sight. This is the second largest town in Greenland and the largest city of the Qeqqata municipality of West Greenland. Sisimiut means “the place of the fox holes,” and it is a former whaling port. Many guests chose to join a guided tour in the center of town, and the most eager walkers went on a long hike to a Thule cultural heritage site outside of the town. Everybody had the option to visit the local museum, and they were treated to a generous taste of traditional Greenlandic food. Just before lunch, a kayaker from Sisimiut demonstrated impressive kayak skills, including the so-called “Eskimo Roll,” which we observed time and time again. In the afternoon, geology professor Joe Holliday gave a great lecture on Greenland’s earth science: geology, oceanography, and ice. At tea time, we enjoyed an Ice Cream Social. Today was the last day of our amazing voyage aboard National Geographic Endurance . Our expedition from Nome through the entire Northwest Passage, all the way to Greenland, has left us with a plethora of wonderful memories: meeting people from cultures of the High North, observing stunning sceneries, and witnessing incredible and rare wildlife encounters. We have gotten new insights into natural history and polar exploration and a glimpse of what it is like to live at the very edge of human existence on our planet. We have been incredibly fortunate to enjoy this beautiful part of the world. What a remarkable experience with so many memories to take home!
