On the 29 th we arose bright and early for an excursion into Killniq . This is an abandoned Inuit village on Killniq Island which is separated from mainland North America by the McLelan Strait. Originally started as a meteorological Station in 1885 and then an HBC trading post in 1904 which left in the 1920’s the Inuit village grew around this port. In 1978 it was decided by the government that this village would no longer receive support and all the residents were re-settled in other host communities of Nunavut. We came ashore in a picturesque bay where an abandoned freezer house stood like it was still waiting for the residents to bring and store their meat and fish for the year. The houses still stand ,though in bad state of repair and the workshop still has a tractor in it. Old boats lie abandoned on the grass, though they definitely would not be sea worthy. There was a power station and it was interesting to se how all the wires ran along the ground and were held down by rocks placed every couple of feet. Quite a hilly village and was a bright sunny morning so a very pleasant morning. Our wildlife sighting consisted of a very large Arctic hare. Back on the ship we set sail on our longest crossing, that of Davis Strait as we head towards Greenland.
Approaching the bird sanctuary and on the outlook for polar bears. We did see some but one needed binoculars to get a good view.
Cruising towards the island. Thousands of birds surrounded us and a ring seal popped up beside us.
The murins resembled small penguins
Every night presented us with magnificent sunsets
Approaching the deserted village of Killiniq
The village definitely had a picturesque setting though it was set far from any other civilization
Remains of boats strewn on the land were telltale of how the inhabitants used the ocean for their source of food
Ocean Endeavour sits in the distance waiting for our return
We were visited by a large Arctic hare
Waterfront properties sit slowly falling apart
Equipment was just left and sits rusting where it was last used
Beautiful Arctic flowers grow amongst the decaying homes
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