Tassiussaq, Greenland

Wednesday, September 13th we landed at Tassiussaq.  This wild landing is representative of the diverse terrain that northwestern Greenland has to offer.  The unfrozen and non mountainous parts are covered by tundra which is treeless but a blanket of colour with a multitude of arctic plants. They valley has three lakes with the land gently sloping up to the surrounding mountains.  As you hike to the far end of the valley and reach the sea you reach some very well preserved Thule sites which indicate that this was at one time a very good hunting ground.  Unfortunately other than droppings we did not see any wildlife.  The scenery was spectacular and the whole morning was a photographers dream.  The terrain was very uneven and with no pathways was a good hike.

In the afternoon with the ship positioned in front of an iceberg the polar plunge took place.  Eric debated but in the end his sense of pride won out and he took the leap.  Seeing no need to immerse myself in freezing water I took photos. He claims it was not too bad

In the evening there was a talent variety show on board and the house keeping staff started it off with a rousing rendition of YMCA eventually pulling people out of the audience. The entertainment was varied and fun.

Our zodiacs wound their way into a cove inside these islands 

Disembarking and preparing to hike

Beautiful plants still in bloom on the tundra

Marshy in places so definitely had to watch every step

All the colours and textures with snow capped mountains in the background 

The white lichen amongst the plants looks like a dusting of snow

First place we saw heathers still in bloom

Quite a well preserved Thule homesite

This is a Thule kayak holder so that their kayak was off the ground and would stay dry

The view from the Thule home. Definitely a home with a view if it was on the market!

An ancient Thule animal trap Those are fossilized bone’s inside 

Some of the rock formations were fascinating. Liked how this one appeared to be cut down the middle 

Looking back out of the landing site

Ready to take the plunge. No turning back now!

And in he goes. Yes grandkids grandpa holds his nose too!

Did not spend a long time in the arctic waters

This got everyone involved 

Eric was up dancing again