Westfjords

   After Husavik we sailed westwards to the Westfjords.

   En route we passed through a school of humpback whales and dolphins cavorting in the sea. Twice a humpback leaped completely clear, and they partly breached many times. The dolphins leapt out and splashed down continuously in a show of exuberance.

   We rounded the northwesternmost point of the Westfjords and ran in up a fjord, Jokullfirdir, with its 5 wild fjords branching off it.

  Went to the head of two fjords and anchored at both. 3000' mountains lining the fjords. Snow banks at sea level, multiplying with elevation. Pure light. Many eider and whistling swans - what a great place to raise family.

   We walked up the slopes, crossing brilliant snow fields alternating with heaps of loose rock rubble. The beauty and the openness and the light pulling us upwards & onwards... never was climbing so effortless.   

   All are extremely interested in eating wild food. We catch cod, pick mussels, and forage for orache (sea spinach, Atriplex), sea rocket (Cakile), sea pea, rhubarb, and the occasional mushroom. We eat EXTREMELY well. 

   Karl and I have now been at sea 45 days, since leaving Clifden. We both find joint problems disappearing, there is weight loss, and we are fitter and more agile. 

   The  night before last we came into Isafjordur. Trevor Robertson on his Iron bark III was anchored in the harbour. Today Karl and Mike fixed up the Refleks stove - its pipe was torn away from the body. Trevor took a look, rowed to his boat, and returned with stainless steel piping of the correct diameter, along with a disc grinder and a drill to do the job. Amazing. A sound Refleks stove is our main source of heat and warmth on Teddy.

   A few more minor jobs, and inventory the food and provision the boat. I'm watching the Danish ice charts for East Greenland. Angmassaliik is now (currently) accessible, Scoresbysund is clearing and opening fast, and Kangerlugsuaq remains closed with a band of 60% sea ice offshore. We should go in a few days, maybe with the next ice chart update. 


Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 19, 2022 at 11:15 AM

    Sounds AMAZING. Looking forward to pictures! -- friends of Mike.

    ReplyDelete
  2. CCJuly 19, 2022 at 2:22 PM

    So enjoy this blog!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. PMcDonnellJuly 21, 2022 at 1:31 PM

    Really enjoying the photos and the updates. Stay safe and enjoy the journey

    ReplyDelete

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