As we approach Greenland, it seems that icebergs everywhere!
It's 5:30am and we are 20 miles offshore of Greenland. It's different from what we expected icebergs, and the occasional patch of snow, everything is dark, almost black. It reminds us of a bit of glacier bay. he most striking aspect of this coastline is the jaggedness of the peaks. For a land shaped by glaciers, we had expected a more rounded form.
Nanortalik means "land of the polar bears", according to the information we are given. The story is that the occasional bear is sighted, stranded on an iceberg floating by. Bob wonders about this story because polar bears swim quite well.
Nanortilak is Greenland's southernmost town. There are no commercial tours offered, but we want to see a bit of the place. I like to pick up postcards.
Even as we approach close inshore there is little color. Much of the landscape is dark, bare rock, and the very scrubby vegetation is a very dark green, almost brown. It may look different in a brilliant sunshine, but from this aspect the name "Greenland" seems something of a misnomer. It's beautiful, but in a different sort of way.
The story goes that the first European settler, Eric the Red, named it Greenland to promote settlement. One would have to be a good fisherman to settle here. Nothing appears arable, at least the limited parts we've seen.
There are three substantial icebergs right in the middle of what we think to be the channel. It Appears wide enough to slide by, but one does worry about the 9/10 of the bergs which is underwater.
As we approach the harbor, the bergs are so numerous as to cause us to question the wisdom of entering, but our intrepid captain proceeds on. I am amazed how close he passes the ice. He seem dedicated to the proposition of very short tender rides. If he doesn't drop the hook soon, we shall be most assuredly aground.
We decided brave the 38 degree temperatures, bundled up in layers, and took the tender ashore. It is a 10 minute ride to the dock.
Nanortalik Greeting Committee
Our 1st stop is the tourist center where we purchased postcard. Greenland is Dnish and the monetary unit is the krona; 5 krona = $1.
The terrain is very level near the shore, but rises sharply as you travel inland. We walked along the waterfront and visited several stores where you could buy anything from a loaf of bread to a 50 inch flat paneled television. Then there was the seal market.
Nanortalik Seal Meat Market
Nanortalik Beachfront Teenage Hangout
Result of Teenagers Hanging Out Unsupervised
An interesting note ~ There are no strollers in Nanortalik. Instead, babies are pushed in substantial quilted prams.
Arctic Baby Carriages
The Port of Nanortalik
Greenland Flag
. We are in the Crow's Nest, watching our departure. The lounge is as crowded as we have seen is so far. We guess everyone wants to oogle the icebergs on the way out. Reminds us of the old saying, two's company, two hundred is a crowd.
Tomorrow another Sea Day
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