Leaving Germany. Three (take-apart) kayaks and gear ready to go.
Date: 03/25/2008
In the airport we noticed that people were looking strangely at Freya's long, black gear bags containing her kayaks. After some time, one woman stepped forward and timidly asked, "Are those body bags?" ;^) The shiny black kayak bags contain a four-piece Qaannaq SS (for teaching Greenland rolls), a three-piece NDK Explorer and a three-piece Rockpool Alaw Bach.
Teaching Greenland skills at the KNL clinic
Photograph by Neil Burgess
Date: 03/30/2008
Freya and I teamed up to teach Greenland skills. She concentrated on rolling and I concentrated on strokes and core skills.
Freya and I enjoy our first icebergs since visiting Greenland!
Photograph by Neil Burgess
Date: 03/30/2008
These icebergs originated in Greenland and were transported south via the Labrador current. In the photo I'm looking down into the water at the huge mass of ice beneath us. Getting this close to icebergs is dangerous and risky. Kayakers have lost their lives in similar situations when the ice rolled suddenly.
Awestruck
Photograph by Neil Burgess
Date: 03/30/2008
The local custom is to chip off a small "bergybit" and cart it home. When immersed in some good scotch, the ice fizzes, the result of Greenland air trapped for centuries...
Launching at Quidi Vidi to start our Avalon tour
Photograph by Neil Burgess
Date: 03/30/2008
An overcag (a anorak that fits over your drysuit and skirt) may not be very fashionable, but with handwarmer pockets, and by reducing the effects of the wind (evaporative cooling) they add an extra level of warmth and comfort.
Colorful ships in St. John's
Date: 03/25/2008
The artwork on this vessel is of the Newfoundland dog. This breed loves the water and has saved countless people from a fate of drowning at sea. The dog is big, usually black, and was originally a working dog in Newfoundland. Known for their gentle dispositions, loyalty, and natural ability for water rescue, they are widely regarded as having the greatest strength of all dog breeds. They are also known for drooling... ;)
Freya in St. John's
Date: 03/25/2008
We had a chilly start to our trip -- we awoke to light snow flurries.
Greg thanks the Captain for his Hospitality
Date: 03/25/2008
Have you ever noticed how "civilians" never know exactly what to think of us kayakers with our strange clothing? Have you ever been an outsider walking around in a small town in your drysuit? You get a lot of strange looks...
Shipshape below!
Date: 03/25/2008
Lower bunks cleaned and ready for our sleeping bags. A slight smell of diesel and fish only added to the atmosphere!
Wet camp. We rig up the tarp.
Date: 03/25/2008
Another good use for my take-apart Greenland paddle -- as tent poles. We also used them to brace the tent internally during a gale in Iceland.
Maybe we need bigger marshmallows next time...
Date: 03/25/2008
At least you could roast a bunch of them at the same time...
Paddling under waterfalls...
Date: 03/25/2008
Paddling under a waterfall feels like being blasted with a firehose of icewater. The water hitting your hood is loud -- a constant explosion -- like hail hitting a tin roof.
Risky lunch stop. Tide coming in...
Date: 03/25/2008
There were many curious seals among this stretch of coast and they often protested when we came ashore in their territory. They would watch us intently and reclaim the land when we left. A number of seal heads are visible off shore in this image.
Amazing Cape St Mary's.
Date: 03/25/2008
From a distance the cape looks like a swarm of angry bees -- there are so many birds! The air is filled with the stark cries of thousands upon thousands of gannets and other birds.