We have spent the last day and a half crossing the Davis Straight, from western Greenland to eastern Canada.  The original plan was to head directly to Isabella Bay, then Buchan Gulf and Pond Inlet.  Due to a massive ice sheet along the coast we headed north and them made a turn SE towards Pond Inlet.  We are currently approaching Pond Inlet and hoping to do an afternoon landing there.  While the boat can handle the sheet ice, it slows our progress significantly.  By working around the perimeter of the ice sheet last night we were able to maintain ~16 Knots. After Pond Inlet we may head south to check out  some of the bays, then north again towards Dundas Harbor.

 

 

We passed many Ice Bergs during the crossing and they are still around us. Also saw several Humpback Whales.

 

Our current position, approaching Pond Inlet. My understanding is that we are the first large foreign passenger vessel to visit this community since the start of the pandemic.  Another interesting note:  When I asked our Ice Captain if would be exiting Pond Inlet thru the north, he indicated that while our ship is capable of breaking thru the ice, we would be breaking up the ice pack in the inlet, and the Inuit are still hunting out on the ice and we would be effectively shortening their season which would not be appreciated. 

 

The channel leading up to Pond inlet.

 

Arrival at Pond Inlet!  We will position the ship outside the harbor using the dynamic positioning system (no anchor).  We hope to land after lunch in the Zodiacs.

 

On a final note:  There is an open bridge policy and I have already spent a lot of time on the bridge, which is a great spot to be, especially when breaking thru the ice.