This afternoon the crew launched the Zodiacs, and, after our first wet beach landing, we spent a wonderful afternoon in Pond Inlet, a remote community of 1800 people. Much of the community survives on hunting seal, Narwhal and polar bear.

We left Pond Inlet at 6PM local time. We are now heading south, traveling due west of the same ice sheet we had to avoid last night, while heading north and then east to Pond Inlet. We are looking for wildlife viewing opportunities (whales, birds and polar bears as well as the coveted Narwhal). We are also biding our time, before heading north, then west, as with each day, the ice seems to be breaking up, increasing our chances of getting thru the passage. Only three days ago a landing in Pond Inlet would have been impossible, due to heavy ice.

Tonight, on our way south we will be breaking heavy ice starting around midnight. While the NG Resolution is a very capable ice breaker, breaking ice is not a quiet process and sleeping can be difficult. Keep in mind that the sun does not set at this time of the year, so many of us will be up late looking for polar bears hunting on the ice flows.

Heading out of Pond Inlet…