Ilulissat, Greenland, 7/14/2022, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Greenland
National Geographic Resolution wove its way through the gargantuan icebergs spit forth from the forty-mile-long fjord to arrive at Ilulissat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Setting out on a fleet of local boats, our guests enjoyed spectacular views of the many forms that ice can take. Guests also enjoyed time in town and more vistas on land along the boardwalk that leads to the ice edge, where ancient nomadic hunters camped in peat bog huts of their own creation.
Paul North is the founder of the educational nonprofit Meet the Ocean and host of its online podcast. As a polar diver with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic, he tours the remote underwater landscapes of Antarctica and other sub-zero destinati...
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This morning, National Geographic Resolution positioned in the calm waters of Ataneq Fjord. Passing by the small community of Ikerasarssuk (population of 2, according to the last census), one could not help but wonder what it would be like to live in such a remote region on the world’s largest island. About 60% of the population (56,000) live in the five largest towns: Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Aasiaat, and Qaqortoq. All the towns and settlements in Greenland are located along the coastline, and no roads exist between the communities. Needless to say, it helps to have a boat if you are living on a coastline that has no roads and stretches for more than 24,000 miles! After breakfast we enjoyed time closer to the waterline exploring the glacially rounded coastline either in a kayak or Zodiac. A variety of birds fluttered about as we explored serene, pure waters and soaked up our last outing in Greenland. Leaving the fjord, we threaded the needle of crab pots. From the bridge, we watched fishermen throw back undersized snow crabs. Fishing is Greenland's single most important trade with halibut, cod, and shrimp making up most of the catch. It has been an incredible few days exploring the west coast of Greenland, and this trip has certainly whet our appetites for more explorations in this part of the world.
It is the first day of our expedition, our first day here aboard National Geographic Resolution . We spent this day in the town of Sisimiut, the second largest city in Greenland. We integrated ourselves in the local culture and photographed the picturesque town amongst the dramatic landscapes of this epic land.
