Superstars and polar bears running scared.
Since I went to the Antarctic in 2009 I have had a bit of a ‘thing’ for the polar regions. So when I was offered seven weeks work in Greenland, working for Tangent Expeditions, I jumped at it. I was originally going as a boat coxswain but as things developed I was asked if I would lead a two week trip into the Southern Stauning Alps with 3 clients – more about that in another post. Tangent have a base at Constable Point (CNP) in Hurry Fjord, Eastern Greenland. Hurry Fjord leads into another fjord – Scoresby Sound Fjord which is the largest fjord in the world. 50k at it’s widest and some 230k long. The main part of the job was taking the clients and gear in the boats from CNP to the head of Scorseby Sound fjord in the two 5m RIBs (rigid inflatable boat) – 250k is a serious distance in any boat never mind a 5m RIB, but I do like an adventure…..
Packing boating, mountain and personal kit for 7 weeks away, making sure to stay under 20kg.
All done, ready to go!
Friendly pilots were quite happy for me to film from the cockpit during landing – a rare thing these days!
Tangent HQ at Constable Point. Closest containers are staff accommodation, middle two are gear storage and the ‘weather-haven’ tent at the end is for clients.
Constable Point airport, Tangent base on far left side. Liverpool Land in the background.
‘Arina Arctica’ off Constable Point during her annual supply run. A twin-otter takes off above.
Arina Arctica rinsing her anchor chain just before departure from Constable Point, Hurry Fjord.
The midnight sun in Hurry Fjord, over a month after the solstice.
A helicopter pilot and his passenger getting a dusting from a departing Dash-7 plane.
One of the new Husky pups enjoying some attention. They keep them at the airport to help ward off bears.
A rare calm moment from one of the pups
Taking a keen interest in my boot laces.
Wild cotton plant thriving in the Arctic summer
Chris (the other boat coxswain) trying some brash ice from Hurry fjord.
Shell casings from target practice and the targets in the background.
Our first clients were a team of 3, a father and son being led by mountaineering superstar Kenton Cool. Our Job was support them with the boats and transport equipment. The winds tend to be calm during the ‘night’ so we set off at 10mp for a 230k (7-10 hour) boat journey. Keeping warm is a nearly impossible task when travelling at 30mph in single figure temperatures, so several flasks of hot coffee/tea/hot chocolate are essential.
Clients and gear ready to go, not your usual taxi!
Chris, Paul and Kenton (from left) enjoying a hot chocolate a few hours into the trip.
Scorseby Sound Fjord at 3am, the fjord was calm during the ‘night’ which meant some antisocial work hours.
Having driven the boats 230k we arrived at the small beach where we were due to drop the 3 adventurers off. Amazingly a mother and cub polar bear were there – I’d been told before I went not to expect to see any bears. They didn’t hang around long enough for a close up – not as tough as everyone thinks!
Paul showing the team the ins and outs of the rifle. I’m sure they paid close attention given the welcome to the beach we had moments before.
Kenton showing of his rifle skills.
No two ice bergs are the same.
Sydcap Hut at the Northern end of Scoresby Sound Fjord – a great place for a sleep after 9 hours in a RIB!
A colossal berg on our return to Hurry Fjord.
The ‘Opal’ off CNP waiting on new passengers for a two week trip round Scoresby Sound, we would see her again……
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