20-08-2025, 70°10’N 124°09’W
Just past Cape Parry, on the north shore of the Parry Peninsula, we are entering the ice again. After some well-deserved rest yesterday, we are fresh and ready to deal with the biggest ice field so far. It extends 150 nml eastward along the shores of the mainland coast. The north-west winds have blown most of it to the south and east, making the first part “easy.”
It is extremely tempting to follow the big leads out to sea, but I’m sure they will only end in a dead end. Tomorrow the winds are expected to come from the south-east and blow the shores free of ice. This is exactly what we need. Later, the wind will veer to the south — that would be just perfect. Sailing through Dolphin and Union Strait would be a treat.
The ice still looks so clean and fresh. There are lots of ringed seals around, so we are hoping for some bear activity on the bigger floes — not too close, of course! We have slowly entered the heart of the Northwest Passage. Here, historic places are many and never far apart. It is a joy to sail here and a great privilege. That also seems to be the general mood onboard: high spirits and willing hands to make this a perfect adventure.
All is well,
Gijs
Keep a watch out for Ella in the Arctic who is just ahead of you travelling westwards.