The eye is never far from the ice reports, even if the internet use in Ilulissat is somewhat restricted to having to go to town and having a coffee. But other preparations are equally pressing right now. Shopping lists, cleaning, getting fuel, water and small changes to kitchen and aft cabin. And all of this is not helped by the harbor movements. We started off alongside a trawler, moved to a whale watching boat and then a research boat and now we are at anchor. Today a freight vessel was supposed to come in and stay a few hours and leave again, after which we could take the spot alongside. But it is blowing half a gale and the freighter can not come into the small harbor of Ilulissat. So, while he is waiting for the wind to calm down, we are at anchor just outside the harbor.
The harbor of Ilulissat is buzzing with yachties as well. Some are here for the ice cap and to get as northerly as possible, but most of the yachts are here getting ready for the North West Passage. There is an energy surrounding the famous words, people get excited, want to get to the start line first and be over the finish as quick as possible. North West Passage. Four of the yachts have already set sail for Canada. The way into Canada is clearing, but there is still solid ice blocking our way through.
Last night we talked to a man who is sailing around Greenland with a wooden ship and crew of volunteers who worked on restoring the ship. He has already done the North West Passage in a different vessel and is not looking to go with the one he is on right now. At the café, while downloading our ice charts, he tells his story in a loose way. He did both the North West passage as well as the North East passage. He tells us of his run, nearly 18 years ago and your eye automatically leaves the ice report in front of you, but turns to the face of the man. He looks happy He tells us of his run, nearly 18 years ago and your eye automatically leaves the ice report in front of you, but turns to the face of the man. He looks happy, twinkle in his eye when he tells the story and again that energy, that North West Passage Buzz. Makes you wonder if it is contagious.
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