SATURDAY 22ND - ILULISSAT - A CITY!

We are now approximately 350 klms north of the Arctic Circle at Ilulissat, Greenland's third largest city with a population of 4500. It is adjacent to the Jacobshavn Glacier. The glacier produces approximately 10% of all Greenland's icebergs. Approximately 18 to 20 million tons of ice carve off it every day.

 

 

It is a Unesco World Heritage area and the first place where we have encountered tourists other than the ship's passengers. One advantage of being World heritage listed is that there is a constructed walkway to the best viewing point for the massive icebergs which have calved off the glacier.

Once again the zodiac drivers had to fight their way through ice to get to the landing area but nothing like yesterday.

This afternoon we went for a zodiac cruise as close as we could safely get to the icebergs. Some humpback whales showed up to add a bit of variety to the spectacle. It is difficult to comprehend the size of the icebergs as they have calved off the glacier. Unfortunately it isn't possible to access the glacier but it must be a very substantial size.

As we were going to bed last night it was announced that the northern lights were visible. It's not a very good photo and they were not at their best but I did get to see them.