WEDNESDAY 12TH - THE EXPEDITIONS BEGIN

 

No ice problems today. We were able to get to our proposed destinations being Philpots Island and Bethune Inlet on the eastern side of Devon Island.

 

At Philpots, we went ashore in small groups, each accompanied by an armed guide in case we encountered any polar bears The weapons are intended to be used to scare any bears away but, if all else fails lethal force may be used. Fortunately we didn't have any encounters.

The shore excursion demonstrated what a desolate place the Arctic region is. We are hearing a lot about John Franklin and his failed attempt in 1845 to navigate the North West Passage. Today we gained some understanding of what he had to contend with once his ships were crushed by the ice. Unfortunately he and most of his men perished. What actually happened to them remained a mystery until relatively recently.

 

 

When we got to Bethune Island, it was snowing and the wind was blowing at 20 knots. The zodiac cruise was offered for those “sure footed and confident” enough to handle the rough conditions but we declined. The face of the glacier was reasonably visible from the comfort of the ship.