Plans for the day:
GL 785 Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq 11:20 – 12:10 (5hrs) https://goo.gl/maps/it7IF
Boat transfer to Itelleq https://goo.gl/maps/ir2if ; luggage transport to Igaliku
Walk Itelleq to Igaliku https://goo.gl/maps/EWil5
Overnight single cabin Igaliku. Breakfast included
Checked in my bag – managed to stay just inside weight limit (20kg). Quite used to seeing people repacking to try to avoid paying the excess (or paying for excess myself). Shopping in Copenhagen Airport is excellent. Went to get a button cell at the electronics shop I know – only to discover it is now Dixons.
During the flight the typical GPS track on screens was missing. Instead a sheet of paper was handed round the cabin by the pilot with his intended route drawn on a pre-printed map (along with various technical bits and bobs like take of weight – oh and a pretty ship drawn next to the UK). Nice touch.
Arrived at Narsarsuaq on time. Getting off the plane you are hit by the amazing silence. I walked into the terminal building and passed the security guard. As I passed he smiled and turned to me and said in English “Welcome back”. Okay – so in which other country could that happen?
Went to Blue Ice http://www.blueice.gl/ to pick up my vouchers for the trip. They arranged all accommodation and boat transfers. Since boat times change weekly, and sometimes daily, only the first few times were available. The other times would be sent to me on the trip somehow. Blue Ice are a Greenland Outfitter. My feeling is that if it wasn’t for Blue Ice there would be little tourism in South Greenland except for cruise ships. They have run coastal boats for years that have allowed others to start tour businesses. And they provide for the solo traveller like me!
My first boat was due at 1600 (or a little before if possible) so I wandered around town (town being the 120 people that served the airport). I was reminded how fearless birds were as they came and landed on bushes next to me as I walked past.
Went back to pick up the transfer to the harbour (well it is a 10 minute walk!). Talking to Claus at Blue Ice he asked me “Does it feel like coming home?” I guess it does.
Short boat trip to Itelleq where luggage was picked up by somebody (who knew somebody I had met a few years ago). While on the boat was interested to talk to some of the others about their trip to restore some damage to some ruins.
Wandered down to the harbour at Igaliku and sat watching the world. Shade temperature 20+ and 30 in the sun with clear blue sky (forecast was 10 and rain). Wandered back to my cabin – sadly the village water was rumoured to have e.coli so water for drinking had to come from a mountain spring.
Busy travelling day – but already getting into the mood for relaxing.
Took a few photos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/87785618@N00/sets/72157645666498839/