Early this morning, I went out on deck to view the calm water and interesting post-sunrise sky. I am repeatedly amazed at the beauty of the Arctic.

After breakfast, we returned to the Qanattalik (place with tent poles) Fiord that we visited a few days ago. See map above. It turns out that there are two fiords there, so this time we explored the Tursukattaq, the red arrow in this screen shot.

When we do wet transfers, we wear our rubber boots and then change to hiking shoes on shore. Since there is no one around, we just leave our boots and life vests on the beach. It is most often a big beach and there are many pairs of boots, so we have become quite strategic in placing our boots where we will find them again.

I chose the “medium stop and start” hike led by Garry. We forged a new path across the tundra, discovering former wildlife, current wildlife and more flora along the way.

We spotted a beautiful caribou some distance away. You are just going to have to take my word for it that he was a gorgeous animal. When I bent to photograph these adorable Arctic harebells, two big fat bumblebees flew into my frame. Can you find the second bumblebee? Can you find the first?

Some people got so warm during our various hikes – and it was relatively warm away from the water – that they just had to jump into the ocean to cool off. I decided that documenting the event was a more worthwhile – and warmer! – undertaking!

My onboard friend Sue took me by surprise and I missed the beginning of her polar plunge. She said it was wonderful and wanted to plunge a second time, but we needed to get underway.

This afternoon there was a partial eclipse in Nunavut. I tried taking still photos but the ship was moving, so started taking videos. They are a bit rocky, gotta say. I taped eclipse glasses foil over the lenses on my iPhone. Here’s the best of what I got.

Tomorrow we are heading out of the balmy Hudson Strait and into Frobisher Bay. I have my warmest layers ready for a very chilly zodiac cruise in the morning. See you then!