David Wynne Davies, crew 4th leg, Atlantic Crossing, from Southern Greenland 30 Sept
After a day’s lay over in Qaqortoq (Julianehab) where we replenished and undertook minor repairs, we motor-sailed towards the Southern tip – Cape Farewell. En route we saw more whale spouts, a few seals and a spectacular iceberg which, at a distance was thought to be a frigate belonging to the Royal Danish Navy. Whilst watching it at close, but safe quarters there was a sharp sound similar to a cannon going off. No panic!
Mike Stewart, our multi-talented skipper who in another incarnation was a chef in Australia, produced an excellent soup based of the remains of the Arctic Char that we had consumed previously. Breakfast was also appreciated by some despite the fire alarm being set off!
Rather than head directly to an anchorage further East, we diverted to Uunartoq a small island famous for its thermal springs. Andrew and David braved the elements in a natural thermal spring which is known to the Norsemen and mentioned in the Sagas (not to be confused with the Insurance Company for the over 50s). The pool was 30 feet in diameter and 3 foot deep – sharing it with three local children and their shaggy dog! There was a marvellous backdrop of a steep-sided fjord. The water temperature was about 30 degrees and exhilarating.
The time now is 1930. It beginning to get dark and, if like other evenings, may be time to retire for my bunk.