POPLAR GROVE IS NOT ONLY ONE of the most well-thought out campgrounds we have seen, it is convienient ot Ottawa and we can store our RV while we’re on our expedition cruise. Yes, our long-awaited Arctic trip is finally here — and not a minute too soon. With temperatures in Ontario in the 90s, we are looking forward to a bit of Arctic chill.
The group, 90 or so adventuresome folks assembled at the too-rich-for-our-blood Fairmont Chateau while we bunked around the corner at the more reasonable Novatel. Most were from Vancouver or Australia with a smattering of Brits. A surprising number, including yours truly, were repeat clients on One Ocean from both Arctic and Antarctic voyages. In fact, the reason we selected this trip was to sail again on the Academic Sergei Vavilov, our ship when we visited South Georgia and Antarctica. And Aaron, one of One Ocean’s principals, was again the leader.
Greenland immigration, one man and a truck
The Canadian Northern charter to Kangerlussauq, Greenland, was one of our most pleasant flights in a long time; lots of room and a nice breakfast. Customs and immigration at Kangerlussauq consisted of an official with a stamp waiting in his truck on the runway. We didn’t even enter the terminal and our luggage would be delivered directly to the Vavilov while we went searching (in vain) for muskoxen. It’s hunting season and the muskox is a master of self-preservation. Not so the diminishing Greenland ice cap in the distance.
Connie scans for elusive musk ox
Bye and bye we made it to the harbor and zodiaced out to the ship. Through an oversight or a thoughtful upgrade, we have a twin cabin with private bathroom on the starboard side even though we booked a cheaper shared bath. After the Russian crew delivered our luggage we met with our shipmates for a welcome aboard drink as the Vavilov eased through the Sonderstrom Fjiord, one of the longest in the world.
