Journal

The Arctic Adventure has begun... Our day started last night, leaving state side and arriving early today in Iceland. We needed to transfer airports so we were treated to an hour bus ride through the lava fields which reminded me of the landscape in The Hobbit. After switching to a much smaller aircraft, we headed west towards Greenland. As we approached the eastern side of the island, rocky outcrops wedged upward through the snow and ice. The majority of the landscape below appeared flat and frozen. However, as we were approaching the western side of Greenland, the flat terrain was dotted with intense blue pools of glacial water. The melt water pooled creating glacial lakes in the lower elevations of the topography. One could almost imagine where the mountains were below.

After arriving in Ilulissat we decided that we needed to explore the community. We were greeted by the cutest Greenland husky pup who continued to wait for us as we meandered through a gift shop.

Greenland husky pup
Greenland husky pup

We continued our hike through the community outward toward the icebergs. I was treated to the most amazing lesson today by Jason. The image below holds multiple clues as to what happened in this region. Look for patterns and tell me what you see.

Lesson of the day
Lesson of the day

There is so much more to share from this day! As for the title of the blog, follow along and see if you can figure out why our team is called, "Four Osprey and the Black Diamond."

Floating giants
Floating giants

Until next time.

Details
Author
Tina Ciarametaro
Date
Location
Ilulissat, Greenland
Expedition
Shrinking Arctic Icecaps
Weather Summary
Cool, foggy.
Temperature
45 F

View Comments

Comments

Sun, 09/21/2014 - 05:22

Tina Ciarametaro

Dear IMSIzzyS,I missed my family and pets. Fortunately, I had the sat. phone and I was able to chat w/my family. When it was time to go home, I was so excited to see my family. I wish it was easier to visit Greenland; I would go back often if it was.

Sun, 09/21/2014 - 05:22

Tina Ciarametaro

Dear IMSMorgan,the climate is just a bit cooler than our climate. If we lived in a remote area of Maine, I would expect it to be similar - but without any trees! The temperature ranged from 40-60 and was not terribly humid (thank goodness!)

Thu, 08/28/2014 - 09:15

IMSIzzyS

I'm so glad you got to go to Greenland and share this experience with us, but is there anything you miss about Ipswich? Also, were you looking forward to your return, or did you want to stay in Greenland for a while longer?

Fri, 08/08/2014 - 09:38

Tina Ciarametaro

Hi IMSEvaC,There were at least 100 huskies throughout the outskirts of town. The adults were on dog runs but the puppies roamed freely. Some were a little skittish, but one little fellow continued to find me as wandered through the trail to the icebergs.

I cannot find words to describe what powerful experience it was to see the floating giants. For something so massive, they are so environmentally fragile.

Fri, 08/08/2014 - 09:39

Tina Ciarametaro

Jillian,I will do some asking around when I return to Kanger. I have no contact with anyone in Greenland while I am out in the field. I return back to Kanger on August 19th and will post following that . I am curious about the education component as well. I do know that the gentleman that helped load our gear into the helicopter asked me to bring him back reindeer meet - so there is your first native food!
Tina

Sat, 08/30/2014 - 11:48

IMS morganD

When you were in Greenland is the climate a complete change? Was it hard to get used to or was it easy?

Sat, 08/30/2014 - 11:48

IMS morganD

When you were in Greenland is the climate a complete change? Was it hard to get used to or was it easy?

Sun, 08/10/2014 - 09:54

IMSBrianC

Hi What a cool journey that you are on. Are the huskies not afraid of humans? I love it when animals aren't afraid of humans like one time I was swimming right above some fish in a lake. Sounds awesome!
As for the Four osprey and a black diamond, I would guess that you may be eating fish like an osprey, or that you can be found in different climates and continents. I would say that the black diamond is a metaphor for the rough terrain that you are experiencing.

Until September 2- Brian C.

Sun, 08/10/2014 - 13:34

Tina Ciarametaro

Dear IMSBrianC,The husky pups are curious but timid of humans. The adults did not react as long as we stayed on the gravel path. This one lady wandered a bit off the path and all the dogs started to howl, warning the pack that there was an intruder. Quite amazing to listen to.

Keep thinking about the 4 Osprey and a Black Diamond. I love your idea; especially the diamond aspect. Here is a clue for you…The osprey are blue, teal, black and purple, and the Black Diamond is actually neon green.

Mrs. C

On

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 10:32

Peggy McNeal

Tina-Best of luck with your expedition. Sounds like you are off to a great start! I look forward to following.

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:57

Stephanie

Very cool you are getting to see all of this stuff. Is the husky wild?

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 13:23

EvaC

That puppy is so cute i want one. How cool was it to see the floating giants in real life?

Tue, 08/05/2014 - 17:52

Jillian Worssam

Hi Tina,School has started here in Arizona and I have some students who are interested in Greenland's education system, is there school like ours here in America...if you have time, and traditional foods. And we have no idea about the four osprey and the black diamond. Our only guess was in relation to a skiing reference?????

Thanks, Jillian

Mon, 08/04/2014 - 11:13

Janet Warburton

So glad to see your first journal and that you are on your way. I have a good idea about the four osprey and black diamond but won't give any hints here :)
Looking forward to following you! Have a safe trip!

Janet