Kayak and tundra walk – Edinburgh Island

We’re in Johansen Bay at the south end of Victoria Island – the 8th largest island in the world.  Conditions were perfect for a morning kayak trip followed by a hike across the tundra.  While in the kayak, we’d spotted a peregrine nest high up in the cliffs (which, by the way, are billions of years old)) and then got to see the mom and fledged baby while on the hike.

Lots of pictures to share – I’ll try to limit it.

One of the improvements for this new ship were the garages for the kayaks and the zodiacs as seen on the right. It speeds up the process of unloading considerably. They’ve had the platforms for getting into the kayaks for awhile. There’s a platform suspended between the zodiacs that supports the kayak. So, the routine is easy for the most fearful (the water terrifies me and fascinates me at the same time so I’m always happy for any assistance I can get). Two pairs of helping hands help you step into the zodiac. After sitting on the edge of the zodiac nearest the platform, you swing your legs around and step onto the platform (wearing your knee height boots of course). The water level is about ankle deep. You then sit down in the kayak with the assistance of another pair of helping hands. The front gunner and the rear gunner can be seated at the same time. You’re handed your oars, your kayak is given a push and you’re off! In the orientation session for kayaking one of the divers (he’s about 6’3”) said he took one of these kayaks out and tried to flip it over and couldn’t. He took a buddy and they both tried to flip it over and they couldn’t. They leaned over so far they were about to slide into the water when they gave up. The other safety measures include a water activated lanyard which alerts the crews who are stationed about within eyesight on zodiacs and explicit instructions about where you can and can’t go. Couple that with no wind, no tide, slightly overcast so no direct sun, 43 degrees and amazing rock formations. Couldn’t have asked for better conditions.

I was so comfortable in these conditions I asked Ron if he coud spin the kayak around so I could film a 360 view. His response? ”Do you want to go clockwise or counter-clockwise?”. I think you’ll be able to hear the audio.