After yesterday’s adventures, crawling out of bed was hard on this, the longest day of the year. At the floe edge we found belugas cavorting, so we hurried into our dry suits and kayaks. The whales lingered, gliding around the drifting ice chunks, then slowly swam off, leaving us eager for more.
Flocks of King eiders swooped overhead and Brett brought out his a kite and flip-flops (what else would an Aussie pack for an Arctic adventure?)
A duck hybrid dropped by but other wildlife proved elusive so we were content to head back for dinner at what seemed like the early hour of 8pm. (When the sun’s always out, you lose track of time!)
After dinner, a guide told the story of his grandparents’ two-year migration from a tiny, remote community to Pond Inlet. The grandfather was sick so the grandmother managed the family alone. Often starving, the family lost six of their seven children – those survived did so only because the desperate woman managed to kill a walrus. Listening to one guide speaking in Inuktituk as another guide translated, we realized life in the high Arctic is unlike anywhere else.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.