Arctic Odyssey July 20 - 28, 2008

It's mid morning now. We've already had a very wet and bumpy ride on the
zodiacs to check out a large murre colony. Perched on the soaring cliffs
were adults and chicks, cheek by jowl, and the constant flight to and
fro of parents bringing food.

Some of the passengers are sitting around in the library, sipping tea
and exchanging tales of the excursion - 8 foot waves, some lost
breakfasts, wet cameras and soaked clothing - all a great adventure!

Susan has spent a great deal of time reviewing my wildflower photos this
morning. She's got endless patience and is so knowledgeable. We did find
one flower not previously identified as being on Coates Island, but she
tells me we couldn't consider this authoritative because we didn't
collect a specimen. So much to think about at once..taking photos,
collecting seeds, identifying species and now, checking to see if it's
ok to collect a specimen. Maybe I should stick to my back yard garden!

Well spend the rest of the day on ship, off to our next destination.

Carol

Dear all,

I would like to thank The Chris Robinson Travel Show with Sharman Yarnell, CJAD and Cruise North Expeditions for giving me the opportunity to win a fantastic arctic cruise.

From July 12^th to July 20^th my friend Janet and I experienced the trip of a lifetime on Cruise North’s Arctic Odyssey.

The scenery throughout our trip was the most picturesque I’ve ever experienced. I still visualize the huge icebergs glowing in the sun flowing by the ship in Ungava Bay, the most beautiful sunsets that endlessly changed hues through the very late night into early morning and our sighting of walrus on the floating ice.

We experienced scenery that begged to be photographed. On Akpatok Island we saw the nesting grounds of a huge colony of thick-billed murres and some impressive polar bears.

On our excursions to Diana and Opingivik Islands we saw musk ox, with their long hair blowing in the wind. We also saw some of the Arctic’s most beautiful flowering plants and an interesting archaeological site of the people of the Thule culture, who were the ancestors of the Inuit.

We also visited Kangiqsujuaq and Ivujivik, two charming Nunavik villages where the people openly welcomed us to experience the Inuit culture, customs, crafts and art.

Throughout our 9-day journey the excellent Cruise North staff continuously awed, enlightened and entertained us with their knowledge of the Arctic in their respective fields. Our appreciation goes to all of the ship’s crew and the young energetic Inuit trainees for always being friendly, professional and helpful. Our compliments to the chef and kitchen staff, for the superb selection and culinary presentation of delicious meals (featuring tasty local meat and fish) including a wonderful barbeque we had outdoors on deck on one of our many warm sunny days.

Our trip to the mystical historic Marble Island in Hudson Bay’s Nunavut was a special experience. It’s unusual and striking geology and its whaling history made for another memorable day excursion.

On the final leg of our expedition, on Hudson Bay at the mouth of Churchill River we had a most magnificent encounter with Beluga whales playfully swimming around, under and next to our zodiacs in what seemed like only something experienced in a dream.

Words cannot express the appreciation I have for giving me the opportunity to travel to the Arctic and experience an important part of Canada’s distinct culture and breathtaking beauty.

Yours in appreciation,

Gisèle