We learned from our visit to Ulukhaktok, that weather can change quickly and dramatically in the Northwest Passage. The driver of the zodiac we returned on said while not as severe there is some similarity to rapid changes when visiting Antarctica. We do remember that on our first sailing around Cape Horn in South America how in just a matter of hours the seas went from being calm to being one of the roughest seas we have ever sailed. When we looked out our verandah yesterday morning we saw the arrival of the zodiacs and the fast boat and we could see them being pushed up and down due to the strong sea swells. For those on the first tours including the community visits it was quite cold and with the strong sea swells. In fact, they delayed departures by around 30 minutes on the early tours until the sea swells were not so strong. Again, safety is number one priority. By the time we took the zodiac the swells weren’t as strong and they became even calmer at the time we returned to the ship. It wasn’t as cold either for us compared to those who went an hour or so before we did. By afternoon the sun was out and some people actually needed to unzip their jackets for part of the time they were on land such as on hikes and/or the community visits. The zodiac driver mentioned that the weather changes could have happened in reverse. In other words the morning could have had calm sea swells and even warmer temperature while the afternoon could have been cooler with strong sea swells. We did find that the guidance provided to us from Crystal Cruises and the vendor that they recommended (Ship and Shore) worked very well for us. This included what type of clothing to bring and how to layer it. Anne Marie went with three layers of clothing from the waist up while Keith went with four layers. From the waist down we wore three layers of clothing including water proof pants. The Crystal land and expedition people thought of so much to make the process of getting in and out of the zodiacs as easy as possible and they assisted each person. They even made adjustments where necessary. For example, when we arrived to the beach area and got out of the zodiac we had to step into water and walk a few feet. It was not a problem with our waterproof pants and boots. On our return they came up with an idea of adding a step so you didn’t even had to step into the water. Some people needed extra help getting in and out of the zodiacs at the beach landing and the assistance was always there. We wanted to share additional information on some of the places we visited yesterday during our community visit in Ulukhaktok. Ulukhaktok Arts Centre. This centre is used by locals to produce crafts including prints, carvings and clothing. Demonstrations were shown to those of us who visited the centre. Helen Kalvak School. This is the one school for the village serving Kindergarten through the Twelfth Grade. It has around 100 students at any given time. When we were in the gymnasium they had several basketball hoops as did the outside area. It is named after Helen Kalvak a 20th century Inuit from this area. Community Hall. The name says it all. It is used for meeting, and events for the community. Several items were being sold during our visit. Speaking of weather by end of October we were told that the water will be frozen over. To fish they will punch holes into the ice. The amount of daylight changes as well. It was noted that in the summer months that some of the Inuits will go to sleep late since it is so light outside and sleep-in the following morning. This pattern will change in the winter when there is far less daylight time. Yesterday afternoon we enjoyed the rest of the day on board We each had salad entrées for lunch. tuna for Keith and a chef salad for Anne Marie. Since we were not sure what time we would get back for lunch, we pre-ordered it with the Jijo and they kept it cold for us at the butler's pantry. Afterwards, we both exercised. Anne Marie walked for an hour, mainly outside the ship on the promenade deck and Keith worked out at the Fitness Center. One of the items that we purchased yesterday. You could attach it to a zipper or use it as a Christmas ornament. Second photo includes the woman all the way to the left hand site who made them. Crystal arranged for an activity for those guests not participating in shoreside event. They had several locals come on board to show guests how to make traditional winter mitts. This was a two hour activity and materials were provided to all guests that attended. We think this was very thoughtful and we spoke with some guests who attended and really appreciated this activity. The locals that participate enjoyed lunch at the Lido Cafe. This was a really nice touch by Crystal Cruises. Before dinner we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at the Avenue Saloon. Last night was pink night. LOL. We dined at the Crystal Dining room for the second consecutive night. Cruise Director Rick joined us for dinner. At dinner the night before Head Waiter Augusto offered to make us Pasta with Lobster, which he has prepared for us a few times in the past. He also suggested making us a Caesar Salad. We said yes and thank you for both suggestions. We thoroughly enjoyed both items that Augusto prepared. Knowing that Anne Marie prefers food with less spices before adding some of the additional spices to the Caesar Salad he placed Anne Marie's salad on a plate before adding the additional items to Keith's salad. The photo is of Keith's salad. Similarly he added some chili powder to Keith's entree after having prepared both. Since boarding Serenity, last night was the first night when berries were no longer available. This is much better than we thought given that we are eleven days into the Northwest Passage Voyage. A 737 will be landing in Cambridge Bay tomorrow with additional food so we should be back in business with berries very soon. Keith happily had melon and Anne Marie had a low fat frozen yogurt dessert. After dinner we attended one of two performances of Celtic Legend performed by the absolutely wonderful 2016 Northwest Passage Team. All we can say is bravo. They were wonderful. Crystal Serenity departed Ulukhaktok at around 7:00 PM. We are with Ice Breaker Ernest Schakleton. In addition to carrying the toys and with us for its ice breaking capabilities many of the exhibition personal are on board including all of the people who pilot the helicopters, zodiacs and speed boats. We now have a day at sea as we sail to Cambridge Bay. The seas were relatively calm last evening. We kept to our morning routine. Keith worked out at the Fitness Center before breakfast and following breakfast took another indoor cycling class. Anne Marie walked for an hour and attended yoga. As we spoke with fellow guests throughout the day we heard all about each of their experiences in Ulukahktok. This reminds us that in addition to the excursions we have mentioned there was also golfing. As one person said the only thing that resembled golf were the balls and a hole. Nevertheless it was a nice experience for those who participated and many of them also did a community visit in addition to this. As usual, many programs were on the schedule. There is something for everyone. We focused on the lectures. We wanted to highlight some of these events. Expedition lecturer Jennifer Whithford spoke about Traditional Inuit printmaking. She spoke about how this type of art was developed and took us through its history. She noted that every community has their own style of art and their own way of making it and it differs widely by region. Jennifer herself tries to visit some of the smallest of regions and work with the Inuit’s to help them create prints which provides them with much needed income. It is their world that they create and show in their artwork. They also show their love of life and their love of the land even when things can be so challenging for them. To, us this is a good lifelong lesson. On this voyage Jennifer is actually bringing supplies to each of the villages we are visiting on this epic and historical voyage. Later in the morning World Affairs Lecturer Bill Schneider spoke about the changing United States role in the world. He spoke about the impact and involvement we have had in the 20th and 21st century in terms of our involvement in both war and peace initiatives as well as our influence in other areas including Hollywood. He also covered some of the differences in approach taken by the Presidential Candidates from the Democratic and Republican Parties. After Bill Schneider's lecture we had lunch in the Lido Cafe. We did want mention that from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM the executive chef and the galley team created a wonderful Viennese Brunch Buffet. After lunch, Keith played two hours of Paddle Tennis for the second time of this voyage. Anne Marie walked for one hour outside the ship. In the afternoon Expedition Lecturer Nigel Redman spoke about the Birds of the North West Passage. She noted that in the summer, huge numbers of birds visit the arctic region and she spoke about the birds that do visit this region.
Later in the day, Tim Soper and the Expedition Team will provide us with a recap and a briefing on our arrival to Cambridge Bay. Keith & Anne Marie Comments are closed.
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