Now in Narsarsuaq
Trip Start
Sep 11, 2010
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Trip End
Sep 11, 2011
Narsarsuaq, Greenland
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday 14 August 2011. Our day off in Kangerlussuaq dawned fair, a few broken clouds about but it promised to be a warm one, according to the notice at Reception. We had thought that the airport was closed on a Sunday so were extremely surprised to find that the terminal and café were full and there were several scheduled flights on the tarmac. Patrick made a note to himself to remember to ask about this tomorrow when we sorted out our flight plan/departure details.
The buffet breakfast was fine and after watching some of the aircraft depart, it was back to the room to catch up on a blog. A couple of hours later, we were ready to go out for a stroll and made for the bridges to the south of the runway. The grey melt water was rushing along the wide river and then veered to the right and through a narrow gorge underneath the two bridges. The noise was deafening and the spray was being thrown up into the air from the ferocious force of the water; it was really easy to become mesmerised. Naturally many photos were taken around the entrance and exit to the gorge and we spent some time just taking it all in.
We meandered back through the small town via the church with its bell stand to the side, and stopped off at the Polar Bear Inn for a hot chocolate sitting at a picnic table outside in the warm sunshine. There were a few choices for continuing our walk but we (!) chose the flatter path to the north and west of the runway toward the Fjord. A good 2.5 miles later as the road took a climb we noticed another picnic table strategically placed for the views down Sondre Stromfjord, to give it its proper name. We sat for about an hour munching on our snacks, writing up notes and Patrick went a little further up the hill for some better photo opportunities.
Returning to the hotel to relax and rest our weary feet, we had an early supper in the hotel restaurant (and very good it was too!). The forecasts looked promising for tomorrow for the journey south.
Monday 15 August 2011. First thing, Patrick checked the actual weather reports: they were not great at our destination or en route alternates. However, we had breakfast, checked out of the hotel and were at the EZ by 0930hrs. Patrick sorted out the refuelling and pumping up the tyres while I went off to get the water and post a package home (another large airnav book no longer required which will allow a few more litres of fuel). We walked over to the airport office to pay our landing, parking and handling charges with Casper who had met us on arrival. Asking about yesterday's flying activities we were informed that operators had paid for the airfield to be open, if we had been willing to pay for a slot our share of the charge would have been DK4,000 or about £500.
Casper kindly checked the latest weathers and the hoped-for improvements had started to happen as forecast, so we decided to go; the latest we could be airborne and still get to our destination Narsarsuaq in time would be 1200 local. Flight plan filed, we smartly crossed the apron to the EZ and attired ourselves in the survival equipment and were soon starting the engine ready to depart.
A take-off heading down the fjord climbing to 4,500ft initially, we had stunning scenery around us as the valley narrowed towards the sea. What at first appeared to be cloud on the mountain tops turned out to be the ice-cap, with fingers of glaciers dipping down towards the fjord. It took over 30 minutes to reach the Davis Strait before we headed south and climbed to 5,500ft to give us extra margin over the ground below. Most of our attention was on the scenery to our left – it just got better and better! Fjords, glaciers, icebergs, dramatic peaks and rock formations… Not all the fjords are named but the ones we did manage to identify on the chart included Sondre Isottoq, Buksefjorded, Frederikshabs Isbiink, Sermilikfjord.
We followed the west coast of Greenland as it curves towards its southern tip. Nuuk had been on our schedule to visit, but as we have already lost a week and it is often 'fogged-in’, we decided to give it a miss and overfly just in case. The flight was 3hrs 45mins of jaw-dropping vistas and no photographs nor words can fully convey the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this immense and important island (we heartily recommend a visit!).
The approach into Narsarsuaq airport was something else! There are two possible fjords to fly up: the wider, more obvious one, leads to an attractive but ultimately dead end (a glacier front at the fjord’s head); the second, less obvious, but correct fjord winds around some impressive peaks before the airport comes into view on a flat strip of land with its own (receded) glacier as a backdrop. We were marshalled into position on the apron and then met by a group of three airport workers and the refueller. We opted to refuel before we depart to maximise our fuel load and repositioned the ‘plane into a more sheltered spot.
Entering the airport office, Juulut very helpfully phoned for a room at the hotel, checked possible options for our flight routing to Iceland and generally provided information on the facilities available. Patrick started to bed the EZ down while I fielded questions through the perimeter fence from a passing French couple who had been kayaking around the fjords (it sounded amazing).
A short walk to the hotel, check-in and an early supper and to round off the perfect day, a lovely red sunset visible out of our hotel room window.
Comments
When I think of the times that I passed by your garage, seeing a structure that really didn't resemble an aircraft at all for some considerable while....the times Dave helped to turn said structure around....and now I see the most wonderful scenery taken from said structure....well it really is a case of an ugly duckling turning into a glorious swan! What a ride she is giving you both! x Alison
Fabulous scenery,a view most people would never get the chance to see,you lucky pair.How rewarding this all must be,the fruits of all your hard work and unending patience.You are taking team building to new heights!!
Looking forward to next instalment.
Love from us both
It's not a destination on most tourist itineraries but what a treasure! Words really can't do the scenery justice. You two are so lucky to be doing this and so wonderful that you are sharing this with your fellow bloggers.......a huge thank you! C&Px
It wasn't on my list of places to visit but I think Greenland will have to be added on. Some wonderful views and what an experience. I hope it is not too cold in the plane. Jane