(I’ve joined 100 passengers on board a small cruise ship to explore the Eastern coast of Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. Join me as I see wildlife, phenomenal landscapes and meet friendly locals with Adventure Canada.)
I hiked to the top of a mountain today in the Royal Society Fiord in Paterson Inlet. It was one of those hikes that can shift the perspective of your place in the world. I think my soul widened its breadth and my heart expanded.
Surprisingly, the terrain on this part of Baffin Island is more eclectic than anywhere else I’ve been. Soft foliage covers the ground with small plants and bursts of colours; large rocks make climbing an obstacle of sharp concentration. The mix of these and the pools of water (and sometimes gorgeous streams) make hiking a whole new experience.
At the top of the peak, the Royal Society Fiord was laid out below like another world. Mist hovered lightly and kept the sun at bay, while snow geese went about their business. The threat of noise was only that of whispering travellers, and cars weren’t even a consideration.
BBQ Party with Royal Society Fiord in the Background
Looking down from that peak stirred a new door in my mind open, a peak into the north that had never been unlocked before.
The day finished off with a BBQ on the deck of the ship as we stayed anchored in the fiord. Eating local char, char tongues (yuck!) and burgers with the snow peaked mountains surrounding us snugly was a true arctic experience- we believe we were the first people to ever have a BBQ in the Royal Society Fiord.
Copyright 2008 Lori Henry
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