July 31 - Sea Day crossing the Davis Strait to Baffin Island, Canada. Great chances for iceberg sightings today!
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Posted Monday 2:00 PM ET (New Journals for today now posted below)

Hello All,

We are presently in the middle of the Davis Strait. The seas are flat calm and we are making great progress. The Inuit goddess of the sea SEDNA must be looking out for us. As a result, we should arrive to the shores of Baffin Island by early tomorrow morning. Lots of exciting dialogue, workshops and presentations today. The students are working in small groups to come up with ways of mitigating the impacts (locally, nationally and globally) of Climate Change and other damaging human activities on the planet's environment. It was inspiring to see the students coming up with so many great ideas, and to see their desire and passion to make a difference! We're at the stage of the expedition now where the students are
really being engaged and empowered. Ideas ranged from better marketing of hybrid vehicles to - taking the One-Tonne Challenge; tax incentives for environmentally friendly technologies; making environmental education an integral part of school curriculum; rethinking, reducing, reusing, recycling; and much, much, more... We'll list all of the students ideas on the website in the next few days.

As we approach the third and final country on our Arctic journey, it great to see what a success the expedition has already been, and look forward to the final 5 days of adventure and discovery ahead!

Dreaming of Polar Bears soon,

Geoff
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July 31

Dear Mom, Dad, Blake, Jacquelyne, and everyone back home:

This trip is amazing. It's a great trip for me in almost every way. Because we are with a team of scientists and teachers that are knowledgeable and have been in the field their whole life, it makes the trip much more adventurous and educational. You can hardly come across no for an answer and some of the stuff I think about doing, the leaders are already doing it.

Half of the kids on the trip are American, and the others are from Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Denmark, and even China. When we first got to Iceland we all saw how deserted the country looked considering we were only a half hour's drive from the capital city, Reykjavik. We first went to the Blue Lagoon. It is a natural hot spring covering almost 5 acres and is actually a spa. People come from all over to swim there and put this mud on your face that is a natural cream for your face. We spent the whole day going to waterfalls and the most amazing scenery possible. When we went to visit one the famous geysers of Iceland, I saw this huge cliff that reminded me of Diamondhead, and when I was speed walking over to some leaders to ask if I could hike it, 3 people in our group, along with some leaders, we already working their way up the trail. I was pretty excited to know that these leaders were just as adventurous as all the kids on the trip. That day we boarded the MS Explorer, our ship for the next two weeks. I cant believe how nice is was. We have a buffet for breakfast and lunch, but during dinner, we have waiters and a menu to order from, and the service and kindness is reputable to that of a 4 star restaurant.

We sailed to various fishing villages and hotspots on the coast of Iceland. Two particular places are the main points of why this trip is so incredible. The first was in a small fishing village. We took the zodiacs out for a tour around the Westman Islands on the east coast of the country. There were over 15 islands, uninhabited, no larger than 3 acres on the top, but they were raised up 100 feet above sea level. It was like a stone cylinder coming out of the ocean, and the great part was, the entire top was covered by grass, and there were sheep on top. Sheep, maybe 5 on each, just lay on these sometimes extremely steep slopes which ended in vertical, rocky drop-offs on either side. But later in the day, we hiked a pretty steep volcano, with ground temperatures of about 220F. When we got to the top, it was foggy and we couldn't see anything, but just then the fog lifted and we saw the entire village, all the islands, the ocean, and there was even a huge glacier in the distance on the mainland of Iceland. It was just so awesome to see all this scenery all in one spot. The second great part was much more exciting.

At one of our ports we took a half hour 4 wheel bus drive up to the base of one of Iceland's glaciers. There were about 5 skidoos so I was wondering what we were going to do. It was really foggy so we could only see the first part of the slope, and nothing else above that. It looked pretty long and none of us could even see just how far up it went. So we got out and started hiking. After about 30 minutes of that first initial peak, we learned that we were going to take part in a two mile hike up the glacier. You could only see about 100 ft in front of you, so you had no idea how far that distance actually is. We made stops about every 15 minutes for everyone to regroup too. But there were about five 16 and 17 year olds from Nunavut, Canada and me in the front. We were basically racing each other to the top. In my life, my legs never burned that much, but I opened up my lead speed hiking up this steep glacier and out of the 100+ people hiking up this slope, I was the first there. You still couldn't see anything due to the fog and at some points, I had no idea where to go but I knew I couldn't slow down. They would run trying to open it up and it reminded me of the tour de france, attacking and counterattacking. Right when they stopped I knew they were dead and Id make my move. But when the fog lifted once again, it was one of the greatest sights ever, mountains covered with 150ft ice spanned the horizon all around us, and being the first one there to view the amazing sight made it that much more impressive. But that is how the trip has been.

Amazing hikes where no one has ever gone, everywhere we stop. Leaders who are incredible, including the 70 year old Fritz who, with his team of 3 others, hiked for 16 months from Alaska to Russia, straight through the North Pole, and who was the first to do so. The energy of all the leaders is so overwhelming, its just to incredible. I don't think I ever use this many superlatives unless its something truly great, and this is. The people, the glaciers, the zodiacs, the ocean, the knowledge, it's all just so amazing. I'm so thankful that I have parents like you that give me every opportunity in the world to be the best that I can be, and this trip is one of the many quintessential examples of you doing that, and that's why I thank God for you every single night before I go to bed for having a Dad and Mom that work their heart of for me, a brother who loves me and sets a great example for me to aspire to, and a sister that loves just as much and is always there. I love you all so much and Ill see you all soon. I have so many more stories to tell but this is all for now.

Love, Matthew Pierson

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Another awesome and calm day at sea. Started with lectures, had workshops, saw a movie and the day is now ending after another show of the 'Arctic Idols'. We also passed by the biggest iceberg so far today, just as we came close to it the sun came out! The captain sailed up close and we sailed around it. Tomorrow morning we arrive in Canada! :-)

Far, vil du ikke vaere sod og hilse Hans-Jakob mange mange gange fra mig og onske ham tillykke! Savner jer, men vi ses jo snart. Kram

Anne-Katrine, Nuuk, Greenland

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Hello everyone! This is my first journal writing since the expedition started. It has been amazing watching whales, listening to lectures, zodiac landings, taking pictures of people sleeping while in lectures, visiting villages in Greenland and many more things that I have experienced.

Yesterday we were visiting a tiny settlement called Arsuk and its population is about 150. The people living in Arsuk are one of the most generous people on earth. The settlement is so small that there are no cars or trucks, but there are some ATV's. We also watched a traditional Greenlandic kayak demonstration which was awesome. After the kayak demonstration, we went to the community hall and we ate traditional Greenlandic food (by the way I'm from Nunavut and it was the same traditional food that we eat). During the feast, an elder asked me if I wanted to trade my Fox cap to his Arsuk 200th anniversary cap and we did. After the feast, there were 12 of us that ran around town for the World Harmony Run. It was time for us to leave Arsuk and we headed north.

Once we were sailing the west coast of Greenland, we saw 3 humpback whales and it was amazing to see the humpbacks giving us a show. Once we started sailing again, I got sea sick and missed supper and Arctic Idol.

Just one more day and I'll be home to Nunavut.

Mosesie Arlooktoo

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Only 5 whole days left on this expedition known as "Students on Ice". I'm having mixed feelings about that. I have experienced quite a few things that I would never take back and met many people that have totally inspired me (Skid!!). I'm not sure how many days ago it was (I find the days all seem to run into each other while I'm here) but I visited one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We traveled on the zodiacs to Viking ruins in Greenland and were allowed to go out on our own and explore. It was breathtaking to say the least. I'm fairly certain that not many people have had the privilege of walking in the places that I walked. I sat on top of a large rock and gazed out to the opposite side of the shore for quite some time, and after a few moments, I noticed something. A little house was in the distance wedged in between two rocks and it looked as though nobody else had seen it. So I took it upon myself to find my way to it. However, on my way there I fell into a trap. Seriously. It was cleverly disguised with the rest of the long grass, so nobody would have seen it which is why I stumbled upon it. Anyway, I fell into a hole and was up to my chest in grass and dirt.luckily I came out unharmed and continued my journey to the rock house. When I got there it was quite small and really nothing too special, but I found it to be quite exciting. So I took my pictures and left. It had been about an hour and a half and I was literally freezing and my water-proof clothing was turning out to be not so water-proof after being outside in complete wetness for so long. I was so excited about my discovery. In conclusion to this journal, I am enjoying the once in a lifetime experiences we are able to have and there are so many people on The Explorer that I am so happy to have had the honor of meeting.but I miss my home more than I ever have in my life.

P.S. They have a piano on board! So super exciting.I was worried I wouldn't be able to touch my music for over two weeks, what a relief!

Alex Sempel

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Looks like my original pen is working a little bit. Today is a sea day as we cross the Davis Strait to Canada. Currently we are sailing in Canadian waters. Since it's a sea day, not much happened. We started off the day with presentations on ideas for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Then gears were completely switched as we received a lecture about the history of whaling in the Arctic. It ended, ironically, with a Sei whale appearing behind the ship. After lunch, one of our lecturers gave us a speech about his life. He is a wonderful storyteller. One of the most engaging speakers I've ever met.

We had career workshops after that and I went to the academic workshop to learn more about the university experience. My pen died again by the way. That's why a change in color is seen (online version obviously can't see this). After the workshop, we watched "Arctic Mission", a documentary about a group of expeditioners (including our expedition leader Geoff) traveling through the Northwest Passage to see the effect of climate change and global warming. A really good and well done documentary. We just got to the most suspenseful part when Geoff came and switched it off because we were headed for the biggest iceberg we have been so far on this strip.

The first thought that went through my head was "ooooh another Titanic". No, we didn't crash into it. Our captain was nice enough to circle around the iceberg so we could all take as many pictures as we wanted. A really beautiful iceberg, that was. A bunch of birds were sitting on top of the iceberg resting. I wonder if they ever feel cold. They sit on ice and they swim (yes swim) in ice water.

Ankur Gupta

San Jose, California

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Finally, I found a free computer and a chance to write. I have looked forward to this trip to the Arctic for over ten years, and it has not disappointed me one bit. I will spend a lot of time in Iceland in the future on my trips to and from Norway. The thrills there were standing on the site of the first Icelandic parliament, and walking down the transatlantic rift, where the earth spreads, basically causing the Pacific rim of fire to squeeze together. I also gave support to three students who were climbing the glacier slower than the group, and was proud that they all made it to the top, without getting separated from the group.

Greenland has been a wonderful experience. We had an easy crossing from Iceland, unlike the 25 ships of Erik the Red, who hit storms coming from Iceland, and only 14 ships made it. So we got an extra zodiac ride Wednesday evening, and I lucked out being with the film crew, staying out twice as long. We heard and saw a glacier calve from the bottom, and saw two bearded seals, as well as drinking pure water from a glacier stream.

On Thursday morning, I gave my lecture on Erik the Red, and the Vikings coming to Greenland. I got the group involved in the lecture, with them playing the parts of Thorvald the father, banished from Norway in 960 A.D. for killing a man, and Erik and his four children, including the second son Leif the Lucky, who left Iceland after Erik killed two men. I also realized the role of Christianity in changing the Vikings and the family of Erik and his son Leif (who brought the first priest to Greenland), as Erik's wife became Christian and refused to sleep with a hard-ball heathen like Erik. I gave the lectures twice for the two Zodiac landing groups. While I had more time and felt more relaxed with the first group, both lectures led to
compliments for involving the group.

I got five minutes ashore at the Viking ruins as the last groups were coming back, and enjoyed my own understanding of the location and culture of the site.

Thursday afternoon I was in a group of 20 who braved buck brush, lichen covered rocks and bogs near the river, to climb up the mountain in Monastery Valley. We yelled Marco Polo to keep track of each other, and it was a glorious hike. Some groups went on shorter hikes along the beach or river, but I was glad for being in shape and managing the longer hike. We also found the ruins of the monastery near the mouth of the river. The fjord was uncharted as far up as we are. It was beautiful country, very wild and majestic.

Friday morning we visited the town of Nanortalik, which balances between the modern and the old world, and has recently lost its two industries. It is the southernmost town in Greenland, with a wetter and more temperate climate. We were entertained by a choir in the church, and I found I could translate the Danish spoken by the older people.

Then we headed for the hot springs on the island of Uunartog, known since Viking times. It was glorious jumping into the sea, and racing back to the hot springs.

Yesterday we visited the traditional Inuit village of Arsuk, where we saw a fantastic kayak demonstration by one of the champions of Greenland. I got to sit with his mother, wife and kids later, after trying both seal and whale meat. I hope to return to Greenland soon! This has been a great trip!

Carol Francis, chaperone

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Hello Everyone!

What a day! Even though it was another day at sea, it was awesome and full of so many memories. The seas were so calm like a bathtub, and I could not even believe that we were in the middle of the ocean. This morning we had a few lectures consisting of the history of Arctic whaling as well as the story of Skid's life story of environmental passion. In between lectures we were greeted by a few Sei whales and Humpback whales in the distance. One of my favourite parts of this expedition so far has been our whale sightings and the time that we have on the deck. It is really hard to explain the emotions you feel when you look of the ship deck and see this gigantic sea creature swimming past you so elegantly in the wild. I have really come to
realize that I am one of the luckiest girls on Earth to have been able to experience all that I have in the past year. The Arctic is undoubtedly my home away from home.

Early this evening we were all called out to the front bow deck to gaze at an iceberg slowly approaching our ship. I ran out onto the deck after having just been practicing for tonight's show of Arctic Idol, and I was without my camera. However, as I just stood there in awe watching this gigantic iceberg float by me, I came to realize that I was watching this amazing piece of artwork through the best camera lenses on Earth - my own two eyes. The sun was just setting over the horizon and the iceberg just glittered as we sailed in circles around it. I was just amazed. It was exhilarating!!!! The memories of that exact moment will forever be in my mind and will never be forgotten.

Arctic Idol!!!!!! My group decided to sing Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and in the end, we won! The other groups deserved it just as much as we did but I had a blast!

Anyways, I better get to bed, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow and I am so pumped. This has been absolutely amazing and I really don't want this experience to come to an end. "Wow". That word cannot even begin to explain how incredible this feels to actually be in the Arctic. I don't even think it has sunk in yet and it probably won't for a long time to come.

Kelsi Prince

Port Hope, Ontario, Canada