September 15, 2024

Sat Sept 14 - Qaqortoq

We arrive early and then tenders start taking passengers the short distance to shore. The ticket system appears to be working well.

The skies are foggy.  About 10 AM I experienced something that has never happened to me before. Tender operations were abruptly suspended. Hundreds of passengers were on shore, unable to return to the ship. The fog had become so heavy, visibility was reduced to a dozen feet. The ship and the harbor were invisible.

Nothing moved for about 3 hours. Passengers couldn't get to shore for shore excursions, others couldn't return to the ship.

I had decided to remain on the ship today so I wasn't affected.

By mid afternoon the sun burned off some of the fog, tender service resumed, and I was able to get some pictures of the village.

I later learned nearly everything was closed, the stores and cafes only being open Monday thru Friday. One of the tours visited personal homes where they sampled local foods. Very difficult to get to over steep rocky paths, but those that went enjoyed it.

Qaqortoq is the third largest city in Greenland with a 2024 population of 3224. Yes you read that correctly. If you count passengers and crew, this ship has more people.

The fog comes and goes. Passing icebergs are of all sizes, shapes and colors. Because of the ice, we will travel slowly the next day and a half to Nuuk, our next port of call. The air temperature remains around 40, and the seas less than 5 feet as we head North.


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