Tizzy

Hi - I have now been out on three of Martins trips, both those run

in 2008 (back to back) and again in 2009, so that says a lot.

Each time we explored a different area.

This is a wonderful area for a kayak trip; we paddled past

white-capped mountains, with clear blue skies, glaciers, huge

icebergs of all shapes, sizes and all with different textures and

colours. It was brilliant.

I am keen on photography and have seen lots of arctic redpolls, snow buntings, guillemots, gulls, and seals. During the first trip we paddled with Minkie whales which was amazing, so close you could smell their breath.

On the next trip we watched, from our campsite, humpback whales broaching and fan tailing until bedtime, even then you could hear them calling to one another as we drifted off to sleep.

Less welcome is the arctic fox, a common visitor to your campsite, intent on thieving anything not tied down or peeing on what was

– cute though!

These journeys have now taken me to most of the local settlements, the locals are very friendly and although shy, most smile and say Hi and some would come up and shake your hand and thank you for visiting their country – they are very proud of it.

Apart from the fantastic scenery, there is a lot of history and plenty to do or things to explore if the weather dictates a rest day.

Most campsites during the trip were deliberatly at the sites of old Inuit hunt camps, so the earth houses and graves make for an interesting evenings exploring.

Paddling in the pack ice and huge icebergs, having lunch on the sea ice, the good company, days of sunshine and calm conditions have made for wonderful trips.

In Amassalik the church, museum, local craft shop and graveyard are all worth a visit. Food shops, given where you are, are good and all basics are available.

I would recommend these expeditions for:-

·The excellent Kayaks, gear and safety equipment Martin has in Greenland.

·The safety of the group on land and sea.

·The well organised but flexible programme.

·Martins knowledge of the area and its history.

·Good communication throughout the trip.

·The chance to visit a unique area that logistics would otherwise prevent.