Torngat Mountains Expedition 2023: Day 10
Chasing waterfalls, Gilakas ‘la!
Last night from Nachvak Village we sailed 85 miles North to Eclipse Sound and woke up to a foggy morning at the northern end of the Torngat Mountains park, where the mountains are a bit more subdued and less jagged than further south.
For our morning adventure, we headed out on a zodiac cruise into a river canyon. After we turned into the small river, we spotted our first peregrine falcon on the cliffs above as it was screaming in excitement for our arrival. Peregrine falcons, falco pergrinus, which means ‘wandering falcons’ are the fastest animals. We also spotted a raft of ducks swimming closely under the rocks to stay out of sight. This cruise was a special treat since most of our zodiac rides are from ship to shore and vice versa. The water was shallow in some areas leading into the canyon and we were appreciative of our zodiac drivers skills to maneuver through some narrower turns, varying depths of water, and currents. With a narrow route moving through the canyon, we had two zodiacs in a single file line (just like most of our hikes) for safety. Other than the sounds of the peregrine falcon and water trickling down the rocks, the mood was very calm and peaceful which allowed us to take it all in and appreciate how privileged we are to be in this very rare and often challenging place to visit. Less than 600 visitors have had the opportunity to visit this place. As we approached the end of the river canyon we were mesmerized by the waterfall cascading from the top of a nearby lake and into the canyon. We were in awe of the beautiful sight and were able to soak it in with our eyes, hearts, and breath. Our minds were blown.
“There’s a mystical ambiance here. Not very many get to experience this.” – JP, SOI Ship Team Member/zodiac driver
In addition to our zodiac river canyon cruise, we had two science-focused zodiac activities: the eDNA and ROV. In the first science Zodiac, youth participants learnt how to sample seawater for eDNA (environmental DNA). Not only did we learn the correct techniques for capturing water samples at depth, we contributed to a worldwide study led by Jackie Dawson. This study looks at how shipping could be impacting delicate ecosystems and how to best look after these marine environments while operating inside of them. On the second science Zodiac, SOI Ship Team Member Sam, introduced the youth to the subsea world using advanced remote technology such as an ROV. Students set up, deployed, and piloted a Remotely Operated Vehicle capable of video surveys in up to 300 metres of seawater.
While heading back to the ship, a few students had the opportunity to try driving a Zodiac and quickly learned our Zodiac drivers make it look easy! For a few of the youth, it was their first time driving, and driving a boat no less! All while in the stunning Torngat Mountains!
After lunch, The SOI Media Team Members Anna, Nicholas, and Mat presented a session “Media 101 – How to Tell a Story and Interview Tips.” Students had the opportunity to go through the production process from developing a story and preparing a list of interview questions to filming the interview. For those interested in telling a story through music, SOI Team Member and award-winning singer/composer Tim hosted a session on songwriting. In the mess (the ship’s dining room/kitchen), a session on how to make Arctic char chips was hosted by SOI Team Members Mary and Maria.
After dinner, we had a shore landing at Kangiglasiorvik Lake in Eclipse Sound, known for its freshwater seal populations. We walked on cryonic polygon terrains (which we learned from yesterday’s “Permafrost Party” and spotted some more wildlife – a caribou and a seal. It was quite chilly so we stayed warm by roasting marshmallows over a bonfire; a fun way to keep warm.
We are more than halfway through our Expedition and are amazed by how much we’ve been able to see and experience in the Torngat Mountains. As we prepare for an early bedtime, we set sail towards Ramah Bay. Gilakas ‘la, is Inuktitut for ‘thank you’ and we are definitely feeling grateful.