7/3/08
Still at "Q" village waiting for storm to pass. We are doing a field day (massive cleaning of Bowdoin) and will update you on our plans as weather improves. Attached is a message from Amanda Brinkman to be posted on web site:
"This is our second day in Qeqertarsuatsiaq. It's the smallest of our populated ports (about 300 people). We spent yesterday walking aroung the village and a few of us went sailing on Capt'n Mac (an MMA, student-made sailboat). Today will be spent doing on board cleaning and maintenance. I would also like to say Happy Birthday to my Dad whom I miss very much!" -Amanda B.

7/4/08
Still in "Q" village. All is well, we had a great 4th BBQ with salads and even fresh watermelon! The local residents keep congratulating us on our independence!

7/5/08
Position 63 05.4N 50 40.5W. Preparing to begin passage to the Labrador. All is well. Will depart @ 1030 Greenland time. Heading to Battle Harbor, Labrador ETA between 6/11 to 6/13. Topped off fuel (interesting process) and water. Tied up alongside a geological survey ship for several hours. The geologists did a presentation for the crew. Great information regarding Grnlnd's rocks - oldest surface rock in the world. Rubies have been found local to this town and have saved the town. A Canadian company has purchased exploration rights. They are based out of this village and are providing needed cash flow. Several crew went ruby hunting, probably finding small non-commercial rubies. For the crew this stop has been the "gem" - friendly folks, good berthing for Bowdoin, and interesting exploration. Althought the weather on the sea is stormy, our visit was in comfortable, sunny conditions. Will update position and sea conditions once we are offshore.

7/6/08
Position 62 07.4N 53 02.7W All is well. Motored out of our little village, out the fjord and into glassy seas with a rolling swell. At about ten miles offshore a breeze filled in and we set all sail. An hour later we were driving into building seas making 7 kts. to weather. Winds and seas continued to build so we dropped the jib and main to set a reef. We were amongst scattered ice bergs but what caught our attention were several growlers (dark ice floating at the surface - hard to see) passing close by. We got through this band of ice without incident. While preparing the reef, winds continued to build so we instead set the trisail and kept the motor pushing to help the boat point. Seas built to overten feet at times making for an uncomfortable night. Just moving around the boat was work, so any task was challenging - including getting in your rack to attempt sleep. Winds have now calmed down and we are now sailing under full sail at 4 kts full and by. We should have a day of lighter winds before another low crosses over Labrador and into our route. We are also monitoring Bertha.

E-mail this entry to a friend