I have recently returned from what seemed like a faraway land.
Situated high above the Arctic Circle, Greenland is the Northern Hemisphere’s mecca of Ice and Icebergs. Long on my travel list, last week was finally my chance to explore this glacial paradise.
Greenland is an exotic place, a place that can challenge both the mind and the body. The challenges begin with the very first question “How do I get there?”. There are no flights from North America, there are no roads connecting any towns and finally, the commercial airports can only land a 35 passenger prop plane that in high winds has to stop and refuel. Fortunately, our connection through Iceland, a refueling stop, and 24 hours of patient travel brought us to our destination.
Our destination was Ilulissat, home to the largest collection of Icebergs in Greenland. Here we joined 16 other photographers for a week of photographing these magnificent creations which calve off from the Ilulissat Icefjhord. These gems are beyond description, and are known to be some of the largest icebergs in the Arctic.
Our Photography Guide was the acclaimed Lurie (pronounced Uri) Belegurschi, and he was accompanied by Bruno Pisani, a landscape photographer from northern Italy. Lurie, a creative genius, masterminded chartering two Red Sail boats, in order to assure that our photos always had a glorious contrast to the white glacier Ice.
Each evening we would hoist our Red Sails around 8pm and set off for an 8 hour adventure. These late evening journeys allowed us to use the last hours of the night to capture the most breathtaking hues of the Midnight Sun. Our boats were captained and crewed by sailors from Holland, Norway and Russia: so we never feared for another version of the Titanic.
It is impossible for me to summarize this journey, as I am still digesting all of my insights and experiences. What I do know however, is that this was not a journey of fluff or fanfare. Rather, it was an experience of humble respect and gratitude for the mighty power and influence of Glaciers.
“Meeting” face to face with one of the great forces of our planet was a gift beyond measure. It was an honor to have these magnificent Icebergs pose as a backdrop to our simple Red Sails. When I reflect on this treasured journey, I cannot help but think of the Genius of Creation, (sometimes referred to as God), who miraculously masterminded the perfect synchronization of multiple gigantic Forces. From the glaciers, to the sun, to the sea, to the moon, to the tides, to the stars, these monumental Energies have perfectly aligned their cycles to create and sustain Life on our most precious Planet Earth.
And so, as I returned home I found myself going to that quiet place within, and offering my most sincere gratitude for the reminder that the Gift of Life, and a Planet that can sustain Life, is The Greatest Gift of All!