Glaciers & Geysers: Greenland & Iceland AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019
People with a passion for travel Wheel & Anchor is a community of Canadian travellers, who value the camaraderie of travelling with friends, who love to see and experience the world, and who enjoy the occasional bottle of wine. It’s not just about where we go, but who goes with us along the way.
2
Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland
FOUNDER’S NOTE
“The problem with driving around Iceland is that you’re basically confronted by a new soul-enriching, breath-taking, life-affirming natural sight every five goddamn minutes. It’s totally exhausting.” ― Stephen Markley, author
As the saying goes, Iceland is green and Greenland is truly ice - so
I reside in the camp of people that suggest we should take it upon
much incredibly beautiful ice that it is hard for the average person
ourselves to try to see these places first hand. Seeing with your
to fathom it. Having been blessed to witness the gigantic glaciers of
own eyes and listening to the people who occupy themselves with
Antarctica and other parts of the world, the opportunity to see this
these issues day in and day out makes us more aware of the massive
‘island of ice’ is one that I look forward to sharing with our members.
challenge humanity has confronted itself with. Our program, Glaciers
Similarly, the volcanoes, geysers and waterfalls for which Iceland is
& Geysers, takes us up close and personal to some of the most fragile,
so beloved, are a treat for the eyes - mother nature offering up her
yet wondrous sights on the planet.
very best for those who take it upon themselves to make the journey. There are hardly more compelling and critical topics in the media today than global warming and the effect on icecaps at both poles. Greenland poses as significant a concern, considering that the vast majority of its ice rests on land (like Antarctica) and as the climate warms, the melting of Greenland’s massive glaciers will raise sea levels.
Gordon Dreger Founder
0 Number of guns carried by the Icelandic police force
0.025 Population density in Greenland (people per square km)
85 Percent of Iceland’s energy consumption from renewable sources
1989 Year that beer was made legal to drink in Iceland
2,565,000,000,000,000 Weight in tonnes of Greenland’s ice cap
AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019
Highlights Ice Fjord, Greenland
Disko Island, Greenland
Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, Iceland
Eqip Sermia Glacier, Greenland
Strokkur Geyser, Iceland
Host Profile
I can already imagine the look of awe and fascination on our members’ faces as the ship approaches the enormous Eqip Sermia glacier - known for its active calving. It is such moments that give me the greatest pride in hosting an expedition like this - to have enabled my guests to witness some of the most incredible natural wonders on the planet. This program combines 5 full days taking in some of the best that Greenland’s west coast has to offer, with 5 days taking in the spectacular sights of Iceland’s southern regions, known as among the most picturesque in the country. It’s a fully packed and yet relaxed itinerary given that we stay in one hotel in Iceland and of course on the ship in Greenland. I hope that you will find inspiration in the pages of this magazine that give you a small glimpse into what will no
Gordon Dreger Host – Glaciers & Geysers: Greenland & Iceland
doubt be one of the most memorable trips of our 2019 season.
D N
Ilulissat
N
L
Itinerary
D
A
I C
E
G
R
R
E
E
E
E
N
L
N
A
G
AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019
Qeqertarsuaq
L
A
Sisimiut
I C
Kangerlussuaq
E
N
D
L
Hraunfossar
A
N
D
NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
REYKJAVIK
Gullfoss
Skógafoss
Reykjavík Airport
DAY 1 // AUGUST 16
Depart Canada Depart from Canada
Board our international flight to Reykjavík, Iceland.
Anticipated Flight: Icelandair
8
Departs
Arrives
9:00pm Toronto
6:20am (next day) Reykjavík
Al fresco dining in Reykjavík
DAY 2 // AUGUST 17
Arrive in Reykjavík, Iceland Breakfast, Lunch
On arrival in Reykjavík, we shall head to a local restaurant for breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing tour of the Icelandic capital. After the tour, we have the option of continuing to explore on our own or resting at the hotel before dinner.
9
Reykjavík
...DAY 2 CONTINUED
Did you know... Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland. It is located in the southwestern region of the island, on the southern shore of Faxa Bay. Its latitude is 64°08’ N, making it the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. With a population of around 123,300, Reykjavík is the heart of Iceland’s cultural, economic and governmental activity. Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the country’s first permanent settlement circa 874 AD. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, transforming into a regional and later national commercial centre and governmental seat. It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.
Our hotel: Hotel Skuggi
10
DAY 3 // AUGUST 18
Reykjavík – Kangerlussuaq, Greenland – Embarkation Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning we will meet our driver at the hotel and travel to Reykjavík domestic airport for our flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
Anticipated Flight: Charter flight Departs
Arrives
(TBA) Reykjavík
(TBA) Kangerlussuaq
11
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Kangerlussuaq Airport
...DAY 3 CONTINUED
Did you know... Kangerlussuaq is the home of the most important of Greenland’s two international airports. It is a former US airbase built originally in 1941 to support the traffic between USA and Europe during World War II. During the Korean War and Cold War, it served as a supply station for the Distant Early Warning Line bases, DYE 1, 2, 3 and 4. At its peak, 1,400 personnel were stationed at the base. Eventually, the military base in Kangerlussuaq became inactive. In 1992, it was sold to the Greenlandic Home Rule for the symbolic amount of $1 USD. This former military base now acts as a hub for travellers heading toward western and northern Greenland. Although the airport hums with civilian travel, Kangerlussuaq is a quiet town with only 512 permanent residents, most of whom are airport employees. There is also an excellent supermarket, post office, restaurant and several small souvenir shops with locally produced artefacts.
12
...DAY 3 CONTINUED
Upon arrival, we will drive to the small port where our ship, the Ocean Atlantic, awaits. The Zodiacs will ferry us in small groups to the ship, which will be anchored about one kilometre out into the fjord. After we enjoy our first chef-prepared dinner at sea, the Ocean Atlantic will cruise through the 160-kilometre fjord and out into the Davis Strait, named for the English explorer
John
Davis
(1550–1605),
who visited the area while seeking a Northwest Passage. The area between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is a unique cultural landscape right at the Arctic Circle, and home to the best-preserved record of arctic hunting onwards.
13
traditions
from
2500
BC
SHIP INFO
M/V Ocean Atlantic
OUR SHIP Ocean Atlantic is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising in Arctic waters! Newly renovated in 2016 and with an international ice class rating of 1B, she is one of the strongest ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctica. The ship was built in 1985 and underwent an extensive rebuild in 2010. With a length of 140m she has ample space on the multiple decks for several lecture halls, a relaxed restaurant serving 4-star international cuisine, professionally staffed bars and observation platforms – and even a pool. All common areas on the Erickson Deck feature large panel windows, enabling passengers to quickly spot passing whales and photographic sights from the comfort of indoor lounges.
15
FACTS AT A GLANCE • Crew: 140
• Ice class: 1B
• Guests: 198
• Cruising speed: 12 knots (max. 15
• Length: 140m
knots)
• Breadth: 21m
• Elevators: 2
• Draft: 5.8m
• Lifeboats: 8 (covered)
• Propulsion: 4 x 3,600kW engines
• Zodiac excursion boats: 20
• Stabilizers: 2
16
OUR CABINS Ocean Atlantic has one premium suite category and four cabin categories. All private cabins are stylishly appointed and
feature
individual
bathroom
facilities, phone for internal calls, individual temperature controls and TV. Ideal for relaxation, the vessel’s accommodation ranges in size from 11 - 35 sq.m. and are designed with either portholes or windows. All cabins are equipped with 220 volt outlets.
17
ZODIAC LANDINGS One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Atlantic’s fleet of 20 inflatable, motorized rubber “Zodiac” boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment. The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago.
18
Colourful houses in Sisimiut
DAY 4 // AUGUST 19
Sisimiut Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning, we will arrive at Sisimiut. After breakfast, we will head out to tour the city.
Did you know... Sisimiut
is
the
northernmost
Greenland
community accessible by ship during the winter, due to the fact that the adjacent sea is relatively free of ice. With 5,400 inhabitants, it is considered Greenland’s second ‘city’. People have lived around Sisimiut for about 4,500 years, and it was the first home of the Saqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures after they migrated from present-day Canada.
19
The Blue Church in Sisimiut
...DAY 4 CONTINUED
In 1756 Count Johan Ludvig Holstein established a colony in Sisimiut and called it “Holsteinsborg.” The oldest part of Sisimiut’s historic quarter features townhouses from this “Holsteinsborg” era, with the oldest building dating back to 1756. One of the most culturally significant buildings is the Blue Church, built in 1775. Nowadays, Sisimiut is an important industrial
centre,
with
local
factories processing the bulk of the Royal Greenland company’s fishing yield. The fish processing plant is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
20
...DAY 4 CONTINUED
Tour highlights will include the historic colonial quarter, the museum, and the beautiful church. We will also visit the busy city centre for a glimpse of daily life in modern Greenland. In the afternoon, our sea voyage will continue northward. As evening falls, we will pass the Sisimiut Isortuat Fjord, the Nordre Strømfjord settlements of Attu and Ikerasaarsuk, and the small town of Kangaatsiaq. After nightfall we will pass Aasiaat and proceed into the southern waters of Disko Bay, where our next stop, Disko Island, is located. At this point, we will be north of the Arctic Circle! Here, the nights are bright and early risers can enjoy the sight of the icebergs on Disko Bay.
21
Sisimiut on a cloudy day
FEATURE
Is Greenland Really Melting?
22
FEATURE: Is Greenland Really Melting?
The speculation that Greenland is
During the last century, the
melting does, on the surface, have
Greenland ice sheet lost an
an outlandish ring to it. How does a
estimated 90 billion tonnes per
country melt? The answer is: quite
year, but as of 2018, the rate has
easily, when much of it consists of a
escalated to an average of 269
colossal ice sheet. And scientists are
billion tonnes. A study published
concerned.
in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters claimed that
Greenland is the world’s largest
between 2011 and 2014 alone,
island. Its massive ice sheet is
Greenland lost one trillion tonnes of
second only to the Antarctic ice
ice.
sheet in size. It measures nearly 2,400 kilometres long, 1,100
Ice loss is especially prevalent in the
kilometres wide, and up to three
southwest, although researchers
kilometres thick in parts. If the
observed that the northern, cooler
entire area melted, it would
parts of Greenland also experienced
raise sea levels by seven metres.
a significant rate of melting. An
Although the current melting rate
estimated 12% of all ice loss came
is adding approximately 1mm per
from five glaciers that constituted
year to the world’s average sea
less than 1% of the total area of
level, scientists are concerned that
the ice sheet. All of them flow into
the ice sheet is liquidating at a
the sea, which suggests that a
unprecedented rate of speed and
combination of rising ocean and air
volume.
temperatures are contributing to their recession.
23
Waterfall on Disko Island
FEATURE: Is Greenland Really Melting?
One, the famous Jakobshavn glacier, has lost blocks of ice measuring several square metres: in 2015, it released an iceberg measuring five square miles. Three years previously, in July 2012, a massive ice sheet twice the size of Manhattan broke away from the Petermann glacier, which also lost a 260 square kilometre sheet of ice in August 2012. Some scientists have blamed the accelerated melting on the proliferation of dark algae growing on the ice as the result of extended warm periods. The Arctic is warming more quickly than other regions: the average air temperature in Greenland has gone up by about seven degrees Fahrenheit since 1991. While the uncovered ice can deflect most of the sun’s energy because it is white, dark algae absorbs heat and increases the melting rate. Satellite images have also shown that summer cloud cover over the island has decreased by over 84% between 1982 and 2009, exposing more ice to the warming rays of the sun. Although there is no imminent danger of global flooding, scientists and researchers are watching Greenland closely. Global warming may be making the island true to its name, which will have consequences that need to be managed. 24
Ilulissat icefjord
Qeqertarsuaq River
DAY 5 // AUGUST 20
Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our next sojourn will be on Disko Island, where the Ocean Atlantic will dock in a protected natural harbour on the southern tip. Its Danish name is Godhavn (‘Good Harbour’) in Danish, while its Greenlandic name, Qeqertarsuaq, means ‘The Big Island’.
Did you know... Qeqertarsuaq has a long, rich history. It once served as one of Greenland’s important economic centres. From the 16th century onwards, the community was relatively prosperous and even considered the most important town north of Nuuk until the mid-1900s.
25
Lutheran Church in Qeqertarsuaq
...DAY 5 CONTINUED
We will spend most of the day touring the town. Highlights include a visit to the distinctive octagonal church, nicknamed “God’s Inkpot”, and a stop at a local community centre, where a traditional “kaffemik” will be hosted, complete
with
coffee,
cake
and
traditional dances and music. Greenlandic by
music
incorporating
music from
is
influenced
other
Dutch
and
cultures, Scottish
polka, American country and rock ‘n’ roll, and even Hawaiian music, which inspired the so-called Vaigat-musicians in Greenland in the 1950s and 60s.
26
Eqip Sermia Glacier
...DAY 5 CONTINUED
27
As the day draws to a close, the Ocean Atlantic
studies. One such explorer, Swiss glaciologist
will set a northeasterly course bound for a
Alfred de Quervain, used it as a launchpad
magnificent natural highlight – the enormous
for his expeditions to Greenland’s inland ice
Eqip Sermia Glacier.
sheet over a century ago.
Situated approximately 50 nautical miles
We will sail as close as possible to the ice’s
north of Ilulissat, the Eqip Sermia Glacier is
edge while maintaining a safe distance to
renowned for its beauty. Early Arctic explorers
avoid any plunging blocks of ice from the
selected this location as a base for their
calving glacier.
Icebergs of the coast of Ilulissat
DAY 6 // AUGUST 21
Ilulissat
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The name Ilulissat means ‘icebergs’ in Greenlandic, and the town’s nickname is, naturally,‘the Iceberg Capital’.
Did you know... In Disko Bay, which is located just off the coast of Ilulissat, gigantic icebergs linger in the freezing waters. These impressive frozen structures are borne some 70 kilometres deeper into the fjord by the enormous Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. While most glaciers only calve (cut away pieces of ice) at a rate of approximately one metre/three feet a day, the Ilulissat glacier calves at a rate of 25 metres per day. The icebergs produced by the glacier represent more than 10% of all icebergs in Greenland. This distinction, combined with its unforgettable scenery, have secured the Icefjord a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
28
Ilulissat, Greenland
...DAY 6 CONTINUED
During the 250-plus years that have passed since its founding, Ilulissat has steadily flourished. Today, it is Greenland’s third largest town, with more than 4,500 inhabitants. It is very vibrant, welcoming and lively with a wide range of cultural attractions. The legendary polar explorer, Knud Rasmussen, and his good friend, Jørgen Brønlund, were both born in Ilulissat.
Today we will have the opportunity to join an optional boat trip to the Icefjord. The journey takes about two and a half hours in total and offers a great opportunity to take a closer look at the amazing ice-sculpted scenery. There may also be a chance to take an optional helicopter ride over the Icefjord. In the evening we will cruise southward from “the Iceberg Capital”, leaving the beauty and majesty of Disko Bay behind us. Note: The boat and helicopter excursions to the Icefjord are not included in the general tour price. Both excursions must be booked in advance, and prices are subject to change. Sailing among Icebergs in Ilulissat:
USD$120 per person
Helicopter ride in Ilulissat:
USD$650 per person
29
Itilleq, Greenland
DAY 7 // AUGUST 22
Itilleq
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will visit the settlement of Itilleq, which translates to ‘the hollow’ or ‘the flatlands’. The settlement’s 100-plus residents make their living hunting, trapping and fishing. Although Itilleq is quite remote, it is only a few hours away via dinghy sail from Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland. A stroll through the settlement offers inspiring insights into rural life in Greenland, where modern conveniences and technological advancements have become commonplace, yet locals still value their traditions and Inuit heritage. Before lunch, we will return to the Ocean Atlantic and continue our journey toward the fjord of Kangerlussuaq, also known as Sondrestromfjord. The first segment of the fjord offers panoramic views of high mountains and deep valleys.
30
Greenland ice river
DAY 8 // AUGUST 23
Kangerlussuaq – Disembarkation – Reykjavík, Iceland Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the ship, we will bid farewell to the ship’s staff before boarding the Zodiac boats for the trip to shore. Kangerlussuaq’s landscape has largely been shaped by the last glaciation period, known simply as the “Ice Age,” some 18,000 years ago. The mountains are rounded and soft, and many meltwater lakes remain. From the inland ice sheet, best known as the Greenland Ice Sheet, the meltwater cuts its way through the porous landscape and flows into Kangerlussuaq Fjord. This close proximity to the Ice Sheet results in temperatures that jump up to 30°C in the summer, before falling to an extremely low -40°C in winter, making Kangerlussuaq the coldest inhabited area in Greenland.
31
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Cityscape of Reykjavik reflected in lake Tjornin
...DAY 8 CONTINUED
In Kangerlussuaq we will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional four-hour excursion to the beautiful Reindeer Glacier. This outing will mark the end of our Arctic adventure. After breakfast and checkout, we will fly from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavík.
Anticipated Flight: Charter flight Departs
Arrives
(TBA) Kangerlussuaq
(TBA) Reykjavík
Our driver will meet us at the Reykjavík domestic airport and convey us to our hotel in Reykjavík. Our hotel: Hotel Skuggi
32
Strokkur Geyser
DAY 9 // AUGUST 24
Golden Circle Breakfast, Lunch
Today we will enjoy a Golden Circle tour. The highlight of this excursion is Thingvellir National Park, which is located by Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. The oldest form of Parliament has also been meeting here since 930. We will also visit Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall where thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down into a deep canyon and Geysir geothermal area, where bubbling hot springs and geysers are abundant. It is also the location of Strokkur, the most active geyser in the area, which spouts up to 25-30 metres every few minutes.
33
FEATURE
Volcanoes of Iceland 34
FEATURE: Volcanoes of Iceland
Iceland has been called a paradise
Mount Hekla
Grímsvötn
Katla
for volcanologists. Its position in the
Iceland’s most famous volcano
Located in the southeastern part
Katla, which means ‘Kettle’, is
middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,
is Mount Hekla, located in the
of the island, Grímsvötn is a crater-
located in the nature reserve
which is a 40,000 km crack in the
highly active volcano zone along
shaped volcano measuring around
of Katla Geopark, which covers
ocean floor, makes it a big volcanic
the island’s south shore. It has
900 metres in diameter. It has the
nearly 9% of the country’s surface.
hotspot. The Ridge has been active
experienced over 20 eruptions
highest frequency of eruption of the
It has erupted approximately 20
for over 20 million years, which
since 874 AD, the biggest of which
volcanoes in Iceland. In November
times since Iceland was settled.
coincides with the timespan of
occurred in 1104, when Mount
2004, a week-long eruption
Although it is partly buried under
intense volcanic activity in the
Hekla showered millions of tonnes
occurred, this one sending volcanic
Mýrdalsjökull glacier, its summit
country. It has been estimated that
of rock over its surroundings and
ash all the way to the European
measures 1512 metres. Katla has
since the Middle Ages, one-third of
prompted Cistercian monks to call
continent and even disrupting
a track record of erupting twice
all the lava to reach the surface of
it the ‘gateway to Hell’ and ‘prison of
airline traffic temporarily. In May
per century, and since the last
the earth has erupted in Iceland.
Judith’. Its last eruption was in 2000.
2011 Grímsvötn saw its strongest
one that actually broke the glacier
Major volcanic events hit the island
eruption in the last 100 years:
ice occurred in 1918, concerned
an average of once every five years.
the resulting ash cloud brought
scientists are keeping a close eye on
most air traffic to a halt in Iceland,
it.
Greenland, Scotland, Norway, Svalbard, and parts of Denmark. 35
FEATURE: Volcanoes of Iceland
Askja Askja is a cauldron-shaped depression in the central highlands. It is only accessible a few months of the year, making it virtually unknown until it erupted in 1875, producing an ash cloud serious enough to kill livestock. Despite its history (two scientists disappeared there in 1907 and were never found) Askja remains popular with tourists. There is a campsite at Dreki, which is an eight-kilometre drive from the Askja caldera (cauldron). There are over 100 volcanoes in central Iceland that have not erupted in the last thousand years and approximately 30 that have been dormant for the last few centuries. Despite this element of danger, the volcanoes of Iceland are spectacular natural creations that are well worth a visit. 36
ViĚ ti crater in the caldera of the volcano Askja
DAY 10 // AUGUST 25
Langjökull Glacier Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we will tour the Langjökull Glacier Tunnel, which is the world’s first, and biggest, man-made ice cap glacier tunnel. On the way to the edge of the glacier, we will stop and witness natural phenomena such as Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring region in Europe, and Hraunfossar Waterfalls, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming 900 metres out of a lava field. At Langjökull glacier, we will board an eight-wheeled glacier truck to reach the entrance of the ice cave. During the excursion within the glacier itself, we will see colours of blue we never knew existed, and learn how glaciers hide the secrets of history.
37
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
Santa’s mailbox in Reykjavik
DAY 11 // AUGUST 26
Reykjavík Breakfast
During this day in Reykjavík, we will enjoy everything modern Iceland has to offer, from stylish coffee shops to majestic museums and even one of the various optional tours available.
38
DAY 12 // AUGUST 27
South Coast Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we shall drive through fertile farmlands en route to the majestic mountains, which include the snow-shrouded Hekla and the ice-capped volcano Eyjafjallajökull. The itinerary will include a visit to the newly opened Lava Centre Volcano Exhibition, where we shall learn about the geology of Iceland, and a drive through the region where Njál’s Saga, one of the best known of the Icelandic classical sagas, is set. The South Shore is one of the most popular regions of Iceland thanks to such spectacular sights as the Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls, the stone arch Dyrhólaey with its sheer cliffs, and the picturesque setting of Vík village. At the end of the day we shall return to Reykjavík and enjoy a three-course farewell dinner at the hotel.
39
Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
FEATURE
Geothermal Power in Iceland
40
FEATURE: Geothermal Power in Iceland
Every year, the hot springs and
the need for hot water heating.
geothermal pools of Iceland draw tourists who revel and relax in the
Iceland has geographical
warm water. People who visit such
peculiarities that make it the only
celebrated ‘hot spots’ as the Blue
country in the world to receive
Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and the
all of its heat and electricity from
Mývatn Nature Baths have little idea
renewable resources. Using
that the hot water they are bathing
geothermal energy for heating
in is the result of the same natural
alone saves the island over $100
geological activity that powers the
million US in imported fossil fuels
volcanos.
every year. It also creates fewer CO2 emissions, making Iceland one of
At present over 90% of the
the word’s least-polluted countries.
country’s homes are kept warm by
41
geothermal heat, which is one of
Oddly enough, geothermal energy
the cleanest and most cost-effective
was discovered by accident. In
forms of energy. It keeps sidewalks
1907, a west Iceland farmer got the
and car parks free of ice and snow in
idea to run steam from a nearby
the wintertime. There is no national
hot spring into his home through
grid: to harness the geothermal
a concrete pipe. By 1930 hot water
energy, drills are stuck in the ground
was being used to warm homes
near one of Iceland’s hundreds of
in Reykjavik, but the greater part
hot springs. The steam rising from
of the country continued to be
the water is used to turn turbines
powered by coal until the 1970s
and pump up water for delivery to
oil crisis prompted a switch to
nearby towns and cities, eliminating
hydropower and geothermal heat. Deildartunguhver hot springs
FEATURE: Geothermal Power in Iceland
The Icelandic government put a
Today, Iceland’s large aluminium
lot of resources and funding into
manufacturing sector uses
building new heating services
geothermal power to run its
and running pipelines from the
smelting process. Overseas
thermal fields into farms, villages,
companies are taking notice: Hitachi
and towns. By switching from oil
Data Systems partnered with Data
to geothermal energy, Iceland has
Islandia to offer international
realized huge economic savings that
customers data storage powered
turned it from one of the poorest
entirely by natural energy.
countries in the European Economic Area to one of the richest in terms
According to geologists, Iceland has
of quality of life.
barely scratched the surface of what geothermal power can do. They predict that the country has the potential to meet all of the northern hemisphere’s energy needs, an eventuality that could make a positive difference in the future of the planet.
42
Kroflustoo Geothermal Power Station
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
DAY 13 // AUGUST 28
Blue Lagoon Departure ReykjavĂk Breakfast
On our last day in Iceland , we will board a private bus and be taken from our hotel to the Blue Lagoon for a soothing and relaxing soak in the milky blue water before heading out to the airport for our flight home.
Anticipated Flight: Icelandair Departs
Arrives
5:00pm ReykjavĂk
6:55pm Toronto
43
Pricing & Inclusions
PACKAGE PRICE (AIR & LAND) PER PERSON Cabin Category
Twin Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Cat. G (single cabin)
N/A
CAD $10,750 per person
Cat. E
CAD $8,890 per person
CAD $12,470 per person
Cat. D
CAD $9,640 per person
CAD $13,780 per person
Cat. C
CAD $9,890 per person
CAD $14,210 per person
Cat. B
CAD $11,700 per person
CAD $17,380 per person
Cat. A
CAD $12,070 per person
CAD $18,020 per person
Cat. Suite
CAD $12,950 per person
CAD $19,570 per person
Categories shown apply to the expedition cruise portion only. Hotel rooms are all in the same category.
45
INCLUSIONS • Roundtrip international airfare and air taxes Toronto-Reykjavik-Toronto on Icelandair. Airfares from other cities across Canada are available upon request. • Services of a Wheel & Anchor host from arrival until departure Iceland portion • 6 nights hotel accommodation in Reykjavik with daily breakfast • Tours and transfers as per itinerary including entry fees • Meals as per itinerary with water and coffee/tea included • Porterage at hotels • Local government taxes and services charges • All gratuities for local guides and drivers Greenland portion • 6 days / 5 nights voyage Kangerlussuaq – Kangerlussuaq cruise to Disko Bay. • Roundtrip charter flight Keflavik-Kangerlussuaq-Keflavik • Full board on ship; breakfast-lunch-dinner, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on last day. • Free coffee and tea during the voyage. • Port costs, pilot fees, National Park fees, AECO fees. • English speaking expedition team during voyage. • Information briefings and lectures by expedition team in English. • Zodiac transports (ship-to-shore and cruises) and shore landings according to itinerary.
46
...INCLUSIONS CONTINUED Cruise portion • Boots in all assorted sizes, suitable for shore landings. • All gratuities for ship crew and local guides and drivers for included shore excursions
EXCLUSIONS • Optional tours offered by the cruise company • Meals not included in the itinerary • Optional travel, health, accident or other insurance
AIR CREDIT If you wish to arrange your own international air Toronto- Reykjavik-Toronto, an air credit of CAD$700 per person will be deducted from the tour cost.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT At time of booking:
CAD$1,500 per person
Final payment:
remaining balance due May 04, 2019
CANCELLATION PENALTY Between time of booking & May 3, 2019:
CAD$1,500 per person
Between May 4, 2019 & date of departure:
100% of total cost
47
SPECIAL NOTE • Names provided at time of booking MUST exactly match your passport • You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date • Please contact us for premium economy, or business class upgrade • Please contact us for optional travel insurance
WALKING DIFFICULTY Moderate This tour involves a light to moderate activity level. Most of the walking tours are not more than 30 minutes in duration. None of the excursions involve hiking on uneven surfaces with the exception of the Ice Tunnel where the floor is covered with snow and ice but safe. The expedition cruise includes landings and excursions aboard the ship’s fleet of inflatable, motorized rubber boats. Assistance is provided by the ship crew but guests must be able to otherwise walk unaided.
This tour is subject to our complete terms and conditions which are available upon request and will be automatically provided at time of booking.
48
Glaciers & Geysers: Greenland & Iceland AUGUST 16 – 28, 2019
WHEELANDANCHOR.CA +1 (416) 628-2800 EXT. 250 INFO@WHEELANDANCHOR.CA
All tours are sold through New Sky Travel, 2900 Warden Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1W 2S8 TICO Reg. No. 1817786. Bookings are subject to our standard terms & conditions, all of which are available from our office upon request or automatically at the time of booking.