08.02.2016: Melchior Islands
Kajak-Expedition
Last week we had our planned meet-up off Cuverville Island with the cruise ship “Fram” from the shipping line Hurtigruten (photo). Five friends of ours were on board, among them Henryk Wolski, who in the past 25 years has often shared adventures with us – for example the Northwest Passage, the Northeast Passage, the Shackleton Tour and other expeditions. Tomek, Karin, Tessa and Wilfried were also on board. The five of them plan a kayak expedition and we had arranged to take them to their starting point on the Melchior Islands with the “Dagmar Aaen”. We will be accompanying them on some stretches as picket ship. Four kayaks – three single and one double – must be stowed on the “Dagmar Aaen” as well as tons of supplies and equipment. It is a great reunion. Besides hot showers and opulent meals on board the “Fram” we are given lots of fresh fruit and vegetables from the galley. Besides that the kayakers are planning a grill party on board the “Dagmar Aaen” with plenty of filet and all sorts of fresh things.
Eduard Dallmann
On the morning of February 4th we left Cuverville Island and 25 miles later we arrived at the Melchior Islands. These islands are made up mostly of impressive ice formations. There are sections of rocky coast to be seen at some points. The German captain Eduard Dallmann discovered these islands in 1874 with his expedition ship “Grönland”. This was quite an accomplishment considering the means available at that time. Therefore it is surprising that hardly anyone remembers this great discoverer. He was also very successful in the Arctic and the South Pacific.
Henryk and Tomek in turn discovered something a few years ago that was unknown till then. They discovered that one of the islands in this archipelago is actually two islands which are separated by a sound. We secured the ship in a small bay with an anchor and five land lines – the weather forecast called for storms once again. And actually the winds increased during the night. Luckily the kayakers had set up their tent camp beforehand, so it was just a matter or waiting for an improvement in the weather.
The storm passed over and on the 6th of February was a beautifully sunny day. The Kayakers set out at noon and we accompanied them on their first stage to Gand Island where they set up a new camp. The weather forecast for the next days is favourable – low winds but in return heavy snowfall -although it is summertime here. Today on the 7th of February, the “Dagmar Aaen” is under a thick blanket of snow and it’s “get out the shovels”. We are continuing on today!
Arved Fuchs