Act Day 3 – Visitors of Musk OX, Canoes and Midnight

Today I get up early! At least for my standards. I take approximately one hour for breakfast and slope, but at 10:00, I’m leaving!

I have no established destination. I make an estimate of wanting to make approximately 12 miles (20 km) more or less. In general, that is a good distance for the field where I am.

Face to face with a big boy

The path is well marked, so I’m browsing. A little up and down until I get to a river crossing. It is a soft current between two lakes, which does not flow quickly. I am thinking «This is a good place to get some drone shots.» When I turn around to throw my drone, I realize that there is a musk ox about 20 meters (65 feet) of me. He is there in the hill, looking at me. I feel it is evaluating me.

The musk ox is not really a threat to humans. Although they are big and have horns, they are more afraid than us. I hope you have come here for the same reason as me: cross between two great lakes. After looking at us for 30 seconds, it takes off. Of course, I thought my phone was recording, but it wasn’t. Isn’t it always like that? At least I see him fleeing.

The musk ox is the size of a bison, but with very long hair. His fur is incredibly soft and expensive. I looked at a scarf before, and can easily cost $ 300 since it is weird and are not grown.

I really enjoyed this encounter. I hoped to see the musk ox. In fact, I saw two in Kangerlussuaq but from a very long distance. Seeing such close feels very special.

The benefits of height (although not buying pants 😉)

The crossing of the river is calm and stable, although a shallow in some places. For me, at 6’2 ”(188 cm), the water approaches my knees. Most hikers should be fine, but the shortest can find it a shallow.

Quiet but with some deep points.

As I continue, I keep my eyes wide open for more musk ox. Without luck. But I see a reindeer. I have already seen many reindeers during my time in the Arctic regions, but it always excites me!

Lake Pivotsuaq and Katiffiffik Hut

Then a somewhat long descent begins to Lake Pivarsuaq. You have to walk the entire length of the lake, which has 15 miles (24 km) long.

Amsorsuaq lake

The lake begins in the Katiffik cabin. It is a beautiful location. You can sleep in the cabin if you wish, but there are also many good places nearby. There is even a long -term toilet (not all cabins have an «facilities» toilet). I take a break next to the cabin, as sweet and I look for the coast for a canoe.

Katiffik Hut, first along the way.

Inside Katiffik Hut. Basic but convenient.

There are about 10 canoes available to row almost the entire length of the lake. I hoped there was one on this side. But since most people walk in the same direction as me (from east to west), I have bad luck. It may have been too difficult to row a canoe of three people on my own, but with the wind behind my back it would have been a good hiking change. Unfortunately, without canoe, so I’m going. You walk the entire distance on the shore of the lake. It is a bit humid and unequal, and in some sections, you must climb on large rocks. It is sunny and warm. The lake seems very cozy …

The perfect place for camp comes with a skull

But today I will not walk along the lake. I’m getting tired, so I want to walk for another 3 miles (5 km) more or less before throwing my store. I keep my eyes wide open for a camping place, but nothing special. Then I meet a beautiful flat place with a small beach. I couldn’t have asked for a better place. There is a large skull with attached antlers that is a perfect grid to dry some clothes.

Perfect camp in Lake Amsorsuaq.

After placing the store, I take a dip in the lake. The water is cold, but it feels good to rinse sweat and wash my clothes. When I get out of the lake, I see other reindeer.

Go for a picturesque dip in Lake Pivarsuaq

Midnight visitors

I do some food and read for a while. I am standing with my back to the path when I hear a greeting. The shit scares me, I have not met anyone all day and I certainly did not expect it now.

He is a Danish boy named Martin. It is in the army, parked in Kangerlussuaq. We chat for a while before he leaves. It is pleasant, and it is interesting to hear about his experiences in Greenland.

While enjoying my night, other reindeer visit.

Beautiful view from the store.

I go to bed and get comfortable when I hear a strong snort right next to my store. I try in silence to get out of my sleeping bag and open my tent (although I have the new Nxt Xlite mattress, it still makes some noise 😉). While disgusting, there is a renewed reindeer just a few meters away. This is a great place!

After I take off, I get back into my sleeping bag. Until there are more growls, another! A great this time. That carries the reindeer count to five. All are wild. There is a small reindeer agriculture in Greenland, but they are alone here are wild.

VIETER reindeer

I’m going to bed listening to more reindeer sounds.

It probably arrived more, but I sleep like a baby.

Midnight Sun in Lake Pivarsuaq

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