So That's Why They Call It Bushwhacking

September 21 We pulled into a lovely fjord, and after breakfast, we were able to experience the zodiac boats. We hoped to see some wildlife, but with the exception of a seal, some ducks, and an eagle, we only saw beautiful country. Steep granite cliffs covered with trees - lots of trees - on a perfect day - for what more could we ask.

In the afternoon, we took a bushwhacking hike, and yes, it was quite a hike. We walked through a grassland area that had numerous branches of a river running through it. Therefore we found a lot of mud, fell into many holes, and got stuck in lots of mud. When we tried to go up into the forest, we had to climb over rocks and dead trees, climb through thick deciduous bushes, and watch out for Devil’s Claw, a prickly plant that causes rashes on skin. When we finally came to the pick-up point, I was pretty pleased that I had not fallen in the mud. But since I was just standing in the mud, when I tried to move, I couldn't because my boots were stuck. And in trying to get out, yes, I did fall and became a muddy mess!

We had a beautiful day that hit about 68 degrees, and it should have been thoroughly enjoyable. It definitely was for us, but others did not have nearly as much fun. By the time we arrived at the pick-up point, we were exhausted - and hot! It was time to load on the Zodiac and get to the ship.