What a spot for the last Zodiac excursion on One Ocean's Labrador and Torngat Mountains expedition cruise: the Button Islands are located near an upwelling of ocean currents laden with nutrients, which make these barren, low islands the Arctic equivalent of an African watering hole. A frigid Zodiac safari in the Button Islands is likely to encounter sea birds, marine mammals and polar bears.
After an emotional and educational excursion to Hebron, it was back to nature for two days in Torngat Mountains National Park - the only National Park in Labrador. Each year, approximately 500 visitors come by boat, charter plane or helicopter, to visit this remarkable "place of spirits". In addition to Zodiac excursions in Saglek and Nachvak fjords, we had the opportunity to take a short, guided hike at the head of the north arm of Saglek fjord. The people, scenery, geology and wildlife were some of the highlights of the cruise.
This month marked our first major vacation since our family trip to Iceland in 2015. And our Atlantic Canada itinerary included plenty of National Historic Sites, National Parks and other truly Canadian experiences. Returning home late on July 30th allows just enough time to select and share five photographs for this month's photo blogging challenge theme: patriotic.