We have now arrived at Brattahlid where Erik the Red and his wife Tjodhilde settled in A.D. 982. He is credited with establishing the first Norse settlement in Greenland. Today it is a small sheep breeding settlement, home to just 50 or so residents, but remains one of the country’s most important Viking ruins.

Close by is Narsarsuaq, a secret U.S. Navy base during World War II, code name “Bluie West One.” It was an important landing spot for aircraft enroute to Britain, Europe and North Africa. At its wartime peak, some 4,000 people were stationed here, including doctors and nurses at a 250-bed hospital for the wounded.

However, Mark and I decided to go kayaking and discover this land from the water’s edge. It was energizing and beautiful, especially when the kayakers took a dip in their dry suits. Last photo is our kayak guide and fitness instructor attempting to sit on a piece of ice together, it was great fun.  

P.S. Cindy, I know you are worried about the sheep we saw in Iceland in random places with no sign of civilization for miles. No need to worry, they go to higher ground in the summer where the grass grows the highest and returns to their farm as the grass fades into snow. All those bales of hay we saw will be waiting for them for the winter. They were so cute here and baa-ed just as I said that out loud.