Today we're headed a bit off the beaten path, to the world's largest island of Greenland. Though often called the land of ice and snow, in the summer you can find wildflowers, berries, beautiful fjords, and a robust local culture.
Whether you're looking to escape the frenzy of cities and popular t…Today we're headed a bit off the beaten path, to the world's largest island of Greenland. Though often called the land of ice and snow, in the summer you can find wildflowers, berries, beautiful fjords, and a robust local culture.
Whether you're looking to escape the frenzy of cities and popular tourist destinations, have an interest in marine life, or are fascinated by having an authentic experience with Inuit culture - Greenland is for you.
Our guest today is Colby Brokvist, the lead Expedition Leader for Natural Habitat's trips in Eastern Greenland. This part of the island is far less visited than the west, and Colby tells us how that makes for amazing natural experiences as well as cultural immersion.
We chat on everything from Viking escapades, to the food, to some incredible wildlife experiences.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
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Follow world-record breaking explorer George Bullard on a world-first kayak from
Greenland to Scotland across one of the most dangerous stretches of water on the planet.
No one thought they could do it. Most people assumed they would die trying – and they
nearly did, more than once. But, despite …Follow world-record breaking explorer George Bullard on a world-first kayak from
Greenland to Scotland across one of the most dangerous stretches of water on the planet.
No one thought they could do it. Most people assumed they would die trying – and they
nearly did, more than once. But, despite the odds, over six weeks, George and his
expedition partner Ollie Hicks, crossed 1,200-miles of open ocean from the edge of the
Greenland Ice Cap to Iceland, then on to the Faroe Islands, and from there to the north
Scottish shore. Paddling through the night, sleeping out in the sinister dark of the polar
ocean, battling storms, exhaustion and raging seas – this is the story of the most dangerous
kayak expedition ever undertaken.
But it’s more than that too. Three hundred years ago a mysterious figure in a strange
shaped canoe washed up on the coast of Aberdeen, in northeast Scotland. He was alive,
barely. No one knew who he was, where he came from, what language he spoke, and he
died a few days later before anyone could find out. Since then, the myth of the ‘Finmen’ has
continued to grow. The historical records describe his clothing as similar to what we now
know as hailing from Inuit culture. But it seemed impossible. Did a Greenlandic fisherman
cross the North Atlantic Ocean, 300 years ago, on nothing more than a seal-skin canoe? By
undertaking this journey, George and Ollie set out to unearth the truth behind the mystery.
If they could do it, perhaps the myth was true. Get ready for the Voyage of the Finmen.
Highlights include:
• Kayak across one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world, a section of
the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, known as the ‘Devil’s Dancefloor’
because of the size of the waves and storms
• Paddle through the midnight sun from Greenland to Iceland, and then 450-miles
around the crocodile teeth of the rugged fjords and soaring cliffs of North Icelandic
coastline, camping out on wild beaches along the way
• Listen to one of the craziest rescue and survival stories you will ever hear
• Find out what happens when George and Ollie are hit by an enormous hurricane 60-
miles off the Scottish coast
• Be inspired by George’s love and enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure. He is
one of the UK’s most sought-after motivational speakers and will fire you up to embark on your next adventure wherever that may be.
Who’s the Guest?
George Bullard is a world record-breaking explorer, endurance athlete and motivational
speaker. He is on a mission to rewild humans. He believes that through the outdoors we can
change lives. To date he has covered more than 2,000 miles on foot in the polar regions
(including the longest unsupported polar journey in history, at just age 19) and completed
countless extraordinary expeditions around the world. George is passionate about
encouraging others to climb their own Everest physically, mentally and emotionally. Follow
him on Instagram and Facebook @georgebullardexplorer. Book him for motivational talks at
www.georgebullard.co.uk
Looking for inspiration for your next trip? George’s adventure travel company
www.igoadventures.com curates one-of-a-kind adventures with purpose, for those looking
for exceptional in nature. They are affordable, amazing and hand-crafted by one of the
world’s greatest adventurers.
Thank you to Juggernaut Wines for sponsoring this episode. This is the adventurer’s wine of
choice, harnessing the power of nature to infuse every drop with the gritty spirit of the wild
Californian coast. Follow them on Instagram @juggernautwines www.juggernautwines.com
The Armchair Explorer podcast is produced and hosted by award-winning travel writer
Aaron Millar. Follow the show on Instagram & Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast.
www.armchair-explorer.com
Mentioned in this episode:
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Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Come explore the rarely visited East Coast of Greenland for a unique polar experience! While sailing through the world's largest fjord system, you will get to explore the epic grandeur by foot and kayak, so you can get up close to the amazing landscape fille…Sail the East Coast Fjords of Greenland
Come explore the rarely visited East Coast of Greenland for a unique polar experience! While sailing through the world's largest fjord system, you will get to explore the epic grandeur by foot and kayak, so you can get up close to the amazing landscape filled with mountains, glaciers, icebergs and maybe even a polar bear or two!
People visit Greenland for the natural beauty, the wildlife and sometimes the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Our guest today, sailed on Hurtugruten's MS Fram, the same ship I went to Antarctica on. When you are not out on landings, there is always plenty to do on board.
Find out why Jim's Greenland Expedition is now his wife's most favorite trip EVER on today's show!
COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important links for planning your adventure, photos and more cool info about a Greenland East Coast Expedition.
To learn more about this tour, visit Hurtigruten (and please use my link. You will be helping to support the program at no additional cost to you - thanks!).
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