Day 12 (#1): North West Passage Expedition on HX’s MV Fridjtof Nansen, August/September 2025

By Paul Bryers, August 28, 2025

  • Pasley Bay, Nunavut, Arctic Canada

Today’s excursion was characterized by inclement weather, with persistent rain and mist. Despite these conditions, our scheduled landing at Pasley Bay proceeded as planned, although the long hike was cancelled due to safety concerns, specifically limited visibility for armed guards to spot approaching bears.

The waters exhibited a striking powder turquoise hue.

Leaving HX’s MV Fridjtof Nansen on Zodiac

Zodiacs on beach

The shoreline comprised multiple raised beaches of flint, fractured by the frozen seas. The island was very bleak and sad; ghosts lingered in the thick mist.

Raised beach of flint

Armed Polar Bear Guard (PBG)

Author standing in desolation

HX’s MV Fridjtof Nansen

The island had human settlement dating back thousands of years, with only stone ruins remaining today.

Settlement remains
Settlement remains
Potential grave?

The island’s stones and rocks were adorned with vibrant, mustard-yellow “sunburst” lichens, as well as white and black varieties, creating a spectacular visual display.

Sunburst lichen

The terrain featured a diverse array of ground plants in various hues.

The return zodiac trip started without a visual of the ship, but then it appeared and we all lived another day in the Northwest Passage!

Leave a comment