Day 4 – Greenland

by MarkusPosted on Comments are Disabled

We are in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland which only counts 40.000 inhabitants. After exploring the city where there is plenty of construction going on and dinner we were lucky on the way back to our home to see the Aurora (Arctic lights). They came as a total suprise and we were lucky to just at this moment pass a hill which we spontaneously climbed. The view was amazing (see pictures – they are not photoshopped or filtered!).

On day two we rented a boat and went for a fjord cruise to explore the icebergs. The views were incredible despite very cold temperatures (2C).

Tomorrow (Saturday) we will continue our journey. Our current planning is to cross the Atlantic further to the west and fly to Goose Bay (Canada) where we will re-fuel (and clear immigration even though we only want to transit but Canada doesnt foresee that) and then continue to the US (Portland, Maine).

1 day until departure – Why?

by MarkusPosted on Comments are Disabled

We got asked quite a few times why someone would take the risk, money and time to cross the Atlantic in a single engine plane. Good question, given the facts that such a trip defnitely comes with signficantly bigger risks than going to the grocery store and costs a multiple of an airline ticket. At the same time our plane offers less comfort, the trip takes much longer (4-5 days) and is mentally demanding and full of uncertainties.

So here is why:

  • We have to: Our plane needs some technical upgrades and the company specialized on performing the work sits in the US (close to Boston). Hence the plane has to get over there – and eventually also back. But as the modifications will take multiple weeks we for now just fly it over, will return by airline and eventually bring it back at a later point in time.
  • We want to: Flying is our passion, and we love being up in the air and challenge our brains.
  • We like to explore the world: Iceland, Greenland and the very far north of Canada are remote areas people usually dont get to easily. While Iceland had a bit of a touristic hypes the last years, its still today complicated and very expensive to get to places like Nuuk (Greenland). Seeing the Icebergs and how people live there is a very impressive experience.
  • It keeps us fit: Flying requires constant training and experience. A trip into challenging areas with new airports, procedures, weather conditions is like a training boot camp that helps to stay current.
  • We love Lobster Roll: At least one of us. And they are hard to get anywhere in the world but in the Maine / Boston area. Hence to get one, we have to go there.

So in summary we combine the duty with the pleasure and are looking forward to a week of new impressions.