After a couple of days of strong winds and unsettled weather, the clouds parted and we were treated to stunning views of ocean swells battering the rusty red cliffs of the Newfoundland coastline. Seabirds, fin whales, and white-beaked dolphins swam around the ship as we made our final approach into St. John’s.
9/19/2024
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National Geographic Explorer
L’Anse aux Meadows
Today “Viking fever” overtook us all as we explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only site indicating pre-Columbian contact between Europe and the Americas. Dating to circa 1000, L’Anse aux Meadows features not only the archaeological site discovered in the 1960s, but also a modern museum and a set of reconstructed Viking longhouses. We warmed up in front of the toasty fires, tried on some cloaks and helmets (without horns for historical accuracy), and played a Viking lawn game. At our next stop, the Norstead reconstructed Viking village, we continued the adventure, practicing our axe-throwing, trading with the local Viking guides for knitwear, and having our fortunes told with runes. At lunch we split into three groups, some returning to National Geographic Explorer, others sampling a variety of seafood in a multi-course meal, and the rest participating in a Viking feast and reenactment. We were invited to present our grievances for the judgement of the court, and Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar was found guilty of disturbing the peace and sentenced to touching his toes, to the delight of all (except him, perhaps)! Back on board, we enjoyed a selection of local sausages as National Geographic Explorer departed the gorgeous harbor of St. Anthony.
