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Kamchatka - Far East Russia

June 20th to July 15th

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Let me know any problems as I have not double checked this page. There may be inaccuracies in descriptions, if so please let me know. robburton@hotmail.co.uk or rob@robs-journeys.co.uk

Where is Kamchatka? In the Russian Far East there is a large peninsula which continues with a series of small islands, the Kurils, which eventually reach the islands of Japan. This is called the 'Ring of Fire' for it is one of the most volcanic areas of the world. On the east coast of the peninsular is the town of Petropavlovsk the capital of the area and only accessible by sea or air.

Overview of the trip.

This trip was divided into two parts. Firstly I spent twelve days in the company of six others firstly on a small ocean going cutter for five days followed by two nights in a cabin between the two volcanoes which dominate the town of Petropavlovsk. Then we had a night camping before our helicopter visit to The Valley of Geysers and the conclusion of our excursion. I then had four nights before the cruise. Two of these days were spent travelling to see the recently active Gorely volcano. Unfortunately by the time we arrived it was covered in cloud which remained there for the duration of the visit. We did have some short walks across the snow to some thermal pools and to a waterfall. The cruise started on the 4th July sailing down the coast and then on to the Kuril Islands before sailing across to the Commander Islands in the Bering Sea.

The peninsula is covered with snow during the winter but the spring brings a multitude of flowers and the opportunity to see Brown Bears (not easily) and the Stellar Sea Eagles. The coast line and islands accommodate many thousands of breeding sea birds as well as Stellar Sea Lions amongst others. Out at sea, which can be very rough, we saw five types of whale including Orcas, porpoise and many ocean living sea birds.

Trip notes and photographs.

The notes are brief with some photographs of the trip but the main wild life photographs are on other pages and you will need to follow the following links. If any of my friends wish to make a copy of any photo please do so or e-mail me and I will try to send you a higher resolution copy.

These other pages are not completed unless coloured blue.

Animals

Birds

Flowers

First trip was with The Lost World www.travelkamchatka.com

The cruise was with Heritage Expeditions www.heritage-expeditions.com

Part one - before the cruise

(for part two - The cruise to the Kuril Islands and Commander Islands click here)

Petropavlovsk

view from the hotel the new cathedral