14 Sep 2014

Calm Commanders

This is possibly the penultimate blog of the 2014 Russian Far East season. We have spent the last two days at the Commander Islands where we have been blessed with clear blue skies and little or no wind. These conditions made a very pleasant change from the strong winds and rain we had previously encountered on this voyage. In an effort to make the most of this benevolent weather we crammed in six different activities. This meant starting early and finishing late, but the rewards were great. We were on Medney Island this morning and have just completed a landing in Commander Bay on Bering Island where Vitus Bering was shipwrecked and is buried. We have now set a course for Kamchatka and will arrive there about midday tomorrow.

At this time it is tempting to reflect on our northern season which started on the 29th of May. Since then we have completed nine uninterrupted expeditions. It is difficult to explain in words the many tastes, smells, sounds, sights and experiences we have absorbed in that time. ‘Incredible’ and ‘amazing’ simply don’t do them justice. It is fair to say that the expedition team is a little weary, and with good reason. They have poured their hearts and souls into every landing, every activity, to ensure our passengers get the most out of what for many is the voyage of a lifetime.