06 Sep 2013

Cruising South

As we head south today we farewell Chukotka for the season. This morning we took a Zodiac cruise under crystal clear blue skies with not a breath of wind to hinder our progress. It was as if this wonderful region wanted to remind us of what a great place it is and to tempt us to linger a little longer. Numerous walrus made themselves known to us (both in the water and on the land), and there were quite a few Gray Whales around including a particularly accommodating female and calf who appeared to enjoy their interaction with us. Two Snow Sheep stood on the cliffs high above observing this interplay.

As I write this we are cruising to the village of Meinypil’gyno where we will spend a cultural afternoon with the local people, many of whom have become good friends after multiple visits here with our Spoon-billed Sandpiper project expeditions.