23 Aug 2018

Lavrentiya and Cape Dezhnev

The morning dawned clear and bright as we anchored off the adminstrative town of Lavrentiya.   Two delightful local ladies had prepared some delicacies for us - fresh meats, tundra herbs and fresh berries - it was all on offer and washed down with a large cup of black chai.  The cultural performance group White Sails performed several songs and dances before we headed back to the ship.  Upon heaving anchor we came across several Gray whales feeding; we also watched in awe at our second Gray whale breach in two days! There was much excitement both on the bridge and outside on the decks as we made several course changes to enjoy the whales.  

Later in the afternoon we were in the waters of the Bering Strait and Cape Dezhnev, the most northeasterly point of Eurasia.  With some skilled zodiac driving by the Expedition Team we were able to land and walk through the relocated indigenous village of Naukan. The visit was made all the more interesting by the Gray whale which was surfacing just 50 metres offshore – it seemed to be a day for Gray whales! Leaving Chukotka behind we begin the next chapter of our voyage - Wrangel Island.