21 Aug 2017

SOE: Spectacular Wildlife Sightings on the Anadyr River

Our expeditioners from Nome arrived at the wharf first, but didn’t linger. Our Assistant Expedition Leader Tania merely picked up our packed lunches from near the gangway, then shepherded us the short walk to where we picked up the ferry for Anadyr. For a few hours we explored the museum and the streets of this administrative centre, before catching the ferry back to board Spirit of Enderby.

While we were away, our expeditioners from Moscow flew in, were met by Alexey at the airport and brought to the ship. We had some wonderful leisurely time to orient ourselves with the layout of what will be our home for the next two weeks. Soon our Nome contingent was on board and there was time to photograph amazing scenes of beluga whales and calves swimming close to the ship against the strong current of the Anadyr River. Dozens of larga seals fished for salmon around them, sometime surfacing with a flapping fish in their jaws. It truly is one of the best places in the world to see belugas, and our trip had yet to begin.

Soon our expedition leader Howard invited us to the lecture room to meet our expedition staff, learn about the workings of this hospitable little ship and our plans for the next 24 hours. Soon after, we pulled away from the wharf and while dinner was being served, eased into the Gulf of Anadyr. Already there’s a great feeling of camaraderie amongst the expeditioners. How exciting to think of the adventures that lay ahead.

©Katya Ovsyanikova - Image from file