June 2, 2013
9 PM arrival at Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka
Click photos to enlarge
Evening sun was low and cast a pleasing glow over what appeared at first to be a somewhat dreary city. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is the administrative, scientific, and cultural center of Kamchatka, pop. 180,000 (2010 census). Across Avacha Bay from the city is Russia's largest submarine base, established in Soviet times and still used by the Russian Navy. This city is 4,202 miles from Moscow and 1,380 miles from Vladivostok.....so quite remote.
People were walking the small beach in the last hours of daylight (but the nights were not really dark at this time of year)...............and a few pleasure boats passed by.
In the distance as we sailed in to port we noted the always present, in all towns, statue of Lenin - in the left hand corner above................
........and were told later by our guide that the children call him 'Batman'.
This was the arrival area of the port where we tied up. Nothing fancy, very quiet and sedate, and just a few port authority employees to welcome us. They then come aboard to do the usual immigration clearance to enable us to leave the ship the following morning.
Morning of June 2, 2013
Socked in with early morning fog, a loud rumbling brought our transportation for the morning tour to the Sled Dog Kennel.
No energetic fancy dancing children here, just a delightful, gentle welcome by the accordion, and the beautiful Russian woman offering the traditional bread and salt welcome, read more HERE.
The fog cleared and it wasn't long until the sun was shining on the snowy forests of white birch trees. We climbed higher to reach our unusual 'restaurant' at the Siberian K9 Kennel and Lodge where lunch and entertainment was awaiting us...........
Entrance to the kennel......and of course the distant
scenery was stunning.
More coming...........dogs, good food, dancing and drinking!
Oops! Posted Part II prior to Part I - scroll back to see that one please.
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It did look rather dreary until you were greeted by the beautiful woman and accordion music. The mountains are just majestic. Enjoyed your visit too with the dogs and the wonderful children performers. Lenin as batman makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful peek into a world I have never been to Mary! Your welcome is beautiful, and there seems such a contrast between the bright and the grey. Thank you for taking us there.
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