We did see more whales -- both humpbacked and orcas. It was interesting to have visited some of the webcam sites I had often viewed in the winter from Florida. Dutch Ballyhoo is one site where the weather is frequently awesomely bad ... Some of the webcams from Alaska are spectacular. Check them out at http://akweathercams.faa.gov/sitelist.php 
Approaching Akutan
You may have noticed the absence of trees in the Aleutians. With the exception of some stunted willows, the vast majority of the chain is destitute of native trees. This is because the islands and some of the sites on the Alaska Peninsula, much like the Falklands (Malvinas) and other islands of similar latitudes, experience such strong winds that taller trees are vulnerable to snapping off (Wikipedia).
Akutan has a population of 859. The sign on the dock gives you some idea of the level of sophistication. Don't get me wrong -- this is not a criticism. I loved it.
Characteristic of many of these remote islands, there were two churches ...
(one Russian Orthodox), a school, and a colorful bar.
On return to Cold Bay (where we were nearly left on the way out), the weather had improved and you can see the snow-covered peaks we missed on our earlier visit.
The interior of King Cove
The next stop on the Peninsula was King Cove (it was dark here on the way out). King Cove is the home of the Girls' volleyball team that saved us from being left at Cold Bay. Their trip to Dutch Harbor was successful as they won 2 of their 3 games. I got to know the 3 teachers on the trip and they graciously drove me around to see some of the sites during the hour the ferry stopped here.
We drove out to the airport passing serene vistas on the way. Waterfalls ...
valleys, and ...
a stunning lake.
The only trees in King Cove (this is where the teachers live).
They pointed out the amazing juxtaposition of these signs -- showing me where the bears come up a depression right next to this store.
The ferry as we drove back towards the port.
The weather had also improved when we visited Chignik again -- more beautiful scenery.
It is not possible to capture the grandeur of some of these sites in photos. In a way it is wonderful that they are so remote and, thus, less developed and infrequently visited (although the residents may not all feel that way).
A friendly resident of Chignik with Bob (a fellow traveler from Homer).
A view of the port of Chignik as we head back toward Kodiak and then Homer.
Getting close to Homer we began to see more boats in the water.
Approaching the docks at Homer ...
and finally, a view of Bishop's Beach at the end of the journey.
The picture of the church by the water is amazing. It looks so perfect, like it was painted on to the landscape. I also like the children playing/bear crossing signs. They remind me of that news story we saw about the children's bike race through the woods at the peak of bear activity. The quote from the story was something like, "Who thought that was a good idea?"
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I put the sign in there just for you -- remembering your post on signs from Las Vegas.
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