Anadyr

Ever since I started my research in the Bering Strait, I've been wanting to travel across the short distance to Russia. Last week, I had my chance, taking a small plane for the 2 hour ride to Anadyr, the regional capital of Chukotka. We landed along side Bear Bombers and were met by an entourage of military and customs officials.



For a reason, I'm still a little unclear on, Anadyr is separated from it's airport by a mile or so of water. This involves a ride in a small landing craft as for us in summer, an ice road in winter, and in the intervening seasons, a helicopter.



I went to present my walrus research at the annual Beringia Days conference. It was a great chance to meet collaborators in person and to share information on walrus research.



Roman Abramovich is the governor of Chukotka. Britain knows him as the owner of Chelsea football club. Anadyr knows him for the extensive investments he has made in Chukotka, including in some new paint!







Anadyr is an interesting mix of the old and new. Large murals and Russia's largest wooden orthodox church. We went to a service which was quite moving in its ethereal beauty and singing.



On one of the last days, we took a trip out onto the tundra for a wonderful barbecue of reindeer chased down with some great vodka.



As usual, I was captivated by the kids. We were delayed for a few days due to cross winds at the airport and took a tour of the local kindergarten. Here are a few of my favorite photos.





Finally, at the airport we met families stuck for two days waiting to travel an hour toward Alaska to the town of Providenya. They were fun to play with, including Amy here from KNOM in Nome who used the camera distortion program on her mac to entertain them for at least an hour!

Musings before the Fall

August turned out pretty busy with comprehensive exams and a work trip to Portland, but didn't stop the necessary few last trips to enjoy the summer before it eases into winter. The chill is already in the air and the nights dark and starry again. Northern Lights on Friday were some of the best I've ever seen (see our friend Patrick's blog for some photos of them and the cranes that are congregating before heading south). Here are a few photos of the last weeks. A productive trip out into the hills to pick blueberries with Ben and Julie. You have to wonder if Ben has a red bucket for raspberries and and an orange one for salmon berries.





Yesterday, had a chance to catch up with Kyle and Julie (now back from their wedding and honeymoon in Africa), and another friend Adrian on a mellow float along the Chena River in Fairbanks. Kyle and Julie are enjoying the cleanliness of Fairbanks...which believe me is a telling story of Africa!



The paddle was a pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon, even with the Discovery paddle wheel churning past us during lunch. Even though it was now September 1st, the sun was hot keeping dogs in the shade and us relaxed and ready for ice cream at the finish.