Mon 9th Sept.

Aniakchak 56.44N 15729W is technically not an island as it is part of the Alaskan mainland but is totally issolated from human interference on land by the huge Katmai National Park. Over 4 million acres it includes the island of Kodiak which we visit in two days time.

Our excursion crew was first away today and as the weather was kind with sunny patches and smooth seas Ilze ventured on to the zodiacs for the first (and I suspect her last) time. We had a leisurly cruise close to the shore with 3 forboding volcanoes looming over us. We saw lots of seals and seabirds and then a sealion appeared and the seals vanished. Our guide introduced us to fresh kelp for a morning snack which we all agreed was delcious. It camewith a kelp snail which no one wanted to try.

But no bears today. But we did see the very rare Alaskan Orienteering bee on the ships deck.

Now back on board to wrestle with the lunch menu.

Not seal again!!!!

Pete