Kamchatka Peninsula
 

I am going to be there for 2 days this summer, providing they don't change our itinerary due to SARS. The school (I am traveling with Semester at Sea) has given us plenty of field programs for what to do in the city of Petropavlovsk and the surrounding areas. The hot springs look interesting and so do the killer whales. I was just wondering if anyone had any information on viewing the whales or any other "musts" for the peninsula. Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions

I have not been but it certainly is a place I would love to visit. I saw a television programme once and it looked amazing. Do tell us about it when you come back, I hear the scenary is splendid.

Thanks for the reassurance! It does look beautiful, but my hopes are not soaring for the trip with the new news about Beijing and the SARS outbreaks. Keep your fingers crossed that I make it there in June...if not we are off to a South Pacific itinerary.

Have only flown into Petropavlosk on a flight to Uzhno-Sakhalin. It is a gorgeous area. Quite stunning with the tall peaks that seem to rise right out of the water. We dropped off about 10 American sports fisherman who talked of the area like it was a mecca for trout fisherman.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Michael

Hey, im an saser, but of course I didnt go there. are you sailing now?<BR>suessd

Suessd,<BR>Not a current sailer, but almost! I am going to be on this summer's boat. I am part of the Law at Sea program--I think their summer law program is pretty new. They are still planning on a Pacific Rim itinerary but things change daily. It is starting to get quite frustrating not being able to mak plans either way. The current voyage missed out on ports in Vietnam and China due to SARS, they were out to sea for 14 days! I guess they got ahead in their classes which are now ending earlier than planned. <BR><BR>Although I am a little frustrated with the uncertainty of the itinerary, I know this summer is going to be incredible and I can't wait. I have heard NOTHING but positive things about everyone's adventure on SS Universe Explorer.

Ok, here's some more positive stuff on sas! I was on the fall 01 voyage, and we called it the trip to &quot;god knows where next&quot; we literally turned around in the middle of the night the night before kenya and ended up in the Seychelles. It was great - all part of the experience. oh, and I got to do a whalewatching trip in Alaska (i worked on a ship there last summer) and it wasAWESOME get a katamaran if you can - they can get really close without scaring the animals.<BR>Is that in russia?

Yes, the Kamchatka Peninsula is part of Russia. I am looking forward to our Alaska stop, if we make it. We are supposed to hit Sitka and Kodiak and then on to Russia. If not, we still leave out of Vancouver but go to Hilo instead. If I make it Alaska I will definitely take your advice, thanks.

I am topping this message because they have changed our itinerary and we ARE going to Petropavlovsk. The only trips that SAS has provided to see Killer Whales are some of the fishing trips and they just say &quot;may spot killer whales.&quot; I need a more definite answer than that!! Has ANYONE spent time there...I have some time but want to start plannig now. I will be there in the middle of June for two days.