VolcanoAdventures :: Kamchatka volcano tour Sep 2017

Kamchatka volcano tour Sep 2017 - tour diary

During 3-18 Sep 2017, Tom and 10 participants went on our first pilot tour to Kamchatka. Overall, the tour was fantastic!
Highlights included a 3 days stay at remote Karymsky volcano, exceptionally good weather conditions for Gorely, Mutnovsky, Uzon and Valley of Geysers, Klyuchevskoy volcano, a large explosion from Sheveluch, great company and lots of fun! The following is a quick first impression of the tour in pictures sorted chronologically.

|| Gallery Index

2 Sep 2017: The longest domestic flight in the world, Moscow-Petropavlowsk (7-8 hours), is almost over as the plane is descending in brilliant weather to the airport: we pass south of the majestic stratovolcano of Koryaksky looming over the Avachinsky Bay where the capital is located. In the background, the Zhupanowsky volcano complex, and (far left corner), Karymsky volcano with a small plume are visible as well. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

2 Sep 2017: The longest domestic flight in the world, Moscow-Petropavlowsk (7-8 hours), is almost ov... [info]
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Koryaksky's neighbor volcano, Avachinsky follows a few moments later to the left. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Koryaksky's neighbor volcano, Avachinsky follows a few moments later to the left. (Photo: Tom Pfeiff... [info]
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After the plane turned 180 deg into the western landing approach path, another volcano comes into the sight from the left windows: Vilyuchik stratovolcano at the edge of the southern plateau. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

After the plane turned 180 deg into the western landing approach path, another volcano comes into th... [info]
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The flatlands of the Avacha river delta with the southern plateau. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Meandering arms and swamps of the Avacha river. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Arrived! People leave the small luggage delivery room of the airport and are greeted by unusually good weather with snow-capped Koryaksky volcano behind. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Arrived! People leave the small luggage delivery room of the airport and are greeted by unusually go... [info]
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View of my simple, but comfortable hotel room. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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3 Sep: the group has all gathered and we decide to leave already today to Karymsky as a small Pacific cyclon with very bad weather is announced to hit over the next day, probably making flights impossible then. We load our luggage onto Sasha's 4x4 truck. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

3 Sep: the group has all gathered and we decide to leave already today to Karymsky as a small Pacifi... [info]
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After a short drive, we change our transportation vehicle... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Everybody on board (almost)! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The Russian helicopter inside is surprisingly spacious. We have everything we need and more for 3 days out in the wilderness with us. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The Russian helicopter inside is surprisingly spacious. We have everything we need and more for 3 da... [info]
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View of some tundra-covered low mountains during the flight towards ... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Karymsky volcano! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The helicopter keeps the engine running while we unload everything to return as soon as possible, before the weather worsens; fortunately, the rotor blades are at safe height. Karymsky volcano in the background emits a dense steam plume, while the sky is already covered with dense clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The helicopter keeps the engine running while we unload everything to return as soon as possible, be... [info]
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The helicopter leaves. The cozy volcanologists' hut where we will spend the next days is visible in the right. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The helicopter leaves. The cozy volcanologists' hut where we will spend the next days is visible in ... [info]
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Beautiful dark red wild flowers grow on the fields with steaming Karymsky volcano behind. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Beautiful dark red wild flowers grow on the fields with steaming Karymsky volcano behind. (Photo: To... [info]
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Volcanologist Dimitris from the Volcanological Institute has come with us to take spectroscopic gas measurements of Karymsky. He soon tells us that SO2 emissions are elevated. Will we see some eruptions? (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Volcanologist Dimitris from the Volcanological Institute has come with us to take spectroscopic gas ... [info]
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Volcanologist Alexei Ozerov from the Institute also has joined us and is giving a lecture about Kamchatka's volcanoes and eruption dynamics during tea time. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Volcanologist Alexei Ozerov from the Institute also has joined us and is giving a lecture about Kamc... [info]
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Dinner in the hut: (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The food is plenty and tasty, especially if one likes sea food and fish: Caviar, smoked and fresh salmon, fruit, dark bread, smoked bacon and hearty soups are standard ingredients. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The food is plenty and tasty, especially if one likes sea food and fish: Caviar, smoked and fresh sa... [info]
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5 Sep: after the announced cyclon which brought heavy winds and constant rain from the evening of 3 until the morning of 5 Sep, the sky has cleared up again. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

5 Sep: after the announced cyclon which brought heavy winds and constant rain from the evening of 3 ... [info]
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Ronny examines a rather fresh bear's footprint on the ash plain. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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We take a hike (about 6 km one way) through the caldera towards the crater lake of Akademia Nauk. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We take a hike (about 6 km one way) through the caldera towards the crater lake of Akademia Nauk. (P... [info]
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The crater lake of Akademia Nauk from the southern shore. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Warm springs in a natural hot pool at the small river near the hut provide an excellent way to warm up and relax. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Warm springs in a natural hot pool at the small river near the hut provide an excellent way to warm ... [info]
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Our superb team's core are our guide Andrey and the cook Alena. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Karymsky during the night: although it had intermittent explosions during the months before, the volcano decided to stay calm during out stay. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Karymsky during the night: although it had intermittent explosions during the months before, the vol... [info]
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6 Sep: nevertheless, we had a fantastic time in this unique and remote place. Group photo. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

6 Sep: nevertheless, we had a fantastic time in this unique and remote place. Group photo. (Photo: T... [info]
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The gas plume from the volcano is more or less drifting over us today as dry high-pressure weather has started to set in. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The gas plume from the volcano is more or less drifting over us today as dry high-pressure weather h... [info]
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View of the small river and Karaymsky in the background from a hill near the hut. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

View of the small river and Karaymsky in the background from a hill near the hut. (Photo: Tom Pfeiff... [info]
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3 days have passed quickly: it's time to pack luggage, clean the hut and prepare for our departure. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

3 days have passed quickly: it's time to pack luggage, clean the hut and prepare for our departure. ... [info]
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Back in the helicopter, we have spectacular aerial views today: this is the crater lake of Akademia Nauk, where we had been on foot yesterday, a neighboring active caldera. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Back in the helicopter, we have spectacular aerial views today: this is the crater lake of Akademia ... [info]
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On our request, the helicopter pilots agree to fly a round over Karymsky's steep and deep crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

On our request, the helicopter pilots agree to fly a round over Karymsky's steep and deep crater. (P... [info]
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The summit cone of Karymsky with parts of the Karymsky caldera walls behind. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The active caldera lake of Akademia Nauk volcano southeast of Karymsky seen from the helicopter. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The active caldera lake of Akademia Nauk volcano southeast of Karymsky seen from the helicopter. (Ph... [info]
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We pass snow-covered Zhupanovsky volcano as we fly southwards. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Foothills of Zhupanovsky massiv. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Tundra and rocky mountain tops. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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We approach the chain of Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Koryaksky volcano from the SW. Thanks to the past rain storm, the snow cover has grown considerably. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Koryaksky volcano from the SW. Thanks to the past rain storm, the snow cover has grown considerably.... [info]
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Koryaksky looming over the plain, seen shortly before landing again at the heliport near Elizovo town. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Koryaksky looming over the plain, seen shortly before landing again at the heliport near Elizovo tow... [info]
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Kamchatka's famous stone birch trees. Their wood is unusually strong and hard, which explains their name. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Kamchatka's famous stone birch trees. Their wood is unusually strong and hard, which explains their ... [info]
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7 Nov: we're inside our truck on our way to the southern plateau. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View from a bridge over a river. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View towards Vilyuchik volcano from the south. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The weather could not be better for landscape photography. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Campsite in the caldera of Gorely volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Vilyuchik volcano is always visible behind as we decide to climb Gorely in the afternoon. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Vilyuchik volcano is always visible behind as we decide to climb Gorely in the afternoon. (Photo: To... [info]
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The trail over old lava flow fields of Gorely is easy to walk, gently climbing for about 8 km and 800 m total gain from the base to the summit area. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The trail over old lava flow fields of Gorely is easy to walk, gently climbing for about 8 km and 80... [info]
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View towards Vilyuchik volcano from the lava fields of Gorely. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Stefan on the last, a bit steeper part of the trail below the summit. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View over Gorely's SE summit crater towards the SE, where the summit of neighboring Mutnovsky volcano is seen. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

View over Gorely's SE summit crater towards the SE, where the summit of neighboring Mutnovsky volcan... [info]
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The crater lake of the central summit crater of Gorely is partially frozen. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Lava layers from effusive and explosive eruptions of Gorely's crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The NW crater of Gorely, site of the most recent episode of unrest at the volcano during 2013-14 when a vent next to the small acid lake was emitting a hot jet of incandescent gas (at 900 deg temperatures). Now, it is calm again, but for how long? (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The NW crater of Gorely, site of the most recent episode of unrest at the volcano during 2013-14 whe... [info]
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Wider view of the NW crater of Gorely. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Last sunlight paints the inner crater walls with red light. Note the silhouettes of some hikers for scale. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Last sunlight paints the inner crater walls with red light. Note the silhouettes of some hikers for ... [info]
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A cinder cone on Gorely's NE flank. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A brilliant orange moonrise over the eastern horizon's mountain peaks. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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8 Sep: we hike to the crater of Mutnovsky volcano.. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The trail is mostly over glacial moraine and debris avalanche ground through the large valley that breaches the summit area towards the NE. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The trail is mostly over glacial moraine and debris avalanche ground through the large valley that b... [info]
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After some time walking, we realize that we are actually on the glacier. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Zoom onto the meltwater flow at the bottom of the glacier. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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As we are close to the central crater area, Markus takes pictures from a viewpoint. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

As we are close to the central crater area, Markus takes pictures from a viewpoint. (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
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The last section of the trail before reaching the summit crater floor. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Beautiful parallel volcanic dykes cutting the altered tuff and lava layers of the crater walls. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Beautiful parallel volcanic dykes cutting the altered tuff and lava layers of the crater walls. (Pho... [info]
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Thanks to intense hydrothermal activity, much of the exposed rocks from the crater walls and the ground are heavily altered; many contain horizons with pure sulfur. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Thanks to intense hydrothermal activity, much of the exposed rocks from the crater walls and the gro... [info]
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View of a strong fumarole in the crater wall beneath the massive glacier occupying the southern part of the crater visible in the background. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

View of a strong fumarole in the crater wall beneath the massive glacier occupying the southern part... [info]
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Altered volcanic rocks (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Steam plume and crevasses of the glacier behind. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Gas escaping from a sulfur-covered fumarole. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Abstract shapes and lines from fine-grained mud deposits near a fumarole. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Hot mud ponds are found in many spots in the alien crater area of Mutnovsky. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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On our way to the southwestern crater we have to pass a tongue of ice from the crater glacier. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

On our way to the southwestern crater we have to pass a tongue of ice from the crater glacier. (Pho... [info]
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Bizarre landscape of altered rocks and ice fields. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Almost reaching the SW end of the crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The site of the last eruption in 2000 is now only a shallow depression occupied by ice. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The site of the last eruption in 2000 is now only a shallow depression occupied by ice. (Photo: Tom ... [info]
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Ropes help ascending the wall between the central and SW crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Wide-angle view into the SW crater with the strongest fumarole emitting a dense steam plume. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Wide-angle view into the SW crater with the strongest fumarole emitting a dense steam plume. (Photo:... [info]
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Gypsum crystals and sulfur deposits that have formed by the fumarolic activity abound everywhere. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Gypsum crystals and sulfur deposits that have formed by the fumarolic activity abound everywhere. (P... [info]
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Steam vents. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Gray-bluish hot pool (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Small pond reflecting a fumarole's steam plume. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A vigorously boiling mud pool. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The mud fountain boiling in the middle of the pond is about 1-2 meters high. Taking pictures of the various mud formations with short exposure times can be fun, but takes patience to catch the right moment. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The mud fountain boiling in the middle of the pond is about 1-2 meters high. Taking pictures of the ... [info]
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Elemental sulfur deposits form by sublimation around a fumarole. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View of dykes cutting the altered volcanic layers of the crater walls. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Zoom onto ice layers of the glacier's tongue filling the NW valley. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View over Gorely shield volcano in the evening light. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A deep canyon ("dangerous canyon") with vertical walls and a waterfall about 50 m tall is formed by the meltwater flow from the crater at the NW slopes of Mutnowsky. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A deep canyon ("dangerous canyon") with vertical walls and a waterfall about 50 m tall is formed by ... [info]
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Eroded old volcanic dyke in the foothills of Mutnovsky. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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9 Sep: before returning to Elizovo, we explore a lava tube from Gorely volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer... [info]
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A small glacier occupies parts of the 20 m wide tube. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A ladder is conveniently placed to descend from the tube's glacier into its deeper parts. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A ladder is conveniently placed to descend from the tube's glacier into its deeper parts. (Photo: To... [info]
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Glassy formations of lavasickles cover much of the walls: when active, the walls of the tube were covered with molten glass that started to drip down onto the floor, generating thousands of small lava stalactites. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Glassy formations of lavasickles cover much of the walls: when active, the walls of the tube were co... [info]
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10 Sep: the exceptionally good weather from the past days is gone, but today is only a long transfer (500 km) to the north. Sokoch village on the road is a convenient stop for a coffee or snack. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

10 Sep: the exceptionally good weather from the past days is gone, but today is only a long transfer... [info]
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Local delicacies on offer inside one of the many small shops. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Rusted waste somewhere along the long road to Kozyrevsk. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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In Milkovo town, about half way, we briefly stop at Elena's (our cook's) parents' home to stock up on fresh potatoes and vegetables. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

In Milkovo town, about half way, we briefly stop at Elena's (our cook's) parents' home to stock up o... [info]
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Soviet-style appartment blocks in Milkovo. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A small fountain near the center of the town waits for visitors. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Textures and colors are amazing. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Rust and faded wall posts. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Green wood (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Autumn leaves (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The second part of the long transfer suddenly becomes much more fun when a bottle of Vodka appears from the back seat rows... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The second part of the long transfer suddenly becomes much more fun when a bottle of Vodka appears f... [info]
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The long gravel road towards the north, though seemingly endless forests. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View of my cozy cabin of the guesthouse. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Finally, we've arrived in the guesthouse in the Siberian village of Kozyrevsk. It is very comfortable here, with a Banya to warm up and wooden cabins. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Finally, we've arrived in the guesthouse in the Siberian village of Kozyrevsk. It is very comfortabl... [info]
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11 Sep: we're on our way towards the western flank of Tolbachik volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Red and yellow colors mix with various shades of green. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The drive takes about 2 hours through beautiful autumn-colored forest. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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After the forest, we reach the tundra - glowing red and yellow. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Karl is excited about the colors and takes picture after picture. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A small erosion gully exposes the youngest volcanic layers from Tolbachik: different ash and pumice layers can be recognized. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A small erosion gully exposes the youngest volcanic layers from Tolbachik: different ash and pumice ... [info]
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The tundra at this time of year is full of berries (cranberries and blueberries)... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The tundra at this time of year is full of berries (cranberries and blueberries)... (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
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Unfortunately, the weather stays foggy. But our moods are lit up by a campfire and more... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Unfortunately, the weather stays foggy. But our moods are lit up by a campfire and more... (Photo: T... [info]
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The massive northern flank of Tolbachik volcano briefly comes into sight from our position at Stolik hut. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The massive northern flank of Tolbachik volcano briefly comes into sight from our position at Stolik... [info]
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12 Sep: as the weather forecast is promising an improvement, we directly go to Sheveluch volcano, approaching it from the southeast. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

12 Sep: as the weather forecast is promising an improvement, we directly go to Sheveluch volcano, ap... [info]
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Setting up camp in the pyroclastic flow field at about 10 km distance from the lava dome. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Setting up camp in the pyroclastic flow field at about 10 km distance from the lava dome. (Photo: To... [info]
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Campfire at night while waiting for clear skies. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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13 Sep: A large explosion occurrs in the morning, producing a towering ash column that rises 7-8 km above the dome. Unfortunately, the dome itself remains covered by clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

13 Sep: A large explosion occurrs in the morning, producing a towering ash column that rises 7-8 km ... [info]
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View towards the summit of Sheveluch and its lava dome, both remaining hidden in clouds, unfortunately. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

View towards the summit of Sheveluch and its lava dome, both remaining hidden in clouds, unfortunate... [info]
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View of the southern rims of the older Sheveluch volcano's collapse crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Skeletons of trees killed by pyroclastic flows about 3-5 years ago remind us that it's not a good idea to stay very long at this place. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Skeletons of trees killed by pyroclastic flows about 3-5 years ago remind us that it's not a good id... [info]
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New life grows on the devastation area. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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On our way to Klyuchevskoy volcano we stop in Klyuchi village. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Colorful decoration of a street light. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Evening view of majestic Klyuchevskoy volcano: rising to more than 4800 m elevation from almost sea level, it is the largest free-standing stratovolcano in the world and one of its most active ones, too. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Evening view of majestic Klyuchevskoy volcano: rising to more than 4800 m elevation from almost sea ... [info]
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Evening view of the small volcanologists' mountain hut. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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14 Sep: morning view of snow-covered Klyuchevskoy volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Some put their tents on the ridge formed by an old, large eruptive fissure. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View back towards Sheveluch volcano emitting a steam plume. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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We have hiked about 2 hours to reach the "Konus D" cinder cone on the NE flank, where volcanologists are installing a new GPS station. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

We have hiked about 2 hours to reach the "Konus D" cinder cone on the NE flank, where volcanologists... [info]
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Night-time view of Klyuchevsky volcano. No lava is visible this time. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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15 Sep: Winter greeting: over night, a snow front passed, letting temperatures drop to minus 5-10, challenging our sleeping bags. All were fine. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

15 Sep: Winter greeting: over night, a snow front passed, letting temperatures drop to minus 5-10, c... [info]
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Now, the snow also covered the cones we climbed yesterday. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Back to our comfortable guesthouse in Kozyrevsk village. Karl finds a new friend. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Back to our comfortable guesthouse in Kozyrevsk village. Karl finds a new friend. (Photo: Tom Pfeif... [info]
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Moment of peace and happiness. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Shortly before sunset, the sun comes out from below a dense cloud deck, paining the forest yellow. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Shortly before sunset, the sun comes out from below a dense cloud deck, paining the forest yellow. (... [info]
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16 Sep: transfer day. In the afternoon, we get a brief view of Bakening volcano during our drive back to Elizovo. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

16 Sep: transfer day. In the afternoon, we get a brief view of Bakening volcano during our drive bac... [info]
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Evening view of Koryaksky volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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17 Sep: helicopter excursion to Uzon caldera and Valley of Geysers. On our way, we pass erupting Zhupanovsky volcano which had a phreatic explosive eruption an hour earlier, perhaps triggered by this morning's magnitude 5 earthquake nearby. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

17 Sep: helicopter excursion to Uzon caldera and Valley of Geysers. On our way, we pass erupting Zhu... [info]
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View of the beautiful tundra below. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View back to Zhupanovsky volcano from the north. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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An announcement by the flight attendant: we are about to reach and overfly Karymsky volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

An announcement by the flight attendant: we are about to reach and overfly Karymsky volcano. (Photo:... [info]
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The young stratocone of Karymsky is composed mainly by viscous lava flows occupying a circular caldera. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The young stratocone of Karymsky is composed mainly by viscous lava flows occupying a circular calde... [info]
(197 Hits)

As the helicopter passes at near distance, we also get a good view into the crater. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

As the helicopter passes at near distance, we also get a good view into the crater. (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
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Next announcement by the stewardess: Maly Semiachik volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A turquoise acid crater lake occupies the summit crater of Maly Semiachik. It is one of the most acid in the world. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A turquoise acid crater lake occupies the summit crater of Maly Semiachik. It is one of the most aci... [info]
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Reaching Uzon caldera. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The caldera is approx. 8-12 km wide and was formed by multiple large explosive eruptions in the past. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The caldera is approx. 8-12 km wide and was formed by multiple large explosive eruptions in the past... [info]
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The flat floor of the caldera contains lakes and tundra. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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It is also the largest and most active geothermal field in Kamchatka. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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First stop as the helicopter has landed near the rangers' station. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Colorful ground and small rivers. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Partially dried-up mud ponds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Circular mud pond about 3 meters across. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Steam vents are seem in many places. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Autumn and mineral colors mix beautifully. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Small ponds (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View onto the landscape on the way to the next stop, the Valley of Geysers, a short 5 mins flight away. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

View onto the landscape on the way to the next stop, the Valley of Geysers, a short 5 mins flight aw... [info]
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Red mud volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Area with numerous hot springs. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Array of small geysers (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Bubbling spring (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Light curtains (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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An eruption of the "Big Geyser" ejects jets of steam and water to about 10 meters height. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

An eruption of the "Big Geyser" ejects jets of steam and water to about 10 meters height. (Photo: To... [info]
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On the way back, we pass Zhupanovsky volcano again, which now emits only a dense steam plume. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

On the way back, we pass Zhupanovsky volcano again, which now emits only a dense steam plume. (Photo... [info]
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Some take the opportunity of a natural warm spring. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The water is so nice and warm that it's difficult to get out of it again. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Evening view of Koryaksky (l) and Avachinsky (r) volcanoes from a field near our dacha (guesthouse). (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Evening view of Koryaksky (l) and Avachinsky (r) volcanoes from a field near our dacha (guesthouse).... [info]
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18 Sep: early morning view over the Avachinsky Bay. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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View acorss the fog-covered bay towards Vilyuchinsky volcano. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Our last excursion is a motor boat tour around the bay. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Famous Kamchatka crab. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The "3 brothers", eroded sea pillars near the exit of the bay to the open Pacific. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The "3 brothers", eroded sea pillars near the exit of the bay to the open Pacific. (Photo: Tom Pfeif... [info]
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The excursion is lot of fun as we try our fishing skills. Britta already catches her lunch quickly. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The excursion is lot of fun as we try our fishing skills. Britta already catches her lunch quickly. ... [info]
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Livia has success, too, in the end... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Dramatic coastlines of eroded volcanic rocks. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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We also catch a large king crab. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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And a diver brings up a bucket of sea urchins. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Columnar-jointed lava formations. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Many sea birds also inhabit the area. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Sea lions relaxing in the (for them) fine weather. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Lunch on board: salmon soup, fresh sushi, sea urchin and fried fish from our catch. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Lunch on board: salmon soup, fresh sushi, sea urchin and fried fish from our catch. (Photo: Tom Pfei... [info]
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Plus, of course, (but only outside on deck), "all you can eat" Kamchatka crab. Livia is very happy! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Plus, of course, (but only outside on deck), "all you can eat" Kamchatka crab. Livia is very happy! ... [info]
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Afternoon stroll through downtown of Petropawlowsk. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Stairway near the theatre. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Kamchatka's symbols: bears and... (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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... the volcanoes! group photo at the "Russia begins here" monument. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Kamchatka volcano tour Sep 2017 - tour diary