Dutch Harbor, Alaska - USA, Sept 27, 2014 -Part 1

We are in an remote outpost on the Aleutian Islands located about halfway between the US and Russian mainlands. This area was home to Aleut people for about 9,000 years and was discovered and colonized by the Russians in the 1700s. As with Kodiak, this area was rich in fishing and hunting. The Russians established a fur trade and sent missionaries here to convert the Aleut people, for whom they provided education and Russian citizenship. Post American purchase of Alaska in 1867 and during WWII, Unalaska Island (Dutch Harbor), became one of the only places in the US to see combat during a two day air attack by the Japanese army which was dubbed the The Battle of Dutch Harbor. There were several US casualties but due to very strategic planning by the US the Japanese aircraft carriers withdrew several days later. Today, Dutch Harbor is still known for its rich fishing waters, its spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing. Dutch Harbor has recently enjoyed new popularity as it is the location of the Discovery Channel's, Deadliest Catch - an amazing show showcasing the Arctic fishing of King Crab.

Our day was short here and made even shorter by the 9:00 o'clock sunrise. You see even though we have been heading west of the past several days our clocks have not changed as all of Alaska is on the same time zone. We may be longitude wise over Hawaii but we do not share the same time. We left the ship in the darkness at 8:30 with table mates Jeff and Ellie for a four and half hour hike. We had an amazing half day, walked through town along the shore line where we were able to get up close an personal with this huge crab pots. From friendly seals to many types of birds and eagles we headed up to the incredible views of "Bunker Hill". Apply named for the many bunkers built into the side of the hill with very strategic gun placements on top. The storms of the last few days are behind us as we experienced another rare, mainly sunny day. Back on the last shuttle at 1:00 pm for one of the best Salmon BBQ'a we have ever had - secret family recipe was used the fresh salmon marinade - amazing.

So as mentioned our clock has not changed (which also means a 9:00 pm sunset) and so this will catch up with us as we continue west and pass the International Date Line, we need to make up seven hours in these four days. So for the next three nights our clocks will drop back two hours per night where on the last night we go back the additional hour. All said during these clock timing adjustments we will lose a day as we cross "the Line". I believe on Monday night we go back the two hours only to instantaneously go ahead 24 hours, we therefore lose Tuesday and go straight to Wednesday. Confused... well stayed tuned and we will walk you through it.

Our pictures of our amazing day here in Unalaska (Dutch Harbor)