After leaving Tokyo we were at sea for 3 days. Each day was getting a little cooler as we traveled in a Northerly direction towards the Kamchatka Peninsula. Petropavlosk is the largest settlement on the Peninsula and a major Russian submarine base.
This remote Far Eastern Russian outpost sees few cruise ships: the only way in or out of Petropavlosk is by plane. Several entertainers were leaving the ship, flying to Moscow (8 hours) or Tokyo or Hong Kong. The port is home to a large fishing fleet with most of the catch exported to Japan. Many of the cars in the city of 240,000 were right hand drive cars from Japan.
A visa is not required to visit the city for passengers from the cruise ship. But, there is very strict passport control for everyone going ashore. This procedure took several hours.
The Russian Flag is raised on the ship as a courtesy as we approach the port.
While at anchor we can see the large fishing fleet and part of the Down Town area.
Skiing is a major winter past time in Petropavlosk, with the ski runs just out of town. It is now the first week of May and there is plenty of snow still around. The large banks of snow in town won't be melted until early June.
As you can see we are prepared for cool weather, and anxious to get ashore.
With temperatures just over freezing a few hardy souls take up the challenge for an early morning swim. Many more of us are spectators.
Our first stop on our tour was at a newly constructed Russian Orthodox Church
The church interior was very ornate and beautifully finished.
There are no pews and very few seats in this church, as those in the congregation are expected to stand.
The churches ceiling was on a par with the rest of the interior...beautifully done.
Apartment buildings and one of many mountains surrounding the city.
Just a little snow left over from last winter.
Looking down on a very protected harbour.
The Regional Museum showing the military history of the area.
Murals, pictures and armaments that have been used in previous wars.
Pictures of the local military and submarine base.
After our visit to the museum we headed back into town and a visit to the local market/shopping center. A wide variety of stores and products were available but the very large sea food store stands out in our mind. Fresh sea food of every description was on display in long rows of glass cabinets. This was proof of their large fishing resources in the North Pacific.
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