Down to Kambalny Ridge via Ilynsky volcano and Kurile Lake.

It was farewell to Ksudach, as we choppered down toward the Kambalny and Koshelev volcanoes – which are so far south that you can clearly see three of the northern Kuril Islands. On the way, we passed both Ilynsky volcano and Kurile Lake…

Kurile Lake in so-so weather ->

The peak of Ilynsky volcano. I was last here in August 2015 ->

Check out the huge hole in the side of the volcano left after an explosive eruption (when it occurred I don’t know) ->

Heading south, highly recommended is a stop at Kurile Lake – one of the main tourist spots in Kamchatka and a good refueling place for our rotor-winged friend. The lake’s known not only for its magnificent views but also the huge population of bears that feed on the salmon that spawn in the lake and its tributaries:

At the source of the Ozernaya River, which flows out of the lake, there’s a kordon (camp) named after the same river (-> Ozerny) where the staff of the reserve, researchers, and tourists stay:

The traditional bust of Lenin. It’s been here since time immemorial – now placed next to a specially arranged… smoking shelter! ->

One of the most interesting places near the camp is this partition across the river. It has several passages for the researchers to count the number salmon that go spawning ->

For curious tourists there are boards with “all about salmon” info ->

The main attraction: the bears that fish for salmon in the river:

Usually, when folks see a bear, they prefer to stay away from it. Here, on the contrary, people try to get closer to take better photos!…

Look how well-fed and relaxed they are:

There’s another one coming ashore:

The Beast is actually the Beauty ) ->

More bear portraits:

We refueled, had hugs with the gamekeepers we know, and flew on toward the Kambalny Ridge…

That’s all for today folks, but I’ll be back with more Kam-2024 reports shortly…

The rest of the photos from our Kamchatka-2024 trip are here.