Remote Aleutian Island Life on Akutan, Alaska

This is what remains of an old whaling station. From 1912-1939, the Pacific Whaling Company used this site for their shore based whaling endeavors. They would send out steam ships to harpoon nearby whales, then the boats would drag them back here to be rendered down for oil and meat.

Beyond the village, our guests explored a vast tundra covered valley, enjoying the wildflowers and interesting terrain.

Beautiful wildflowers abound in Akutan's valleys.

A few of our guests were up for the hard charger challenge. I hiked them way up to the top of the valley, where we had an amazing overlook into the next valley beyond.

Small streams flowed down through the valley. They hardly even slowed our hiking group down.

One foot in front of the other. This part of the hike took us through huge patches of wild geranium.

Starting to head up at the back of the valley.

Fisher's orchid.

Now we are getting some elevation.

Made it to the top. Akutan Volcano was trying to peak out of the clouds.

Down in the valley below, we could see herds of semi-feral cows, hot springs, and winding streams. Out in the bay we noticed about 12 whales feeding.

You can see our boat, way in the background. It was a really nice hard charger hike, here on Akutan.

Here the group is feeling quite confident as we head back down.

Back onboard, the guests and a few crew participated in a very unique polar plunge...the Bering Sea plunge!

After checking out the wild parts of Akutan Island, we landed in the small village, where about 80 people call home. It was fourth of July, and the residents even had a parade. It was a bunch of ATVs followed by bikes, along the boardwalk.

Luckily I checked in with the tribal leader before coming, so the town's only General Store was open for business. Checking out the General Store in these tiny villages always gives you a good idea about what life is like there.

There is a K-12 school here in Akutan village. After that, the students have to go to Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, or the mainland.