![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 10
|
|
Kamchatka East Russia.
Has anyone visited Kamchatka. Looks an awsome place worthy of a visit, remember seeing a documentry which said you could only acsess by hellicopter. However looking on some sites I came across photos of a built up town so acsess must be possible. Will be driving an 8x8.
Any info will be greatly recived.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
|
|
My information is very dated, but since no once else has posted, I will give you my experience. In 1995 or 1996 I flew into Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski and did a week or ten day long adventure vacation--three or four days rafting (have forgotten which river). The river was fine--very dense vegetation and mosquitos, very remote. We encountered probably 2 or 3 hi-end (ie, Western clients) salmon fishing trips while on the river. It rained almost incessantly during our visit, but I remember our Russian guide starting a fire by rubbing two wet sticks together. Two of our guides were women, which I thought meant we were in for a pretty tame trip, but these women were TOUGH. By the end of the float trip, one's eye had swollen shut because of a mosquito bite (or something), and the other one's jaw had swollen to enormous proportions for the same reason. Needless to say, the bugs there are pretty serious.
Probably more relevant for your trip, we also took a 3-4 day trip into the volcano region (again, I forget exactly where). We had a Russian 4x4 truck with enormous wheels (which looked more like a lunar rover than anything) and just drove up the road a bit, and then cross-country into a valley between two volcanoes, which were partially covered by glaciers. Hiked up the volcano/glaciers, very cool. A spot amid the glaciers where geysers had melted the ice was marked by a handful of crosses where unfortunate hikers had fallen into the scalding geysers and perished.
We hoped to go the "Valley of Geysers" but that particular location was supposedly only accessible to helicopters, and the weather during our visit kept us grounded, so we had to scratch.
Bottom line, very cool, but be ready for some rainy weather and to adjust your travel plans accordingly.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Mar 2008
|
![Robbert's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar11263_2.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
|
|
Only over sea/by air
As far as I know you can only get there over sea or fly in. I'd be interested in any attempt to get there overland though... .
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
I am reliably informed (her indoors is Russian and we are currently visiting her parents) there is no way you can get to Kamchatka by any form of road transport except possibly in winter when everything is frozen and will support a suitable eqipped vehicle. Air or sea links only.
Once there there are townships with unmade but useable tracks between them.
The entire peninsular used to be 100% military only, apart from the indidginous peoples there, and non-military personnel were forbidden.
Now it is more open, but the authorities do all they can to discourage tourists because of the safety consequences arising from the natural dangers from volcanoes, hot gysers and earthquakes (at least one a day).
A friend of ours comes comes from there and I will ask her for an update when I see her in 2 weeks time.
Interesting sounding place though. One of the last real adventures?
I could look at being among the first group of motorcyclists to get there - keep in touch.
Edit - And I know a couple of highly experienced UK based riders who would also look at a serious attempt
Last edited by Tony P; 26 Mar 2008 at 21:50.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 10
|
|
Looks like this is going to be an interesting one. Tony sounds like you may be able to get the info. At the moment I'm looking at getting across in a 8x8 next year late summer. But I'm sure many would be interested in bike acsess.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
|
|
Good Post!
This is also a trip I am interested in attempting with my other half and the dog!! We would be in a Ural outfit, not a bike: perhaps best by the sounds of it....
I'll keep reading with interest.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 83
|
|
You could try checking with these guys
Kamchatka travel
Sounds like a pretty awesome place - if it is navigable I would be interested in thinking about riding up there from Vladivostok next year.
__________________
Malo periculosam libertatem quam quietam servitutem
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Moscow
Posts: 86
|
|
kamchtatka is russian iceland you know and obviously the promised land for extreme people - volkanos, hot springs, unbelivable hunting and fishing.
there are to way of getting there: from Vladik it'S BY FERRY ( ferries are regular and normal transport there) or BY LOCAL AIRLINES. from other parts of russia there are regular flights too to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the capital of the region.
the region itself is rather civilised and that's why - it our pacific military base. i mean ALL THE ISLAND. of course it's not covered all over whith marines, but all the settlments ( which are rather numerous) are in some way connected to army.
so any forigner must get a permission and, if allowed to come, a strict route.
my father served there and still lives as well as my bro-in-law. if anyone seriously interested i can ask questions, but details needed - dates, purpose and route.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
Motobelka
Thanks.
Maybe if this idea becomes more serious with some of us, we can meet to talk about it over a ![beer](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/beer.gif) one day, later in the year - at the Bikers Club or elsewhere. I will contact you in due course.
I am in Moscow right now, and come regularly (appartment close to Kuntsevskya Metro), even sometimes by bike from London, but not this visit. It is still a little too cold, although it is very nice here this week.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 10
|
|
really apreciate all the info guys and thanks Motobelka looks like you're a great contact to have. Going to meet up with a mate at the weekend and discuss this more. Just need to find someone whos driven/ridden through as the milatry must of laid some good off road tracks over the years from the mainland.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
27 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 83
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cookey
really apreciate all the info guys and thanks Motobelka looks like you're a great contact to have. Going to meet up with a mate at the weekend and discuss this more. Just need to find someone whos driven/ridden through as the milatry must of laid some good off road tracks over the years from the mainland.
|
Feel free to post anything you find out....
__________________
Malo periculosam libertatem quam quietam servitutem
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Moscow
Posts: 86
|
|
Tony,
we travelling people have weekly wensday meetings in Picasso pub ( Mikluho-Maklaya 15/16 on RUDN territory). sometimes therу are very interesting persons and next week i hope we welcome back our bro from his two-months south america trip. gathering time is about 8 or 9pm. look left from entrance u'll see a big table with noisy guys (the pub is really a student cafe so it we'll be easy to find comarades). if coming let me know
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
|
|
Motobelka
Thanks for the invitation. I know the road.
Unfortunately I am leaving Moskva on Wednesday evening. I will be back in a few weeks time and I will contact you with a Private Message.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 208
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cookey
Has anyone visited Kamchatka. Looks an awsome place worthy of a visit, remember seeing a documentry which said you could only acsess by hellicopter. However looking on some sites I came across photos of a built up town so acsess must be possible. Will be driving an 8x8.
Any info will be greatly recived.
|
куря острова - "The Smoking Islands". Amongst the first Russian words I learned (can I smoke here etc. etc.) and I've been interested in this place ever since. What 8x8 truck would you use? I hope to get to Pevek and 180 east in a Zil 131 but it has to be a winter passage for me.
__________________
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Mar 2008
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Moscow
Posts: 86
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fastship
êóðÿ îñòðîâà - "The Smoking Islands".
|
nonononono!! your translation is not correct sorry you're using wrong verb form.
"smoking" is ehhhhh.... a kind of Contineous i forgot the right termin ![Innocent](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/innocent.gif) , you should use the same tense in russian "êóðÿùèå".
but mind the double sense of the word(both russian and english) 1. tobbaco fume 2. fire fume. in russian name of islands corresponds with second meaninig and in this case you should surplus "ñÿ" to the verb which is verbal form for "self". so the better translation for "smoking islands" is "êóðÿùèåñÿ îñòðîâà" Êóðèëû, The Kurils.
but those islands are very far from Pevek
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|