31/05/2020
U is for Unalaska
Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Unalaska is affixed geographically on the Aleutian chain, and historically in the midst of 10,000-year-old Unangan culture, and in the eras of Russian fur traders, Captain Cook, World War II, and of a commercial fishing industry that ranks above all others in the United States.
Unalaska, the small, wind-swept volcanic rock, draws researchers, tourists, adventurers, birders, World War II buffs, fishermen, and seasonal workers – so many that the population swells from about 4,000 in winter to nearly 10,000 in summer.
The land has a fierce beauty, luring hikers of all levels, as well as experienced and even hard-core kayakers, sea paddlers, gliders, surfers and other adventure sporting enthusiasts. Passionate fishers can find local charters to lead them to the world’s best salmon, king crab, halibut and others. Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch fans often meet their favorite captains and crew, whether by chance in town or at the Carl E. Moses Boat Harbor where most of them are docked when not at sea. And, with the world famous Baby Islands birding sanctuary just 20 miles off shore, birders from all over the world make Unalaska their destination spot to meet the rare Whiskered Auklet, and more.
Who'd have thought that there was a place in Alaska called Unalaska!? I only visited this island once, during the crossing from Alaska to Japan. This picture was taken at 11am, and it was still dark!