18 Aug 2021

Whale Bone Alley, Pica and Ermine

Today we landed on Yttygran Island near Whale Bone Alley and the abandoned Sikluk settlement. The weather was warm and cloudy, and the flat sea promised an undisturbed day.

Welcomed ashore by Olga from Beringia National Park, she provided a detailed and fascinating introduction into the history and significance of Yttygran's archeological sites. As part of Beringia National Park's ongoing upgrades, there are also display stands handily explaining the history in both English and Russian at many locations on the island.

After exploring Whale Bone Alley and Sikluk settlement with Olga, our group split with one half hiking up to the top of a nearby hill for panoramic views while the other made their way to the bird cliffs. Here, our photography interested guests with long lenses captured encounters with curious Ermine and Pica.

Image © S.Graupner, Heritage Expeditions