Survey Logistics

 

On our Shuyak survey we used inflatable kayaks by water, our feet on land, and planes and helicopters in the air. We got to and from Shuyak at the beginning and end of the survey in Keller's Cessna 206.  At the mid point of the trip Keller used his helicopter to move our gear south from the North end of the island past the cliffy section of coast on the east side of the island. Molly joined us for the day and we also used the helicopter to survey the off shore islands and places that are difficult for us to reach by kayak.

But most of the time we were hiking or kayaking. Two days were spent entirely on foot hiking along the coastline, and another 5 days were spent kayaking along the coast and going ashore to check likely spots on foot.  I spent a lot of time getting in and out of the kayak.  Sometimes I'd go ashore and hike a promising section of shoreline while Philip towed my kayak to meet me at the end.

In 9 days of survey we covered a lot of coastline.  It is hard to quantify exactly how much because the coastline is so indented and there are a great many islands. But we did cover over 20 miles in 2 days of hiking - and that is hiking without trails.  And on the last 2 days in the kayaks we paddled almost 25 miles of coastline. On the other days we covered comparable amounts of coastline. I'd guesstimate that we surveyed around 85 miles of coastline - and that's a lot!

Patrick

moving camp

we spent 4 nights at this campo in outer Shangin Bay

Cabin where we spent the first 2 nights

Arrival on Shuyak with all our gear

Our camp on Big Fort Island

Philip tows my kayak while I survey on shore

Our camp just south of the scary cliffy, 'Forbidden coast' section on the east side

Inflatable kayak on shore near Carshan Point

Molly and Keller surveying an off shore island

Molly taking notes and documenting a site