Russian Expedition: Russian Island

Once on the island the events on the ferry miraculous disappeared. In front of me was a natural wonderland. Quiet, unspoilt, with nature wildly growing in every direction, Russian island presented itself as a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Vladivostok. Being a port city Vlad has a rep of being a wild town where anything goes. It's population might only be around the 800 000 mark, however the city itself is constantly on the go and one could easily be mistaken that you are in a thriving metropolis.

Russian Island, a short 45min ferry ride away, is a little (amazingly) unspoilt oasis away from the port's lawless hysteria. Once a huge complex of forts, the island now is the residence of only a hand full of Russians, who commute back to the mainland everyday for work. I was rather taken back by the surroundings. Rolling hills and lush forests backing up to cliffs and coastline the island is pristine and void of litter!!! This last point alone highlights the fact that not to many day trippers make the journey across form Vlad.

We set off as a group up through the forest towards one of the forts. The trek was spectacular, ocean lapping the shore to our left and dense forest to our right, whilst a thick mist rolled in from the ocean. Fog and mist are a normal springtime phenomena here and coming form Brissy, I am still in awe whenever murkiness descends.

Once at the fort the view was almost apocalyptic. Stretching out in front of me, both the ocean and sky were indistinguishable. As I stood looking out over the ocean all that was in front of me was gray murkiness. It looked as if we had reached the end of the earth. Turning away from this eerie sight and looking back at the island I was met with another fascinating sight. Billowing gusts of mist were rolling in from the sea and enveloping the island like a blanket.

I was completely sold on the island. Such a natural gem. Perfect! Hold on a second. Nothing is perfect and my awe soon turned into horror as I discovered that the island is home to some mad killers! Not the weird outback, chain-saw wielding type but the almost microscopic insect type.

Ticks!! These guys are extremely venomous and can kill. The month of May is "tick time" just about all over Russia and Russian Island being the pristine natural paradise is home to a huge population of them. Well, there goes my retirement dreams. No way in the world is a little tick going to take me out!