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- Jul 11, 2008
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<div class="entry-content">
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-71.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Iturup Island is the largest island of the Kuriles. It is unspeakably beautiful and has a length of 200 kilometers. One of its sides is washed by the Pacific Ocean and there is the Sea of Okhotsk on the other side. Almost the whole island is a nature reserve.</p>
<p><br />
<br /><span id="more-73082"></span></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-14.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>There are no mountains there but it has nine active volcanoes and Stokap is the highest one. In the picture you see its crater.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-17.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Approaching the island.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-18.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>People may come to these hot springs at any time of the day and swim there for free. But remember that it’s going to hurt if you have a cut or a burn.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-20.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-21.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The island is rich for its mineral resources. At the time of the Soviet Union a lot of geologic works have been done there (like exploring fields and road construction) but in 90s all of it broke down.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-37.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>An abandoned geological base.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-22.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>There are several cities on the island. The largest one which has a population of 10 thousand people, is Kurilsk. A lot of military men live in presidios, like in the one from the picture. A few people which can be seen wandering in the streets, look rather depressed which is understandable.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-23.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-24.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-25.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>An asphalt road is a nonsense there. The road in the picture is one of the best roads you can find. People use shores (sandy) as a road to get to some place. The infrastructure is in a very poor condition. There are no cinemas, the Internet is slow and expensive, the only bar is open until 8 p.m. on workdays and until 3 a.m. at weekends. Both the food and personnel there suck.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-26.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>What is surprising is that true patriots live under these circumstances!</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-27.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Bear density is crazy! So, taking a hand flare with you would be a piece of good advice.</p>
<p>People do not go up to the volcano often because it’s pretty hard. In the picture you see the few who try.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-28.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-29.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This is a path leading up to the volcano.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-30.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The result of the walking tour is worth every effort made. Look at that! You can see the Pacific Ocean from here! The explosion which is far away, is a military exercise.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-31.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Starting a radial tour to the top of the volcano.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-32.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It usually takes a day to get to the top and then get back to the camp.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-33.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-34.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-35.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-38.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Inside of the tube there is iodine.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-39.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-40.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-41.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-42.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A hungry fox.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-43.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This is one of the seasonal workers. Most of them are former prisoners.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-44.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It’s swarming with crabs!</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-45.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-46.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Military men driving along the shore.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-47.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-48.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>One of the bays overlooking Bogdan Khmelnitsky Volcano.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-49.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The city of Kurilsk.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-50.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-51.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Bears soaking up some sun in the snow.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-52.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-53.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-54.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This geothermal power plant supplies the whole island with electricity. It’s cheap and ecologically friendly.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-55.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-56.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A canyon leading to the Sea of Okhotsk.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-58.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-59.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-60.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A bay.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-61.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-62.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>These are volcanic islands some of which have magnetite sand.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-63.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The Sea of Okhotsk shore.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-64.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Three curious seals.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-65.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-66.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-67.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-68.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. It has a ski resort.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-72.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>One more bear.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-73.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A stream of sulphur. It’s dangerous to stay near it for too long.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-74.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-75.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-76.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-77.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-78.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-79.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-80.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-81.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A bear again!</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-71.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Iturup Island is the largest island of the Kuriles. It is unspeakably beautiful and has a length of 200 kilometers. One of its sides is washed by the Pacific Ocean and there is the Sea of Okhotsk on the other side. Almost the whole island is a nature reserve.</p>
<p><br />
<br /><span id="more-73082"></span></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-14.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>There are no mountains there but it has nine active volcanoes and Stokap is the highest one. In the picture you see its crater.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-17.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Approaching the island.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-18.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>People may come to these hot springs at any time of the day and swim there for free. But remember that it’s going to hurt if you have a cut or a burn.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-20.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-21.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The island is rich for its mineral resources. At the time of the Soviet Union a lot of geologic works have been done there (like exploring fields and road construction) but in 90s all of it broke down.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-37.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>An abandoned geological base.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-22.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>There are several cities on the island. The largest one which has a population of 10 thousand people, is Kurilsk. A lot of military men live in presidios, like in the one from the picture. A few people which can be seen wandering in the streets, look rather depressed which is understandable.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-23.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-24.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-25.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>An asphalt road is a nonsense there. The road in the picture is one of the best roads you can find. People use shores (sandy) as a road to get to some place. The infrastructure is in a very poor condition. There are no cinemas, the Internet is slow and expensive, the only bar is open until 8 p.m. on workdays and until 3 a.m. at weekends. Both the food and personnel there suck.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-26.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>What is surprising is that true patriots live under these circumstances!</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-27.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Bear density is crazy! So, taking a hand flare with you would be a piece of good advice.</p>
<p>People do not go up to the volcano often because it’s pretty hard. In the picture you see the few who try.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-28.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-29.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This is a path leading up to the volcano.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-30.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The result of the walking tour is worth every effort made. Look at that! You can see the Pacific Ocean from here! The explosion which is far away, is a military exercise.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-31.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Starting a radial tour to the top of the volcano.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-32.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It usually takes a day to get to the top and then get back to the camp.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-33.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-34.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-35.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-38.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Inside of the tube there is iodine.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-39.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-40.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-41.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-42.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A hungry fox.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-43.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This is one of the seasonal workers. Most of them are former prisoners.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-44.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It’s swarming with crabs!</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-45.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-46.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Military men driving along the shore.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-47.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-48.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>One of the bays overlooking Bogdan Khmelnitsky Volcano.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-49.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The city of Kurilsk.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-50.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-51.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Bears soaking up some sun in the snow.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-52.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-53.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-54.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This geothermal power plant supplies the whole island with electricity. It’s cheap and ecologically friendly.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-55.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-56.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A canyon leading to the Sea of Okhotsk.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-58.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-59.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-60.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A bay.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-61.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-62.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>These are volcanic islands some of which have magnetite sand.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-63.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The Sea of Okhotsk shore.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-64.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Three curious seals.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-65.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-66.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-67.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-68.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. It has a ski resort.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-72.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>One more bear.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-73.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A stream of sulphur. It’s dangerous to stay near it for too long.</p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-74.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-75.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-76.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-77.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-78.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-79.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-80.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://media.englishrussia.com/112011/iturupisland/iturupislandphotos-81.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A bear again!</p>
