In the polar regions you expect to see seals, polar bears and foxes but HORSES? On an island? Meet the wild horses of Unalaska, Alaska. This small herd of wild horses lives outside the town of Unalaska on the island where the Healy is docked at Dutch Harbor. These six horses are kind of a mystery. Whatever their story is, they are well suited to a chilly lifestyle though. We got an up close and personal visit from this one! Look at his thick fur, you have to have a pretty good coat to make it through the winter out here!
This friendly horse just wanted ONE more apple!
Who else lives on the island?
Birds! Check out these talons. What kind of bird do you think these feet belongs to?
This juvenile was very curious about my turkey sandwich. He got very close.
That's right, a bald eagle. Bald eagles are so common here that they are like sparrows to the locals. Take a look at this group of them eating out of a net that some watermen are laying out. Other birds that enjoy the plentiful seafood bounty that the waters around the island supply are Cormorants, Emperor Geese and Oystercatcher.
Eagles feast on the leftovers from a fishing net.
Mystery tracks! I spotted some tracks in the snow this morning. Take a look... who do you think these below to?
I spotted these mystery tracks just before daybreak as I was hiking up the hill to see the sunrise. Was I the only animal up there?
People! Unalaska, zip code 99685, was once named "near the mainland" in the native Aleut Language. This was translated to many similar sounding English words before it finally became the name it is today. Many of the residents work at the seafood processing plants on the island or as fishermen. The population changes depending on what type of fishing is in season- Halibut, Crab or Cod.
Here are some scenes from around "town"...
This is the oldest church in North America. In this church, men sit on one side, women on the other.
Can you imagine if this was the view outside your bedroom window? Move to Unalaska and it could be.
These are the pots that crabbers haul into Dutch Harbor full of fresh crab meat.
We set sail tomorrow! More soon... Ms. W