Birds, snowcapped peaks, rugged islands, marine life…. all words that come to mind when someone mentions “The Aleutians”. A mystical chain of islands off the southwest of Alaska…. these images danced in my head as I said “YES!” to an opportunity to jump on a fish tender in Chignik, AK. Turns out Chignik is not in the Aleutian Islands! A little Alaska geography lesson: 
From Homer to Unalaska is
over 1,000 miles long. The Alaska Penninsula spans more than half that distance separating the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. Chignik is roughly half way down the penninsula.
The Aleutian Chain starts with Unimak Island and is marked by the community of False Pass, on the northern tip of Unimak, tucked in the channel separating the Alaska Pennisula and the Aleutian Islands. 
(photo is looking down at False Pass – across the channel is the end of the Alaska Penninsula)
The Aleutians are volcanic with active volcanos like Shishaldin on Unimak. They are said to be stunning on a sunny day – the only days you can see them – which are few and far between.
Weather in the Aleutians is windy, wet, rain, fog and a host of squalls, storms and williwaws. (I am not making that word up! It’s in the dictionary and is a sudden, violent, cold wind blowing down from mountain passes to the coast in far northern coasts). How you travel here is by Ferry or small plane. Planes are faster but weather dependent. The ferry – known as the Alaska Marine Highway System – is dependable but infrequent. The ferry only goes to Chignik 2 times a month! So this Fish Tender experience turns into an adventure just to get there.
People come from ALL OVER to bird in the Aleutians. I’ve seen Tufted Puffins, Horned puffins, Kittiwaks, cormorants, eagles, an Albatross and plenty of gulls. The Auklet is a special bird of this area… I’m not sure if I’ve seen them because I’m just not that good with my bird ID!
Not just home to birds and marine life, the Aleutians and Alaska Penninsula have small communities mostly focused around fishing and canneries. The Alleut, Unangan and other native peoples have been living in the Aleutians for hundreds of years.
This is Akatun – a particularly small community with no cars! (close to my heart) There is also a large cannery (not in the photo)
Truly a unique and beautiful part of the world to explore. The Aleutian adventure starts here as I board the ferry to travel down to Unalaska and then back up to Chignik. Come along!
Mirczak's Magical Year 