![\"\"](\"http:\/\/arcticocean.globaloceanexploration.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/finalblogposts-5.jpg\" "\\"finalblogposts-5\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nOn October 27, the snow-dusted peaks of Dutch Harbor appeared in the distance and I knew that the expedition was coming to a close. Cruising through the Southern Bering Sea, there were many birds including fulmars, albatross and a variety of gulls soaring indicating that we were back in the prolific waters of the Bering Sea. \u00a0The abundance of fishing vessels on the radar indicated that we were in the midst of crab fishing season and that we were nearing \u201ccivilization.\u201d\u00a0 Until the 26th<\/sup> when we entered the crab fishing grounds, there were no other vessels in any proximity to the Healy for weeks.\u00a0 As we pulled into Dutch Harbor, I was struck by the beauty of the Aleutians with mountains rising out of the water protecting this vital Alaskan port.\u00a0 It is a truly beautiful place with eagles soaring and otters frolicking.\u00a0 The sun came out illuminating the mountains.\u00a0 After passing Priest Rock, we turned and could see the low buildings of Dutch Harbor and Unalaska.\u00a0 Upon completing a successful mission, we returned to port and felt dry land for the first time in four weeks.<\/p>\n The view from the airport parking lot before flying home…Goodbye Dutch Harbor…<\/p>\n \n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n