Сhange in the White Sea excursion logistics

 

Dear participants in the pre- and post-conference field trips "Early Precambrian Eclogites of the Belomorian Province, Fennoscandian Shield"!

This is to inform you about a change in the White Sea excursion logistics which we have to make. Unfortunately, the vessels booked will not be ready for sailing on the date announced earlier. To hold the White Sea excursion, you will be taken to the village of Gridino by train and bus. The timetable and scientific programme of the excursions REMAIN UNCHANGED. In Gridino, you will be accommodated and have meals in Gridino residents’ houses for eco-tourists. Motorboats with a capacity of 3 to 5 people will be used to take you to the outcrops. It will take about 10 minutes to get to the nearest island and about 70 minutes to a more remote one. Waterproof field boots or rubber boots and a wind/waterproof suit are needed, as we informed you earlier. A hat or a ski cap is essential.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

We are looking forward to seeing you in Karelia and in the White Sea area!

You will have a unique opportunity to familiarize yourself with the daily routine, cuisine and everyday life of the indigenous people of the White Sea region called the Pomors. They have stemmed from the Russian people who left Central Russia in the 16th century and settled solely on the White Sea coast, whereas the Karelian people colonized continental Karelia. You will see the Pomor village of Gridino with a forested sea-front the way it looks in real life rather than in a glossy tourist brochure.

However, if you think that the above changes in the White Sea excursion are inappropriate for you, you may cancel your participation and ask for a refund, which is 80% of the total cost of the excursion that you have already paid.