Thursday 2 August 2018

By the time I woke up, we were just leaving the locks at Kremenchugskaya - a 48ft rise.



Looking aft from the ships bows.



Early morning view from the balcony.



Passing river traffic.



Cormorant Island.



Wheelhouse tour at 09:45.



Looking aft from the bridge/wheelhouse.



There was some discussion with Captain Oleg Kitaev about the age of the ship - our tour brochures said she was built in 1979
but the captain insisted it was 1990 - and said the brochure should be changed!! - I think he was getting confused between 'built'
and 'refurbished'.



At 10:30 we were on the Sun Deck for a demonstration of how to cook Varenki by chef Lena - assisted by two volunteers.



The ships staff were all mustered - in national costume.






Canadian volunteer showing off her effort.



Receptionist Anna took the microphone for a folksong - she had an amazing voice.



Kay enjoying her varenki.



Program Director Oliver strutting his stuff......



.... while Anna sings on......



.... and the girls start danciing - sedate at first....



... then in gets a bit wild!



We didn't have to wait for this lift bridge to open for us.......



... it opened as soon as we arrived.....



Local ship spotter??? - or a bridge worker taking a photo for the bill?



Down goes the centre span as we leave.....



.... ready for the next train.



14:30 - arriving at Kremenchug - with our coaches getting ready for us.



Inching our way to the mooring.



War memorial.



Anorak that I am - I spotted this sign for KrAZ - famous for building heavy trucks



Our guide Lena told us that this was a 'Joseph Stalin' tank - but we all know that it is an ISU-152 self-propelled gun
(although based on a JS2 tank chassis).



Orthodox Church.



As if on cue - a KrAZ truck!



Approaching Omelnik.



Village memorial.



Our hosts - Valentina and granddaughter Paulina.



Back on board - and casting off at 18:00.



Farewell Kremenchug.



Evening sun on the water.



Sunflower seed silos off the port bow.



Locals enjoying the warm evening.