Hello Richard: Regarding "expected activity" - are you asking about volcanic activity or research activity? AVO does not have any field plans for Augustine this summer that I am aware of. Volcanically speaking, Augustine is at "background" levels, but I encourage you to check our reports before you head out and while you are on your trip. You can sign up to receive them via email: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/help.php -cheryl Ed Clark (eclark@gi.alaska.edu) has provided some answers to the rest of your question, as follows. I have only visited Augustine once by boat. We normally get there by helicopter and less so fixed wing aircraft. The skipper of the M/V Peregrine Falcon would not moor the landing craft close to the island. We were supplying the island after the January-March eruption sequence in 2006 by helicopter. The skipper did not want the swinging boat anywhere near the many rocks surrounding the island. We moored the ship on the western side of the island almost due west of the Southwest Lagoon which may or may not be noted on marine charts or topographic maps. It is the southern most of the two large lagoons on the western side of the island. The tidal range around Augustine Island is not vast but at extreme low tide there are MANY rocks exposed all around the island. Flying low in a helicopter over a 10 year period I have been able to see the coastline at many times at various times of the year. These large number of reefs have occurred from the large rock slides which have occurred surrounding the island due to slope failures of loose unconsolidated rocks which slide down the steepened slopes either during or immediately after the many eruptions. The rocks are weakened due to heat and chemistry breaking down the slopes and the whole mass slides into Kamishak Bay. I do not know how accurate the recent nautical charts would be. All of the fishing boats that I have observed over the years steer well away from the shoreline. From the helicopter one can see that there are many rock reefs just under the water line. These reefs often are seen as rocky promontories which continue up unto the volcanoes slopes. Should you have any additional questions you can e-mail me directly and I will attempt to address them as best I can. Sincerely, Ed Clark Research Technician Geophysical Institute University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska 99775 (907) 474-1149 eclark@gi.alaska.edu -------- Richard Gage wrote: HI there, We will be sailing by the area of St. Augustine Island in June. I was hoping to obtain some useful information on visiting the island as it looks amazing. I am hoping you could provide input on the following: - Is any expected activity in the next few months? - Do you have any information on anchoring near the island? - I see a bay on the West side but is there good information on this as an anchorage if useable at all? - I am looking at places to anchor to the West of the island and doing the 6 mile crossing by zodiac. Do you know have any information first hand information on these anchorage. - Is there recommended hiking routes on the island? Any information would be greatly appreciated!:) Thanks, Rich -- Cheryl Cameron Geologist, Alaska Volcano Observatory Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys voice: 907-451-5012 fax: 907-451-5050