Ostrov Ushi (Ushi Island)

Ostrov Ushi (literally "Ears Island") is a tiny rocky islet in Amur Bay of the Sea of Japan, 160 meters from the northwestern shore of Russky Island and about 10 kilometers south of downtown Vladivostok. It belongs to Vladivostok's city district in Primorsky Krai and sits right next to the village of Podnozhye, on the shore of Russky Island, which Amur Bay separates from the city proper.

Nature

The island is made up of two rocks joined by a low rocky isthmus, which gives it the silhouette of two upright "ears" and explains its name. The islet is about 45 meters long and 22 meters wide, with a maximum height above sea level of only 6 meters — one of the smallest islands near Vladivostok. The bare rocks carry almost no vegetation; only the rocky isthmus between them supports hardy succulents used to sea spray and wind. The rock tops, however, are a constant gathering spot for gulls and cormorants, which rest there in noisy colonies between fishing trips into the bay. On the cape facing Russky Island, waves and sea ice have worn the rock enough to form a small natural arch.

What to see

One of the rocks carries a small coastal lighthouse that helps ships find their bearings in Amur Bay, while the other holds a wooden cross. From the island and the approach to it there is a view of Russky Island, the Russky Bridge across the Eastern Bosphorus Strait, and the Vladivostok skyline across the bay, especially striking in clear weather.

Legends

Locals have given the island the unofficial nickname "Donkey's Ears" (Oslinye Ushi) — this is the name most often used when telling visitors about the place and giving directions from Podnozhye.

Getting there

The easiest way to reach Ostrov Ushi is by car, driving through the village of Podnozhye on Russky Island toward Cape Staritsky. Podnozhye can also be reached by city buses No. 29 and No. 29-b, which run from Vladivostok across the Russky Bridge. A car can be left in the clearing behind the village cemetery, after which it is a short walk to the shore. In summer, Ostrov Ushi can be reached by wading; in winter, when the bay freezes over, it can be reached on foot across the ice — about 300 meters from the shore.