This part of the day came around far too quickly but the long shadows meant the time had come for the final part of the day. Reactor 4 and the complex that housed it. It was hard to believe we had spent 6+ hours in the zone already.
For those that have not read the story so far, here are Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.
The huge new shroud had been looming in the distance ever since we approached Pripyat beckoning like a beacon. No with the sun low the buildings had taken on a spectacular glow making it even more inviting.
We pulled up in the staff car park outside. Cars parked as though it was a normal place of business and staff coming and going through the security gates as though it was normal, which to them it was.
People have had to man the power station for decades after the disaster. Reactor 3 was only closed down and decommissioned in 9th April 2000, nearly 15 years after the meltdown of Reactor 4.
Again the guide was very explicit that we should not make it look like we are getting the security gate in the photos. That would be the gate you see above in front of Reactor 4 :)
Outside the main gate is the memorial statue, where we stopped for pictures.
After a short stay we headed off, stopping the other side for more photos.
The never completed Rectors 5 and 6 off to the side of us.
It was at this final spot a few of us had walked off the road a couple of feet to get a better photo. We had not noticed the group of guards walking our way on the road. Things got real serious real quick, you are not meant to leave the road near the reactor.
Our guide managed to defuse the situation, I have no idea what was said but one of the guards was looking like he wanted to make more of it. His friends moved him away and that was the end of the day, apart from the radiation checks on the way out.
At the 10km and 30km checkpoints everyone has to stand in a device that checks if you have been contaminated. Why I never too an image of this I do not know, this is the machine
You stand on the foot plates and place your hands on the side plates that are at head height. An indicator lights green for OK and Red trouble lies ahead!
We all passed both checks fine, the day was done apart from the drive back to Kiev.
This really has been one of the most interesting places I have visited in all my years of travel. I don't know what it is about the place, perhaps the tranquility even though you are surrounded by decay of old buildings. So haunting.
The whole day including transport and guide was so cheap, only about $100 USD. If this place interests you and you want a great city break then get yourself to Kiev and go to Chernobyl, you will never regret it. I doubt I will forget it.
Huge thanks to Solo East Travel for such a great trip.
Hope you enjoyed and feel free to ask me anything about the day.
Woz
