Today was certainly one of highlights here in Southeast Alaska! We woke to thick bodies of fog and mist before proceeding into a morning of active learning at George Island over hikes, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The hikers ascended a gravel trail (recognized luxury after yesterday’s bushwack) to a historic WWII-era emplacement. It was a fascinating remnant of US history, showing the preeminence and span of the nation’s defense during the war times. As the morning went on and fog lifted, we were left with beautiful sunshine which lasted into the afternoon in the Inian Islands.

The Inian Islands are highly productive and one of the best places in Southeast Alaska to find wildlife. Today we went out on Zodiacs, where we were rewarded with incredible sightings of sea otters, sea lions, and even humpback whales! Not only was the wildlife some of the best we’ve seen, we were fortunate enough to have crystal clear skies and breathtaking views of the Mount Fairweather Range in Glacier Bay National Park. What an incredible day here on board National Geographic Quest!