Many aboard National Geographic Sea Lion opted for an early wake-up as she sailed into Misty Fjords National Monument. The day began with Zodiac cruises through Rudyerd Bay, where we observed many small creatures such as mink, harlequin ducks, and Barrow’s goldeneye as we zipped through the wondrous, verdant scenery. As we cruised out of the fjord the fauna on display grew larger: we spotted no fewer than seven mountain goats high along the ridge of the fjord and a coastal brown bear ambling through a meadow. Finally, we spotted the largest creature of them all: a lone humpback whale.