Today we went on a true expedition. No one onboard had been to the location we explored today, making it an extra special part of our voyage together. On the menu today was another break in the weather, offering up smooth sailing and even warm rays of sunlight. Sergius Narrows is an incredibly challenging waterway to navigate as National Geographic Quest requires passage through this space at a slack tide. We got rather close looks at both Baranof and Chichagof Islands as the seas narrowed – the ship was surrounded by Sitka spruce and western hemlock! After this transit we made our way to Kruzof Island.

The goal for the day was to take people on hikes near a salmon stream and to get people out on the water on their own via kayaks – and we did just that! Signs of the mighty coastal brown bear were evident all around us in the form of bear trails, scat, discarded salmon carcasses, and even fresh tracks! Kruzof Island brought us good weather, great wildlife, and a medium tide – perfect for exploring with hiking and/or kayaking. In any case, everyone enjoyed the sunshine that Southeast Alaska brought today.