We started our day with an early cruise through Scenery Cove, greeted by misty forests on steep fjord mountainsides. After breakfast we arrived in Cascade Creek. Our ambitious hikers charged through the waterfall spray and made their way along the river, scrambling over downed logs and rugged, rocky terrain. Those of us wanting more time to appreciate the delicate play of light and mist meandered through the moss-covered trees and took in the views at the base of the waterfall.

We warmed up with lunch aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird and made our way south through Frederick Sound to the town of Petersburg, the fishing capital of southeast Alaska. Afternoon activities included exploring Petersburg by foot or bicycle, wandering the docks and learning about the wide variety of fishing boats, and discovering the unique biodiversity of the muskeg bog. After a long day, we gladly welcomed a feast of fresh dungeness crab and a relaxing evening watching the mountains pass by, glowing softly in evening light.