In Southeast Alaska when you are unhappy with the weather, wait five minutes and it will most likely change and offer you something new and exciting. Everyone onboard National Geographic Venture has a greater understanding of this belief on the first full day of the trip. A little wind, rain, overcast skies and sunshine, all on a scale as grand as Alaska itself.

Our morning was spent cruising Chatham Strait in search of wildlife – and find it we did. Brown bears visiting the shoreline as we pulled anchor in the wee hours of the morning, followed by sightings of Sitka black tail deer, humpback whales, and another brown bear. In the afternoon a visit to Pavlof Harbor on Chichagof Island offered explorations by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and our first experience walking amongst the temperate rainforest. Flora and fauna small and large made this day special for all.