Our expedition leader, Shawn Lucas, had an idea to visit a strikingly beautiful place that is only accessible when wind and tides oblige. Today they did, and the sun came out as well, giving us a remarkable day in Deep Cove and Patterson Cove. Shawn encouraged the entire group to awake early — so the staff was on shore scouting out the trails by 6:10 a.m., and leading guests by 7:00 a.m. This gave us pond-smooth waters for reflection photographs, and calm Zodiac tours to explore hidden coves. The plan allowed us to spend hours finding and observing dozens of rounds of bubble-net feeding by humpback whales. Planning, weather, sunshine, and animal life, all combined for a magical day.