This morning we came across a small pod of humpback whales feeding in the waters of Frederick Sound. A young calf entertained us with three spectacular full-body breaches. The whales soon moved on and we continued to Le Conte Bay where we hoped to make a Zodiac landing on the Stikine mudflats.

Heavy ice halted the Sea Bird at the mouth of the bay. Propelled by the spirit of adventure, we boarded the Zodiacs and headed for the shore, unsure of what lay in store. After landing, we strolled among the sculptured icebergs left stranded on the beach by the outgoing tide. Tracks in the sand from a very large wolf reminded us that we were exploring a truly remote corner of Southeast Alaska.