Editor's note: Captain Mark Graves is a wonderful captain, but he's also a born naturalist who is completely in tune with the spirit of our expeditions. We look forward to receiving his colorful reports, and thought we'd share one with you:

We're cruising north through Hull Canal this morning on the flattest water known to man. Other than the fog last week conditions have been ideal. Clear and calm days with a light afternoon breeze to keep things cool. We're getting double images (mirrored) from everything this morning.

Our weather prognosis is good. Hiked to the Pacific side at Sand Dollar Beach yesterday morning and toured the mangroves with Zodiacs and kayaks in the afternoon. This afternoon we will cruise with the grey whales at Boca de Soledad and then Fiesta tonight.