Today we awoke in Alaska to low clouds. New Eddystone Rock emerged from the mist, a 234-foot pinnacle of vertical rock rising from the center of the channel. We did a few loops around the rock before continuing on our way into the heart of Misty Fjords. The monument indeed lived up to its name for a short period of time, swathed in white blankets of fog which curled around the trees and obscured the steep cliff walls.
After breakfast we anchored at Punchbowl Cove, a lovely steep-sided bowl of steep rock and greenery. Kayaks deployed from the back of the ship and Zodiac cruisers zipped around to investigate the area. The honking voices of Canada geese echoed around the area, waterfalls plummeted from the heights, and red cedar dipped their branches towards the water. The clouds rose steadily, revealing sheer cliffs and dramatic scenery all around.
In the afternoon we enjoyed scenic cruising further into Misty Fjords under a blazing sun and blue skies. We hopped into Zodiacs to photograph the National Geographic Sea Lion coming through Owl's Pass and nosing into a waterfall, then backtracked to the Punchbowl. A speckling of distant mountain goats coated the topmost cliffs and warm winds blew on the bow as we strained to watch the goats through binoculars.
The evening ended with cocktails and appetizers on the top deck under the sun, a delicious meal, and a program on salmon.
