The day dawned warm and cloudless, aside from the morning mist that hung over the mountains surrounding Chatham Strait, as we made our way to Pavlof Harbor. Even before the morning announcement at 6:55 a.m., whales were spotted near the ship as they gorged themselves on an early breakfast of forage fish and phytoplankton. After anchoring in Freshwater Bay, guests enjoyed their first activities off the ship, then ventured out into bigger water after lunch. More active humpback whales in the strait derailed our plans for an afternoon of hiking and instead, we spent the rest of the day onboard with new and old friends and family, watching the abundant marine wildlife and learning why Southeast Alaska is such a wonderful place to visit.