This morning greeted us with beautiful and calm conditions. Sokie led a stretch class for guests as we passed through a misty and chilly Chatham Strait. After breakfast, the conditions improved, and we were treated to glassy waters and sunny skies while wildlife watching from the bow. Dall’s porpoises and humpback whales were enjoyed as we made our turn near Morris Reef and into Peril Strait on the journey to our final stop for activities this week in Ushk Bay.

The sun held on through afternoon activities at Ushk Bay, and some guests enjoyed their first bushwacking experience in the Tongass. They reported seeing much bear scat and a muskeg ecosystem, and they followed a beautiful stream back out to the shore before getting picked up in the muddy tide flat. Tamsen took a group on a gentle stroll through the meadow in the back of the bay where they enjoyed plentiful wildflowers and sunny skies. Guests on several Zodiac cruises found many bald eagles, a river otter, gorgeous scenery, and quiet, reflective moments to reminisce on their week aboard National Geographic Quest.