We started off our first day exploring Southeast Alaska by cruising through Sergius Narrows, where we were greeted by bald eagles, sea otters, and even a humpback whale that breached just off the bow of National Geographic Venture. After a morning of cruising through some windy and rainy Southeast Alaskan weather, we pulled into a more protected area to go onshore at Ushk Bay. A light rain allowed us to test out all our rain gear as we hopped into Zodiacs and crossed choppy waters to get to shore. Luckily, we escaped the blustery winds into the warm environment of the temperate rainforest. It was a great day for exploring and learning about the many trees, mosses, and plants that make up the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska.