Today is the day we joined the other 34 travelers for our Southeast Alaska boat tour. We met up with the group in Sitka and did a walking tour which included things we had already seen. We were happy, however, to revisit some things and have another look. The weather was low clouds and cool. The Sitka residents told us that this was normal.

Just after noon we boarded a day boat for a cruise around Sitka Sound to look at critters. We saw sea otters, sea lions, tufted puffins and lots of other birds. We also saw whales which was very cool. That was a first for me and another item off the bucket list. During this short time, we didn't get very close to them. Today's photo is one of Ginny's. She is very good. After whale watching for a while we traveled on to meet up with our cruise boat, the Alaskan Dream and we went aboard. Our stateroom is in the front of the boat and we have a wall of windows looking forward. Very cool.

Once we were underway the captain kept a sharp lookout for more whales and he found some. He manuevered the boat very close to them. We saw them less that 50 meters off the starboard bow. Unfortunately, it was at dusk and photography wasn't really possible. Actually, that was a good thing because just watching these mammals is very cool.

Our first dinner aboard was salmon. I think this is going to be a great culinary adventure. We figure some Alaskan seafood goodie is going to be on the menu every night. Life is good.