Around 9 a.m. this morning the National Geographic Sea Bird crossed through Dixon Entrance after a marvelous week exploring coastal B.C. Our morning was surprisingly sunny with smooth seas. We had a close encounter with a humpback whale and managed to hang by its side for nearly 30 minutes. Around 2 p.m. customs officials boarded the vessel and welcomed us back to the United States

The afternoon was spent exploring the Alaskan town of Ketchikan. Ketchikan is an interesting blend of loggers, fisherman and business owners who depend on the tourists who arrive during cruising season. There is an enormous fishing fleet and a thriving commercial fishery.  Some affectionately refer to Ketchikan as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”