Dawn aboard National Geographic Quest broke with a steady rain, but no wind. For many operations this would present some challenges, but the Inian Islands are so rich in wildlife and world-class scenery, that I knew the only thing that wouldn’t be dampened by this rain would be our spirits. We ventured forth to unwrap the mists and fog that were shrouding this beautiful Alaskan jewel.  This is a magical spot that has been created at the confluence of glacially-derived mineral inputs, cold, deep, nutrient-rich waters from the open Pacific, and abundant oxygen that has been introduced through the powerful tides of the eastern Pacific.