We set off from Portage Bay under a curtain of rain and mist, the low clouds draping the mountains in mystery. True to Alaska’s unpredictable charm, the weather gradually shifted in our favor, and by the time we arrived at Feel Good Cove, the sun had broken through—lighting up the landscape in golden hues.

Along the way, humpback whales made several appearances, their spouts and flukes keeping everyone on alert with cameras ready. The protected waters of Feel Good Cove offered the perfect setting for an afternoon of exploration.

Kayakers slipped between rocky outcrops, pausing to admire the vivid sea stars below the surface and taste a bit of kelp straight from the sea. Others had their lines in the water and were rewarded with some successful fishing.

The day ended as perfectly as it began—with a campfire on the beach, good company, and the slow dip of the sun behind the horizon. It’s safe to say Feel Good Cove lived up to its name.