A bright and beautiful rainbow arched over the entrance to Stag Bay, as if to welcome us along our way. I accepted the rainbow as a good omen as we traveled down the wide waterway nature had chiseled through the hulking mountain range that loomed before us. What an awesome sight! The bulky mountains were heavily eroded; their steep slopes covered with a dense canopy of conifer trees; primarily, Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock; becoming tree-less further up their massive rocky shoulders.

Outside of ourselves, this amazing landscape was virtually devoid of any other humans. I felt like an explorer venturing into an uncharted land never seen by another human being. Obviously, that wasn't the case, but this pristine region of southeast Alaska is so unspoiled and vast, it gives you that feeling!

Captain Hay, looked up from his poker-hand and cast a knowing smile at me and exclaimed "Hard to believe there is such beauty in this world - isn't it?" I echoed his sentiment with, "Yes, it is truly amazing!" The others put their cards, face-down, on the table and peered out at the incredible vista.

Irv, a former member of the US armed forces, put things into a poignant perspective; commenting, "Here we are, free Americans doing what free Americans do - savoring and celebrating life! Hard to imagine our brothers and sisters overseas putting their lives on the line so we can do just what we are doing. Isn't it?" The idea and sorrowful image of our 'brothers and sisters in arms' in such inhospitable conditions stood in stark contrast with the gorgeous view before me and the awe-struck feelings it elicited.

The unexpected tear erupting from my bespectacled eyes was quickly swept away so as to elude detection. Apparently, I wasn't fast enough. Having witnessed my gut felt emotion, Dennis' smiling face tightened as he nodded my way. "Yes...we must always honor their great sacrifice...that's for sure." We all nodded in agreement as silence fell upon us.

As if to lighten our collective sorrow and turn our attention in a different direction, Dennis exclaimed "Hey! Let's have a barbecued King for lunch! Wha'cha guys say?" Turns out, the night before, Dennis had specially prepared our mid-day meal fixings, and the centerpiece was some delectable king salmon fillets; adorned with bacon, garlic and onions. We anchored up; stoked up the back-deck barbecue, and Dennis' magically transformed himself into a gourmet chef. Our spirits brightened considerably as we watched Dennis do what Dennis does - masterfully prepare a sumptuous meal with all the fixings: grilled mushrooms and potatoes, fresh salad, cream corn, and sooner than you would believe possible - perfectly barbecued Alaska King Salmon! Man-a-live! What a feast!

While enjoying our flavorful meal and marveling at the surroundings, Dennis and 'the boys' made the decision to 'about face' and head out of Stag Bay to continue our scenic tour to the other planned destinations; namely, Green Top, White Sulphur Hot Springs and the Gulf of Alaska. We were anchored close to the mid-point of Stag Bay, and I was satisfied we had experienced an adequate measure of this lovely bay and looked forward to the rest of the scenic cruise.

I turned the 'Destination' back towards Stag Bay's entrance while Dennis cleared the table and spruced up the back deck. Ron was eager to continue his winning spree and encouraged Captain Hay to hurry, with "Let's get the show on the road! Get the lead out Captain!" "I'm on my way", Dennis answered, as he slid across the cushioned seat; picking up his poker-hand.