Whenever someone asks the question: "What has been your favorite place while cruising?" The answer has usually been: The Marquesan Islands in French Polynesia, especially Fatu Huva.

And why is that? Because the topography is so spectacularly, ruggedly beautiful, and the locals are especially friendly.

But depending on our mood, the answer might be Bali in Indonesia. The culture is so fascinating there, with Buddhist temples in every neighborhood, flower offerings on the street corners, homages to the gods to prevent car and pedestrian accidents, good food and beautiful beaches.

And then there is the Sea of Cortez, adjacent to Baja California in Mexico. The Sea of Cortez is like our beloved Sonoran Desert, with water and sea creatures added.

To this list we’ve now added "Southeast," as the locals refer to Southeast Alaska. Right in our own backyard, less than 1800 miles from Southern California, it offers some of the most spectacular and isolated cruising on the planet. We’ve had a love affair with the mountains, ice, whales, bears, eagles, ravens, fish, waterfalls, and friendly, resourceful "natives". OK, there is fog, rain, cold, low clouds, and more of the same. But these are modest tradeoffs for the beautiful surroundings.

Our favorite spot? It might be where we’re at right now – or it might be that magical anchorage over the horizon.

There is no simple answer to this question!