Skagway

The morning of August 6th we arrived in Skagway. It was our first port and we were happy to get off the cruise ship to do some exploring.  We took an excursion on the White Horse Pass train which runs on narrow gauge tracks with vintage parlor carriages to Fraser BC. This trip follows the route of the horrendous trek to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98. Thousands climbed the mountain pass with a year's supply of food plus equipment. It took multiple trips to get it all to the top and many men died and many more horses and mules died too. In the winter, the weather was just unbearable. All to have the opportunity to strike it rich. Few ever achieved the dream and most returned home with empty packets. In some areas of the train trip, we could see the route through the rough terrain. The railroad was build during the Rush to make it easier for the miners to get up the mountain. However, its usefulness was short lived as the Rush was over by 1899 and new opportunities arose in Nome Alaska.

Now this train services hoards of tourists daily as the cruise ships stop in port for a day.

 Along the way Vic was able to stand on the platform between train cars to capture photos of the beautiful scenery.

A recently restored engine ready for special occasions

Clickity-clack we go up the tracks rising through the mountain pass. The views can be spectacular with views across the valley, a raging river, and mountain streams crossing under the tracks.

looking down on the cruise ships in the harbour

We could see the highway on the opposite side of the valley.

Heading into a tunnel

We didn't  cross this bridge

Take a close look why they built a by-pass

Sections are collapsing from years of no attention

original gold rush route from Skagway to the Klondike - traveled with pack mules

At Fraser BC we transferred to a motorcoach which took us into the Yukon to experience the suspension bridge. It spans 180 feet across the Tutshi River Canyon and is 65' above the rapids below.

We returned by motorcoach to Skagway which allowed us to stop at a few lookouts and see additional scenery that couldn't be viewed from the train.

Shortly before reaching Skagway we stopped for lunch at Poppies Restaurant at the Jewell Gardens.  The farm was originally known for it's huge rhubarb.  They now produce a variety of organic vegetables and fruit to serve in their restaurant. Due to the long summer days in Alaska produce and flowers grow very well! There are 2 glassblowing studios on site that are part of the Garden City Glassworks.

model train display

tour guides explaining the gardens

There were many glass decorations throughout the grounds

typical size of cabbage we saw in various areas of Alaska

After our train/bus tour was over, we had a chance to spend the rest of the afternoon walking through the town of Skagway.

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Seen in the photos above and below is the Arctic Brotherhool Hall.  In 1898 once you had hiked over the trails to the Yukon and made it back to Skagway, you could join the Brotherhood and tell your tale. The facade of the building is comprised of 8833 pieces of driftwood,

Snow Plow Train Blower

the Golden Princess at the dock in Skagway