Skagway

On Thursday, our port was Skagway. This town was a starting point of sorts for prospectors during the Yukon Gold Rush. The paths to the mining area were rugged and downright brutal. Most folks had to carry their own heavy loads of supplies on the long walk up steep mountain paths to White Pass (elevation just under 3000 feet), unless they could afford to buy a pack horse. Many of these horses did not survive the journey — not all the men did either! All this effort and most never found gold. After some time, a railway was finally built, which made the journey easier for those with a bit of ready cash for the ride.

Across from the dock in Skagway is a steep mountain wall decorated with cruise ship graffiti; apparently on the first journey to this port for each ship, the crew makes an addition to the wall.

We took a tour by bus to White Pass and into the Yukon Territory. Just breathtaking scenery!

We stopped for lunch at Carcross; an interesting tiny town with a wildlife museum (closest I ever want to get to a grizzly bear — thank goodness he was stuffed), and other typical tourist attractions. By far, my favorite thing was the sled dogs. THEY HAD 12 DAY OLD PUPPIES! As you can imagine, they were a big hit with everyone, especially since we could hold them. So adorable. I really wanted to smuggle one home! The older dogs were great fun to watch as well. Sled rides were offered and the dogs just went crazy when the sleds appeared — this breed loves to run and the racket was deafening! Once the musher gave the signal, the dogs went right to work without another sound. Amazing to watch.

We had a few wildlife sightings — the best was this momma black bear and her cubs. One of them just didn’t stick with the program and got a little behind. No one likes a bear behind. (insert groans here) When he realized he was being left, he moved pretty fast to catch up. Very cute. From the inside of a bus.

The ride from Yukon back to Skagway was on the historic narrow gauge White Pass and Yukon Route railway. This was quite a journey — we wound our way down the mountainside, passing though tunnels, and crossing bridges. Needless to say Theo loved every minute of it! I did a lot of looking at the mountain side (as opposed to the steep drop on the valley side) or at the train upholstery (especially when we went over those trestle bridges). However, I was so proud that I survived the journey with only a few moments of terror that I bought myself a hat.