Travel

Alaska | Skagway.

Back to Alaska! Monday, August 21 we docked in Skagway.

We loved seeing the welcome sign from the White Pass and Yukon (railroad) Route – that was our #1 excursion and the only one all six of us did together.

We docked late morning and the train wasn’t leaving until noon. I had time for leisurely cappuccino (one of many I enjoyed on the ship – I was more of a latté fan until the trip … I’m a cappuccino convert now!)

By noon, the skies were clearing

and the six of us were all smiles as we got underway.

selfies when we’re all sitting down are much easier

From the excursion’s website:

“Against all odds, the iron trail was carved through some of the North’s most rugged terrain in 1898. This engineering wonder climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 26 miles of steep grades and cliff-hanging turns.

This 54 mile round trip climbs from tidewater at Skagway past the White Pass Summit to Fraser Meadows. The fully narrated tour passes through two tunnels, over sky-high trestles and cascading waterfalls, all while being pulled by one of our historic steam locomotives.”

The trip completely lived up to all the hype!

approaching the Pass

the “bridge not taken” (thankfully!)

It is completely mind-boggling to think about these tracks being laid over 100 years ago.  It is also crazy to think about the gold rush pioneers traveling this country on foot/muleback.

coming into Fraser Meadows
We had a 20-minute stop at Fraser Meadows to refuel (coal and water) the locomotive. They poured sparkling wine to toast the halfway point of the trip.

Refueled, we headed back to Skagway.

Seriously, can you imagine hauling timber and iron through this country?

Back to the ship. Again, I’m sure we played trivia and enjoyed cocktails and a delicious dinner, but I have no photos to share. I do, however, have one from that night’s show. This was the first night we stayed up to see it (and only three of us stayed up). Wow!

The next two nights the shows were earlier; we made a point to see them.

Next stop – Sitka.

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

12 thoughts on “Alaska | Skagway.”

  1. I love the beautiful early morning fog, the clearing skies, and your scenic train ride! I always wonder what pioneers traveling on horseback and covered wagons thought as they approached the Rocky Mountains when heading west, and I imagine their thoughts were shared by those laying track, building bridges, and working in Alaska. (I picture them uttering, "Oh, crap!" often.) Looking forward to Sitka!

  4. The photos from your train ride are beautiful…it must have been even more breathtaking seeing those vistas from the train!

  6. That looks like a perfect excursion — and a great way to see so much INCREDIBLE scenery! Great photos! Sounds like you all enjoyed a wonderful trip! (What cruise line were you on?) Thanks for another travelogue installment, Mary.

  8. Such spectacular scenery! And that is quite a description from the excursions's website – an engineering wonder for sure – what an amazing ride! Thank you for sharing!

  10. Your pictures are amazing! My thoughts went right back to To the Bright Edge of the World. It is hard to imagine what drove the miners and pioneers into territory like that. How marvelous to see it as it was then. WOW!

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