Wednesday, 17 June 2015 - Skagway

We arrived in port around 7:30 and found that it was a bit cloudy and cool. From what we understand, this is a typical Alaskan day. We have bome spoiled with sun and heat.

Our excursion today, The Best of Skagway, began with a coach ride to Fraser, B.C. As we ascended the mountains, it became increasingly foggy. The coach driver assured us that he never swerved off the road and the dents in the guard barriers were strong to hold us. Very reassuring. There was more indescribable scenery. We proceeded throught Canadian customs and continued on to the White Pass and Yukon Rail Road.

 

It was totally mind boggling to realize how those men who were so tempted by gold had to travel from Skagway north on the White Pass. The trail, remnants that still exist today, is so narrow that it is inconceivable how men and mules were able to make it. The Canadian government declared that the men had to have 2000 pounds of food and supplies before crossing the border. Consequently, men had to make numerous trips from Skagway to the trail camps. Not anything I would have cared to do.

Bridges did not add any feeling of security to the rail trip down.

 

I could load the bog with photo after photo of stunning scenery, but I couldn't choose from the hundreds that I have taken. I never expected to be so overwhelmed by the natural beauty of this state.

Once down the mountain we headed to Liarsville. This is an authentic historicial interpretation of one of the base camps. Liarsville came from the fact that the reporters who were sent north to cover the gold rush. They embellished and virtually lied about what was to be found. We had a grilled salmon lunch and then a show there.

 

 

 

Of course when they asked for volunteers to demonstrate how to pan for gold, our Sharon was right there.

After the show and some gold panning we came back to the little town of Skagway and a visit to the Red Onion Saloon. The "saloons" were a very popular and necessary business in the town. We had a free drink and a tour of the upstairs brothel bedroomw. The Red Saloon's madam was the famous Diamond Lil.

We mozied around town for a bit and then headed back to the ship. Listenend to the Pirates game for a bit. Pirates pull off another 1- run win. Go Bucs.

Dinner was a chilled cantalope soup, King Crab legs, and a rhubarb napolean.

A stroll around the deck, a show celebrationg music of the decades and some time in the casino rounded out the wonderful day. Our imaginations would have never conjured the time sights we have seen.

 

 

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