Juneau to Skagway

Once again, we had perfect weather for our passage from Juneau to Skagway.  We arrived in Skagway shortly after sunrise.  We disembarked at 8 and had a quick tour of Skagway to include its historic cemetery and Reid Falls.  We grabbed a quick lunch before heading off on a bus tour which took us into Yukon Territory.  The scenery was everything we expected and then some.  Once again, we had the rare luck of bright sun and few clouds.  Our bus driver/guide said this was only the fourth time this year he had to wear sun glasses.  It was a comfortable 68 degrees with a slight breeze.

Skagway Cemetery

Reid Falls - Skagway

We were able to see a rare site as there was a forest fire burning in the valley.  The first significant fire in over 150 years.  It gave us a good appreciation for how much smoke was created when a forest is burning.  We witnessed with amazement the sight of an entire trees flaring up and being consumed by flames in a matter of seconds.  Actually, the tree trunk was left standing but all of the branches and greenery were gone in seconds.  Fortunately, the fires were on the opposite side of the valley and being driven by the wind away from the highway.  The fires will burn until the next rain which may arrive in the next day or two.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

We were amazed at the engineering feet accomplished by those who built the railroad and later, the highway through this rugged terrain.  We can't imagine how the "Stampeders" heading to the gold field negotiated this daunting wilderness on foot and by boat when the rivers weren't frozen.  They endured hundreds of miles of challenging conditions hoping to "strike it rich" which only a very few did.  Most of those who arrived in Alaska during the Klondike Days left the territory with little or less than what they came with after months or years of hardship.

Bear Scratchings to Mark Territory

We headed back to our hotel upon our return to Skagway.  Dwayne went to the local museum and grocery store where he picked up some items for lunch the next day.  We went to the hotel restaurant for dinner with Jim and Robyne.  It was early to bed, as tomorrow we must be on the train to Fraser by 7:30.  Then, we continue on to Whitehorse, Capital of the Yukon Territory.