After leaving the port in Icy Strait Point our ship smoothly cruised through the night and when we awoke we were nearing the port of Skagway, Alaska. After breakfast in the Wind Jammer we headed down the gang plank and onto the docks at Skagway.
Early morning arrival into Skagway
Disney and Norwegian were already docked when we arrived in port
We learned from watching previous cruising videos that each ship that docks in Skagway has painted a rock up on the cliffs overlooking the cruise ship ports.
We were looking forward to our excursion of hiking the Chilkoot Trail and enjoying a float trip back into town, however, like in Icy Strait Point, our excursion was canceled. Fortunately, the excursion directors were able to get us on the White Pass & Yukon Scenic Railway, at half price and later in the afternoon!
This gave us plenty of time to explore the town of Skagway. Our first stop was the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and got a walking tour map. We enjoyed investigating the historical buildings located along Broadway Street. Our favorites included the Red Onion Saloon and the Artic Brotherhood Hall. The facade of this relic from the Klondike gold rush is decorated with over 8,800 pieces of driftwood.
Artic Brotherhood Hall
The famous Red Onion Saloon
For a mid-morning snack we shared a delicious fry bread and Dr. Pepper (had to get our fix for the day)from the Klondike Dough Boy. We continued exploring Skagway stopping to buy souvenirs before having lunch at the Bonanza Bar & Grill.
Adding cinnamon and sugar to that delicious fry bread!
Following lunch we headed back to the White Pass & Yukon Railway to board the train and head up the pass. Even though the train ride was not one of our planned excursions we felt very lucky that we managed to get tickets and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Grave site of two railroad workers and horse that were crushed by falling rocks.
It is amazing to find out that between 1898 and 1900 some 35,00 workers connected Skagway and Whitehorse by rail with 35 workers dying in the process. This railway has been designated as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, putting it i the same good company of such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and the Panama Canal.
Old trestle bridge no longer in use - thank goodness!
Until you see the pass in person, one cannot comprehend the fortitude it took those seeking their fortune in gold to journey through this snow covered, steep pass.
With a great adventure through Skagway it was time for us to board our ship and sail on to Endicott Arms and the Dawes Glacier.
Captain in the helm ready to sail away from Skagway
Sea lion feeding in the Skagway Port
Passing Eldred Rock Lighthouse
Fellow cruisers enjoying the North Star out to the side of the ship
Good night from Skagway
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