White River Yukon Trail Railroad to Skagway, June 4, 2013

We are in Alaska!!!  Skagway for one day!!!

I suppose we should start from the beginning, we are staying in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. One of the popular excursions for Alaska cruise ships ported in Skagway is to travel by rail over the White Pass, and follow the Yukon Trail. Whitehorse is on the inland side of that pass.

A lovely day. Some overhead clouds but very little rain. Lots of snow still on top, and great scenery. A bus picked us up right at the campground, and drove us along the scenic bypass we contemplated taking yesterday. Emerald Lake, with its 20 shades of green, Caricross with the Native American art, and finally the train to Skagway, ALASKA.  The 27 mile narrow gauge train ride was a highlight.

The scenery from the train was dramatic. Lots of drop offs and curves where you can see the engine chugging around the curve in front of you. Lots of history of the gold seekers who walked up this path with one year of supplies on their backs, or the backs of pack animals. I can’t imagine doing this trail with the modern day boots and equipment knowing it was a two week stint vs. a new life, these people had grit.

Skagway had 4 ships in town, we had memories of being in town a few years ago when we enjoyed the inside passage on a Princess cruise. It was that trip that was the seed to our current adventure.