We awoke to sound of the bow thrusters as we settled into our place at dock in Skagway. Now by sound I mean the sound of everything in our room vibrating since our room was at the back (stern) of the boat. Don't they know people are sleeping!
This morning though we couldn't sleep in as we had tickets for an 8 am excursion. The excursion would take us for a ride along the scenic white pass railway (why does everything in Alaska have to include the word 'scenic'. Can't it ever be average, or bland. Maybe I should tell everyone to come take a ride in the bed of my truck and see the scenic flatlands of northern Indiana.) Anyway, we were pumped for our 4 hour train ride, and luckily only had to walk about 26 steps to reach the train since it was parked right on the dock.
As we approached the train, one of the guides instructed us to proceed up to car 320. Apparently this wouldn't be a full train, and she felt this car would allow our group to be by ourselves. So do we follow her advice? Nope. We walked past a couple cars till we found the first empty one and decided that would be good enough.
Fast forward to the middle of the trip where we turn around. As I look towards the front of the train, there is car 320...along with 3 other cars...that are entirely empty. Why such a big deal you ask? Because an empty car means two things 1. everyone gets a window seat to themselves. 2. We are free to hang out between the cars without having to share the space with people who don't realize when their turn is over and ruin a potential picturesque moment for those patiently waiting behind them.
Back to the train ride. The train followed the historic White Pass and Yukon Route that was traveled back in the gold rush era. We were able to see pathways carved by the men on foot, a house sized boulder that killed two workers, perilous wooden bridges, rushing waterfalls, deep valleys, and the Canadian border ("O' Can-a-da"). Once we reached the summit, we traveled a few miles into Canada, turned around, and headed back down the mountain. Yes we were headed back down the mountain when we come. We were headed back down the mountain when we come. And I was taking lots of pictures, I was taking lots of pictures, I was taking lots of pictures when we come. Thankfully the return trip meant I could grab all the shots I missed on the way up, while risking my life on the metal platform at the end of the train car (at least that is how Sara describes it)
After a 4 hour train ride, we were all famished and hustled back to the boat to stuff our faces, and eat our required 3 slices of pineapple, before heading back into town. Once there we consumed ourselves primarily with shopping. And what did our wondering eyes find?? Why a bazillion little shops...all selling the same stuff that we saw in Juneau. Paint me surprised. One stop we did try to make was at the Skagway brewing company, in hopes to try and take a brewery tour. One problem....we were a little late.
One magical thing did happen while we were in town... THE SUN CAME OUT!
Leading up to the cruise, all we heard about was rain this, rain that, cloudy here, foggy there. However my keen sense of vision told me otherwise today. And just in case my eyes were playing tricks on me, the lack of clouds and blue skies prompted the temperature to raise by at least 5+ degrees, or at least enough to make it too warm to wear a jacket. Now this was the type of Alaska we could all get used to....minus the hundreds of trinket shops and bus loads of annoying tourists.
Before boarding back on the boat, Sara and myself decided to accompany her mom and sister on a small hike. Seeing as how we were steps away from the wilderness, there was no sense in not doing a little exploring. We found a trail head on our way back to the ship and decided to give it a try. What we didn't realize was this trail basically took your straight up the side of a mountain. So after about a quarter mile, we called it quits and headed back. I guess we were hoping for a more leisurely trail, and not one that would make a mountain goat sweat. Despite the tough climb, we were able to see a neat wooden footbridge and great overview of the city and cruise ships.
After a long and warm day in Skagway, we headed back to the boat as we set sail for our trip to Tracy Arm Fjords.
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