On waking this morning (about 7:30) we discovered that we were already tied up at the dock in Skagway. It was raining (again) and as we had no great plans or desire to walk around in the rain we had a leisurely breakfast and headed off to town about 10 am when the weather had improved a little.
Checked the various options for a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway which as it suggests ends up in the Yukon (at White Horse). We decided on a train/bus trip going as far as Fraser - up on the train and back by bus. The route roughly follows the path taken by the stampeders (gold miners) in the 1890s. Did a bit of shopping and had some lunch (fish & chips) in town before we headed off on the train.
The scenery was spectacular (probably even surpasses the Rocky Mountaineer scenery) as the rail climbed from sea level to close on 900 metres at White Pass a little over one hour away. It’s not surprising that the railway has been designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (along with ‘things’ like the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal). Snow-capped mountains, glaciers and waterfalls (including Bridal Veil Falls) everywhere.
At White Pass, we crossed into Canada and the countryside levelled out. At Fraser - not much to see except the railway station, Canadian Customs and some poor people who had chosen to go kayaking on Fraser Lake. Yes, it was raining again and very cold.
The bus back took less time but not as exciting followed by a bit more shopping. We are the last ship through for the season (think I’ve already mentioned that) so there are sales everywhere. Bought a few shirts and odds and ends.
Back to the ship about 4:30 and we made use of happy hour in the Ocean Bar. Two cocktails for the price of one. Dinner (fish for Jill and duck for me) was very good again. They really do a fantastic job catering for the 1200 guests on the "boat". When we got back to the room Cy and Henky (our cabin boys) had been in to turn down our bed etc and put in their towel sculpture for the night. A swan tonight (elephant last night and seal the night before). Took a photo of Cy with his creation. He was very tickled – the boys obviously love their work. Tonight’s show was “World Beat”, music from around the world. The dancers, (in particular) and singers were really first class.
While we were watching the show the ship headed out to sea. Tomorrow morning we will be in Glacier Bay.
