Skagway

It is now Day 6 of the cruise.  I will be taking excursion no. 3 today, and it leaves at 8am.  Who said cruising was all about relaxing?  I have had to wake up early every single day, and one of the days when there wasn’t a port visit, I had a CruiseOne seminar from 9 am to 4:30 pm or so, and still had to wake up early.  Today’s excursion is called Skagway City and White Pass Summit.  By the way, the three excursions that I booked through my own website (http://www.likecruises.com) with our Shore Excursions provider were only $141 in total for all three – that’s a very good deal, and as you can see from yesterday’s excursion to Mendenhall Glacier, it’s worth getting on a bus and exploring.

The instructions on the ticket said to be just outside the cruise pier, and to check in by 7:40 am.  It was a good job that I brought my passport with me, as we were supposed to go into Canada, just past the border.  I managed to make it to the bus in time, and we set off promptly at 8am.  Here are some pictures that were taken at some of the stops, and this time I am going to use bigger pictures instead of thumbnails, please feel free to let me know if this is a better choice or not.

We must have been near Brackett Wagon Road according to this sign

Skagway

I wonder what’s nicer – being on the train, or being at a distance and seeing the train?

Skagway, near White Pass Summit in Alaska

The landscape is now changing as we are climbing higher up the hills in the bus, this picture was taken from the bus, and shows the trees are now dotted with white.

and it is getting whiter and whiter……..snow!  And lots of it!

It’s beginning to look very white out here, and the sun is trying to break through the sky, but it is very cold!

Snow and Sun, Skagway, Alaska

Welcome to Alaska, a must-have photograph – everyone wants their picture taken here.

White Pass Summit, near the border of Canada

There was too much snow, that we couldn’t go past the border, what a shame!  I would so much have liked to go into Canada again, even if for just a few moments.  We were told the roads were not clear enough, and not passable. Now we headed back down to Skagway from the White Pass Summit.

We stopped here because it was another scenic spot to take pictures.

Scenic Skagway, Alaska

The Norwegian Pearl, side by side with the Radiance Of The Seas.

The Norwegian Pearl, and Radiance Of The Seas in Skagway

We went on a short hike, and saw the Gold Rush Cemetery

Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska

Gold Rush Historical Information, Skagway

Be prepared for a short hike up, about a 5 minute walk to this waterfall, past the Cemetery.

Waterfall, Skagway

Scenic, magical, mysterious Skagway

We are done with the excursion, and I’m off the bus and decided to walk around Skagway, instead of heading back to the cruise ship.  The excursion lasted about two and a half hours, and it is only 11 am or so.  However, we have until 4pm today in Skagway….so might as well see it.

Downtown Skagway, five minutes or so from the cruise ship

Downtown Skagway, Alaska

Tlingits are an Alaskan Native people who have lived in Southeast Alaska for generations.  You can read more about the Tlingits by looking at the picture.

Tlingits, read about Alaskan Native history

Skagway City Museum

Interesting choice of names for these chocolate-covered concoctions. I chose the fudge instead.

Alaskan Fudge Shop Treats

Alaska is famous for its fudge in addition to its natural beauty and wild life, gold panning, Native American history, etc.

I did try their chocolate almond fudge – it was so good!

Alaskan Fudge Shop, Skagway

Nice house in downtown Skagway

Found an Indian restaurant – didn’t eat there though, perhaps next time.

Indian Restaurant in Skagway, Alaska

Downtown Skagway, Alaska

Looks like there’s inscriptions on the rocks, or are they signs?

Skagway

Want to buy gold?  There is still a lot of signs of the Gold Rush era.

Gold Shop, Skagway

A golden hotel…..the Golden North Hotel

Golden North Hotel, Skagway

Really wished I had taken this train to the White Pass Summit

White Pass Summit Train, Skagway

Interesting name for a place

Red Onion Saloon, Alaska

That’s the Norwegian Pearl in the background

Norwegian Pearl in Skagway

Looking back at Skagway for the last few minutes before I head back to the cruise ship.

Downtown Skagway street scene

The trains of Skagway.  I think I like trains…..

The walk back to the Radiance Of The Seas rock….I passed interesting rock art, trains, and the Norwegian Pearl…..

The Norwegian Pearl in Skagway

Now I see the Radiance Of The Seas

The Radiance Of The Seas in Skagway

Now, I am back on the ship, and tomorrow is the last full day of the cruise.  Will let you know how Day 7 goes.  Thank you for reading.