The following day we drove on to Skagway, driving over the spectacular White Pass, and on down the very steep hill. Travelers are required to stop at the US Border for customs. I am always intrigued by what they will be interested in that I might have in my refrigerator. This time it was tomatoes — just the few little pear tomatoes I had. I was told that I should have been forced to confiscate the red bell pepper I had, but he would let me keep it. In the past I have had to confiscate kiwi fruit, oranges, chicken, beef, potatoes, and apples. It is a guessing game each and every time!
We are having a great time in Skagway, camped right on the harbor where we can see the comings and goings of the small craft and the cruise ships. We have been to Skagway several times before, and each time seems to offer something new.
Outstanding activities this time: the drive to and seeing the sights around Dyea, the former town at the start of the Chilkoot Trail (which we climbed a little of). This town was at the start of the trail which hopeful miners used to reach the Klondike goldfields in the late 1800's. There is very little left of the town.
The pier pilings used to unload boats for the start of the Chilkoot journey. View is looking out toward the ocean inlet.
The false front store. The town site is now woods.
The meadows around the area were really pretty
Today we road the steam train of the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad up to Fraser Meadows at the summit of White Pass, which we had driven over a couple of days ago. It was spectacular!! There is so much snow up there. In fact, it snowed up there just last week. So what is called The Tormented Valley, a desolate moonscape of small lakes, rocks, snow and stunted trees, met expectations as viewed from the train.
The views along the route are really wonderful
Here is the steam train engine
Last night it REALLY rained here and in many places along the Alaska Highway. We have heard and read reports of numerous road closures due to washouts and mudslides. We are hopeful that these will be repaired fairly soon. We are taking the ferry to Haines tomorrow.
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