After a breakfast in our room, we headed off the ship to catch the White Pass Yukon Train at 8:00am. This railway was completed in 1899 to take gold miners out to the Yukon to prospect for gold. One hundred and ten miles of track with two tunnels, the ten million dollar project was completed even though the harsh weather (60 below), tough granite mountains, and the tremendous steep terrain tended to get in the way. This railway was designated in 1994 an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark sharing with other world marvels such as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and the Panama Canal.
Just love the authentic train costumes
The scenery was PHENOMINAL! The rushing Skagway River, waterfalls, snow capped mountains, and awesome views of the waterway below. Our interpreter told us we were lucky to have such a beautiful day of sunshine. She claimed that most of the time the fog blocks the view of the mountains and surrounding scenery! Luck with the weather was on our side again.
As we passed the snow drifts outside, the car was toasty inside.
One of the amazing feats for this railway was the completion of this bridge.
Snow had been removed from the track just days before.
Our train ride was the first trip for this season.
One of the many waterfalls
We returned to the ship around noon before taking off on a walk through the old town of Skagway....having around 7 blocks, it didn't take long to explore. Population is 800.
What fantastic mountain views right in town!
Visitors do not come to Skagway for the city life. It definitely is a place to sit back and take in the dazzling mountain scenery for it is in every direction!
Heading back to the ship
What mountain scenery!
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