Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Skagway






So where did we leave off?? Skagway I beleive--




Skagway is a town that was best known for being the enterance for those seeking gold many many years ago... Thus it has this magnificent railroad-- which is what we had scheduled for the day. We were greeted with a blustery kind of day-- sun was out but it was alittle more breezy then we would have liked.


The boat dock was alittle walk from the town proper. Unlike our other stops where we had door to door service and literally got off the boat smack in town... Skagways peir required alittle jaunt that would have been ok if a) the wind wasn't blowing and b) we weren't tired.


Going into town wasn't too bad it was coming back that was the chore... regardless we had some time to kill before our tour so off we went. Skagway is literally a one horse town... Main street and thats about it-- but the Park service has done a wonderful job of upkeep-- After alittle wandering we signed ourselves up for a free town history/walking tour with the Park Ranger. Very informative. We learned that many of the building we see today are original but might not necessarily be in the same place... seems moving the historic buildings is something they do alot! And in partnerships with local businesses.. the park service will help with restoration and a shop will set up inside... kinda cool...


While wandering town we actually found the coolest Rock store on a side street... little sign with an arrow pointing to Dr. Rock... it was there we saw a guy doing rock carvings... very cool-- and in the back yard of this little place there were a ton of finished carvings.. I actually bought some jewelry there... rocks-- pretty rocks..


Our tour with Chilngot tours-- was a Van ride up to White Summit pass and then a train ride on the way back.. Lots of scenery-- waterfalls, snow capped mountains, eagles etc. It was enjoyable-- and again lots of history about the gold rush--It was amazing to think that people hiked up and back to White Pass in search of Gold. This trail is still lined with artifacts-- people dumping possessions that they just couldn't carry.

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