Sunday-Skagway

I am doing this now with distant memory with some deterioration due to alcohol indulgence. 

Sunday we awoke to find ourselves dockside with a completely vertical view of granite outside our cabin balcony.  The four of us were going on a White Pass mountain tour.  This area of Alaska has gold rush history and apparently the desire to possess this shiny element was so powerful that people would risk their lives to obtain it.  

We were treated to a comfy coach tour up to the top of this mountainous area.  Our driver was a seriously funny tour-guide who kept us laughing while we made our way upward through the various climatic eco-zones.  The scenery was spectacular and punctuated with occasional glimpses of the train tracks hugging the opposite mountainside.  Jaren, our driver and aspiring comedian reminded us of every rickety looking bridge that we would be experiencing first hand when we rode off the mountain in the narrow gauge train.   

On the way we passed the US-Canadian Border in the area of Canada known as the Northwest Territory.  I know we learned about this in geography in grade school but could not have spent more than 5 minutes glossing over this massive area of Canada.  We needed our passports as an Canadian customs agent passed through the train to make sure we were legally entering the country.  A bit later we were at the mountain top train station (3300 ‘ elevation” and preparing to board the train for the gravity aided return.

Today was the first day I can say we were cold.  There was no rain but we were in heavy fog so plenty of moisture to enhance the sensation of the lower temperature.  It looks like our sunny weather has come to an end.  We boarded the train and most found seats on the right side of the car.  The left side would have views of granite except when we passed over the previously noted spindly looking mountain pass bridges.  

I was able to get outside the train car and hold on at the back between cars and take photos.  The cold necessitated periodic returns to warm myself next to an oil stove a the back of the car.  

Again, this excursion exceeded our expectations and the views and narration were remarkable.  Glad we did this.

We were back to the ship for more eating even though we had done nothing to counteract the caloric overload from the night before.

Rod and I decided this was a good day for a steam at the spa and we took advantage of this ship amenity.

We met in the forward Horizon Lounge as we took leave of Skagway.  This was announced by the cruise director earlier in the day and everyone on the ship was in the lounge so we abandoned and found another place for our drinks before dinner at Setti Mari.  

This was our second dinner experience in this restaurant at the top of the ship.  The food and service are incredible.  After dinner we were off to the theater for a country music review that was good in its quality and brevity.  Nace and I were both bouncing our chins on our chests trying to stave off rest.  Back to the cabin to recharge for our final excursion day in Sitka.