Skagway, Alaska

You have to feel for a community of 800 which is visited regularly in the summer months by 3 or 4 cruise ships each carrying 2500 or so passengers. Although I'm sure that cruisers do contribute to the local economy as I doubt the locals alone could support the dozen or so jewelry stores in town. It doesn't strike me as the kind of place where you would don your tanzanite and diamond necklaces to have a brew at the Onion Saloon.


We were disappointed with the weather in Skagway as there was a pretty steady drizzle. Something we are used to at home, but it's pretty unusual for Skagway and annoying when you're on vacation. Still, we walked into the pretty little downtown and checked out the local museum.

Apparently Skagway had 20,000 residents during the gold rush. A horse that would have sold for $5 in Chicago at the time was selling for $150 on the beach in Skagway. Also during the gold rush each person was required to carry 2000 lbs of provisions with them to the gold fields. This entailed 20 trips up the treacherous 17 mile mountain trail with a 100 lb pack. Once they had their supplies cached at the top they started the relay over again traveling the down the other side. Imagine how much impact the building of the narrow gauge Yukon railway made!



Of course being in Alaska you have to have a really good snow mover on the front of your train.


Tristan & Laura took a hike along the waterfront to a nearby cove. They said that there wasn't a soul in site and the hike and the cove were beautiful. Being wienies, we went back to the ship for lunch at our favorite little cafe in the Piazza. Topped off by my new favorite indulgence--a skinny caramel latte with a warm oatmeal raisin cookie! Life is Good!


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