Disney Wonder Skagway Alaska – Disney ‘Round the USA and Canada — May 6, 2011

May 6th – Our first real port of call in Alaska is Skagway!

Skagway is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and is the smallest port of call you will visit on the Disney Wonder Alaska cruise 2011.

Skagway played an important role in the Klondike Goldrush of 1897-98 as people headed north in search of gold. Saloons and gunplay were commonplace. I encourage you to take your time and explore the town which is rich in history. Stop by the National Park Service for a free 1 hour walking tour. The visitor’s center has walking tour maps as well.

As we arrived in port it was chilly and rainy so I was glad to have chosen the White Pass Yukon Railway train ride.

Our ride began in Skagway, at sea level and we traveled to the White Pass Border at 2,800 feet above sea level. It was amazing to watch the landscape change as we headed north and upward.

Sheer drop-offs were not uncommon as we continued on the journey. We were the first train up for the new season and the tracks had been plowed the day before so we could take our ride.

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. A couple were taken in sepia tone, as the white snow and white sky caused lots of white outs on the photos.

The US – Canadian Border!

Our particular ride did not allow for us to exit the train in Canada. If we did, we would have had to show passports and clear customs.

When we reached the northern end of our journey, the engines separated from the rail cars and did a loop around to what was the back of the train. The seats all flipped to face forward, we changed seats with those on the opposite side of the train and headed back to Skagway.

The tour guide told us that by mid June, all of the snow would be gone and the area will be filled with greenery and flowers!

All too soon, our approx. 3 hour journey ended and we were back in town and eventually, back on board the Disney Wonder.

The AllEars Alaskan Adventure cruisers met up again in Cove Café in the evening to share stories of the day’s excursions!

Here are links to 2 other All Ears Alaskan Adventure Cruisers who are also bloging.

Fellow AllEars cohort Laura Gilbreathand

My next cabin neighbor for this sailing, Gary and Carol Cruise!

Post a Comment