Today we strolled through the shops in town, making a few minor purchases and treating ourselves to lunch out. At the train depot there was this Snow blower that was used until 1982 and had over 181,000 miles on it when retired.
Also we saw the original Steam engine that makes runs up the pass twice a week. We tried to go on it but was full with cruise people.
VIDEO: A short clip of the steam engine leaving for the pass.
At 4:30 we took the White Pass Yukon Railroad train to White Pass. The diesel train runs 3 to 4 times a day so getting on it was no problem.
VIDEO: Here is a short clip of our diesel train heading up the pass.
We waited until later in the day as each morning seems to be cloudy and drizzly.
The scenery is spectacular and we really gained an appreciation for the rough trek that the gold rush pioneers had over the passes to the gold fields. There are areas where you can see rusted old artifacts and a few trains that did not make it all the way back then.
The original 1898 trail on the right
The original 1898 trail on the right
The building of the railroad over this pass cannot be understated either. The trestle below is just one example of the amazing feats accomplished in putting a rail over this pass.
The tracks wind along the side of the mountainsyou go through 2 tunnels
Heading back to Skagway you can see the ships
It was a long day of being a tourist and we were glad to get back to our trailer to rest our weary heads.
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