Friday, July 31, 2009

Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska, the second port of call, was born during the historic Gold Rush of 1898. Thousands of gold-crazed adventurers, seeking the best starting point for their arduous trek found the deepest penetration possible by boat, at the northern tip of the Lynn Canal. This is how Skagway was born. Visitors can relive the past by riding the world-famous White Pass and Yukon Railroad and then visit a historic gold-rush camp. There you can browse through cabins and tents that were once used as a bakery and a saloon. Another point of interest is the Chikat Glacier system, where frozen rivers of ice surge between high mountain peaks.

I hope all that impressed you because I copied it directly off the Daily Compass, which Royal Carribean Cruise Line so kindly leaves in our room each night! They think of everything! All you have to do is eat, nap and drink in the beauty of you surroundings! It's all very lovely and restful.

There was a lot to see on Skagway! Below is a my pictorial perspective of our stroll through Skagway.....

A new twist on the old 'bottle tree' concept.

Flower 'beds'!



Vintage baggage cars.



Interesting old architecture.

Patriotic bunting and flags were on display to celebrate the 4th of July.



Everyone will tell you this train ride is a must! We didn't listen, unfortunately.


Hand painted mural, depicting the Alaskan gold rush.

Antique cars are availible for drivng tours around town.Streetview away from the docks....

....towards the docks where boats , anchor.





Great old buildings! Love the gilded 'onion dome', a remnant of Russian influence.



This facade of this building is an interesting pattern made by 'sticks' !


So cool!



...and apparently durable, to be over 100 yrs. old!





Horse drawn carriages are plentful.






Surrounded by lush mountains.


:)


Lot's and lot's, and lots of shops!...



...and interesting sites.


Sugar Mamas looked inviting!

Thankfully, these nice ladies made it easier to walk on by, chew sugarfree gum and drink bottled water. There were several churches in Skagway. Which reminds me to ask apologize for posting that last picture....tackiness is so unattractive!


Love these weathered colors!




I just love old cars....and trucks and houses and furniture and dishes and fabrics and books and...



Can you say C-a-d-i-l-l-a-c ?

There's more!

Beautiful.




Can you read the name?



Interesting?

Oh! How cute!



WOW!...I don't know what to say?


I'm continually amazed at how well things grow up here. Everything is so green,




and colorful,

and big!
This is rhubarb! ...at least 4 feet tall!




... chippy paint and galvanized metal and white clay flower pots and old concrete garden urns .....


Skagway was a 'happening place'.



My favorite!

...and old watches and buttons and pencils and letters and milliner roses and prisms and taxider
Walking, walking, walking.....

Did I say how much I love old houses? I wish I could figure out how I could get paid to go inside old houses and look around! My dream job.


...and anitique safes and old oil paintings and photos and watering cans and metal garden chairs.



Back to the boat! So long Skagway.......so glad i don't hve time to run back down to Sugar Mamas!


Coming up! Juno! The Capital of Alaska.......and a memorable day!


1 comment:

Amy said...

roxanne...your trip looks and sounds amazing. know you are having a wonderful time. as always, your blog inspires. so glad i got a minute to stop by this evening...i am grinning from ear to ear!!! amy s