Alaska 2008: Day 5 (Skagway)

On day 5, we stopped in Skagway. Like Ketchikan, the city itself isn’t very
exciting. There are some quaint old buildings, though most of them contain
chain jewelry stores, or tacky t-shirt shops. It kind of felt like Fisherman’s
Wharf at home.

The highlights of the day included a trip on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad,
and our departure from the port. I’ve got pictures of everything after the
link.

The morning view features soaring mountains and the Norwegian Sun (again)

Looking up at our ship

Another view of the Zaandam, with the Norwegian Sun in the background

Skagway

Weird old building

Lots of jewelry places in these ports, few of which are owned by Alaskans

Now we’re on the train, headed out of town

Looking back toward Skagway. Our cruise ship is the one in the middle.

There’s a big wooden trestle bridge that you have to cross

Amazing views up here

Crossing the trestle and going into a tunnel

This steel bridge is no longer used

And here’s why

This is at the top of White Pass

Lots of flags at the border: USA, Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon Territory,
and Canada

Amazing mountains all around

Going downhill

Another train further up

Getting closer to sunset at 930pm

Dusk (at 1045pm)

Panoramic view (click
for larger)

And now, for something completely different:

Cruises always have a "midnight buffet", though they’re usually at 11. On this
particular night, it was a chocolate/dessert feast.

Love the Eiffel Tower of chocolate

One of the bartenders makes a flaming drink

Next up: Glacier Bay!