Ya’ll I hate writing – I put some prompts into Chat GPT about this day and it spit this out. So much better then I could write!

Day five of our Alaskan cruise promised an exciting new adventure: a historic train ride starting from the old mining town of Skagway. Despite the rainy weather that morning, our spirits were high as we disembarked from the ship, ready to explore the rugged beauty of Alaska from the comfort of a vintage train. The rain added a mysterious charm to the day, shrouding the mountain peaks in mist and giving the landscape an ethereal quality.

Arriving in Skagway felt like stepping back into the late 1800s. The town’s well-preserved wooden buildings, reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, stood as silent witnesses to the countless stories of adventure and perseverance that shaped this place.

Soon, it was time to board the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow-gauge railroad is a marvel of engineering. As we settled into our seats, the rain pattered against the windows, adding a cozy, intimate feel to the journey. The whistle blew, and we slowly chugged out of Skagway, the train’s vintage charm promising an unforgettable adventure despite the weather.

The train ascended through the lush coastal rainforest, with the rain creating a symphony of sounds as it fell on the foliage. The mist and clouds obscured some of the peaks, but the landscape remained awe-inspiring. We crossed trestle bridges and passed through tunnels, each twist and turn revealing hidden waterfalls and deep gorges. The rain-soaked scenery had a mysterious beauty, with the mist lending an almost mystical atmosphere to the journey.

Throughout the journey, our knowledgeable guides shared fascinating stories about the railroad’s construction and the hardships faced by those who built it. One of the most striking tales was about the Klondikers that traveled the trail before the railway was built. The Canadian government required those taking the White Pass to bring a year’s worth of supplies, weighing about a ton in total. Many prospectors carried these supplies themselves, 50 pounds at a time, making countless trips up the treacherous pass. These stories of perseverance and adventure added a rich layer of history to the already mesmerizing scenery.

Reaching the summit of the White Pass, at nearly 3,000 feet, was a unique experience. While the clouds obscured some of the panoramic views, the glimpses we caught were breathtaking. As we crossed into British Columbia and the Yukon, the landscape grew more rugged and remote. The vast wilderness, shrouded in mist, emphasized the isolation and raw beauty of this untouched part of the world. We took pictures of the flags as we passed into Canada.

As we made our way back to Skagway, we perched outside between the carts taking pictures while getting soaked by the rain. Despite the rain, the train ride had been an incredible journey through time and nature, showcasing the timeless beauty of Alaska.

After our train ride, we took the opportunity to explore the charming town of Skagway. We wandered through its quaint streets, shopped for unique souvenirs, and indulged in delicious Alaskan fry bread at Klondike Doughboy. We also toured the historic Moore Homestead, gaining deeper insights into the lives of the early settlers.

As the day progressed, Steve, LaRee, and Jaelee decided to head back to the cruise ship. Greg, Jayse, and I, however, were eager to explore more. We made our way to the Skagway Brewery, where Greg and I tried the local spruce tip beer. The unique flavor, infused with the essence of Alaskan spruce tips, was a delightful end to our day of exploration – although I didn’t like it Greg did. We were told about it on the train by the guide. The natives taught the Klondikers to drink spruce tip tea for vitamin C to combat scurvy.

Once back on the ship, Jaelee, LaRee, and I gathered in the lobby for a special treat. We were introduced to sled dog puppies and had the opportunity to hear the inspiring story of the 2023 Iditarod Winner – Ryan Redington. The puppies were adorable, and learning about the dedication and perseverance required for the Iditarod race added a fascinating conclusion to our day.

Our rainy day train ride from Skagway through the heart of Alaska was a magical experience, enhanced by the weather’s mysterious touch. It was a voyage through history, nature, and the indomitable spirit of those who came before us. If you’re looking to experience Alaska in a unique and unforgettable way, a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a must. From the quaint streets of Skagway to the mist-shrouded peaks of the White Pass, this adventure promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.