Skagway Alaska

Tuesday morning we docked at Skagway. It is a small town that was born during the Gold Rush days. It provided the best access to the Klondike gold fields. Today, it is a small town that provides a major stop for cruise ships as they go through the inner passage along the Southeastern coast of Alaska.

One of the fun things to do in Skagway is to ride a bicycle fifteen miles, downhill, begining at 3,300 feet and ending up at sea level. Along the way there are numerous waterfalls that are fed by glaciers. (Our guide, Lauren, took the picture.)

There is a wild flower that grows in the area called the Fireweed. The story goes, that the leaves begin to turn pink early in the summer. When the plant finally flowers, there are six weeks left before the first snow fall. Notice the flower on top of the plant.

One of the early efforts to provide access to the Klondike was to build a railroad over the White Pass. It was a powerful bit of engineering in its day. Prior to that, thousands of men would carry heavy packs over the mountain to begin their gold mining efforts. Many died in the process. Today it provides and easy way for visitors to go up to the summit of White Pass,

Looking at Skagway from about ten miles up the railway. Notice that the cruise ships tend to dwarf the town.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40: 31