The Lynn Canal
Shortly after breakfast this morning the Sea Lion docked at the town of Haines. Nearby, small aircraft were poised to take us for one-hour flights that gave us a new and fresh perspective of the surrounding landscape. We had good views of the town itself, situated on the shore of the Lynn Canal and then eastwards to soar above the Meade Glacier. Medial and lateral moraines were distinct against miles of the broken white surface of ice. We flew across the Chilkat Peninsula where braided melt water rivers flow into the canal from the north. Their silt-laden waters appear muddy against the clearer seawater. Flying over the Davidson Glacier provided the opportunity for this photo. Once this river of ice was a tidewater glacier but it has receded from the sea and now melts into its own lake at its face. Once back on the ground we enjoyed a performance in the local Tribal House followed by a traditional salmon bake, the main dish being fresh Chinook salmon from local waters.
The Sea Lion continued to the very end of the Lynn Canal to Skagway. Tens of thousands of “sourdoughs” passed through here on their way to the Klondike gold fields and hoped-for riches to be found there. They came by boat from west coast cities and it was here that their arduous journey began. The famous Chilkoot Pass was chosen by some while others opted to for the White Pass. Either route led to the Yukon and both routes meant months of grueling effort. For Sea Lion guests the trip to the summit of White Pass was an easy ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. From the comfort of our heated rail car we had fine views of the valley and learned more of the history of the greatest gold stampede.
Shortly after breakfast this morning the Sea Lion docked at the town of Haines. Nearby, small aircraft were poised to take us for one-hour flights that gave us a new and fresh perspective of the surrounding landscape. We had good views of the town itself, situated on the shore of the Lynn Canal and then eastwards to soar above the Meade Glacier. Medial and lateral moraines were distinct against miles of the broken white surface of ice. We flew across the Chilkat Peninsula where braided melt water rivers flow into the canal from the north. Their silt-laden waters appear muddy against the clearer seawater. Flying over the Davidson Glacier provided the opportunity for this photo. Once this river of ice was a tidewater glacier but it has receded from the sea and now melts into its own lake at its face. Once back on the ground we enjoyed a performance in the local Tribal House followed by a traditional salmon bake, the main dish being fresh Chinook salmon from local waters.
The Sea Lion continued to the very end of the Lynn Canal to Skagway. Tens of thousands of “sourdoughs” passed through here on their way to the Klondike gold fields and hoped-for riches to be found there. They came by boat from west coast cities and it was here that their arduous journey began. The famous Chilkoot Pass was chosen by some while others opted to for the White Pass. Either route led to the Yukon and both routes meant months of grueling effort. For Sea Lion guests the trip to the summit of White Pass was an easy ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. From the comfort of our heated rail car we had fine views of the valley and learned more of the history of the greatest gold stampede.
