Skagway and Haines
Another crystalline day in southeast Alaska! The 4:30 sunrise at this latitude illuminated a brilliant blue sky as the Sea Lion moved north on Lynn Canal and docked at Skagway. An early breakfast prepared guests for a stroll around this historic town, or an optional ride on the White Pass and Yukon Historic Railroad. Train passengers had a chance to view part of the notorious White Pass Trail, infamous as one of the principal routes over the coastal mountains en route to the Yukon gold fields during the Rush of the 1890’s. The epic tale of that time of almost inconceivable heroism, ignorance, and frustration is one of our national legends. As in so many instances, actually visiting the locale of a notable event was worth a lot more than reading about it.
Back at sea level, we again gained altitude, this time in small aircraft as we flew from Skagway to Haines, following the scenic route, for sure! Making huge swinging circles over a heroic landscape, we got a look at the tops of glaciers, a much different perspective than our experience of only yesterday from the Zodiacs at glacial fronts. This time we could see the linear streaks of incorporated debris and complex systems of crevasses and ice hummocks as these rivers of ice made their way down slope toward the sea. At even higher elevations we were looking squarely into the very summits of snow where it all begins. It was a truly profound and beautiful experience.
Once in Haines there was time to look around the several museums and art galleries here. The gorgeous weather continued, encouraging a variety of activities including walking, resting, and shopping. The Sea Lion tied up at the floating dock around 4 pm, giving us a chance to regroup for dinner. In keeping with the extraordinary day we were having, this too was exceptional. First we were delighted by a performance from the Chilkat dancers, expressing stories of universal experience through the use of elaborately carves masks, drumming and dance. Then we feasted on salmon, cooked to perfection. Thus, our day was filed with food for the mind, body and soul.
