R V EXPLORER--NORTH TO ALASKA: SKAGWAY, ALASKA JUNE 7

Skagway---gateway to the Gold Rush.
Gold was discovered in the Klondike, Yukon in 1896; by 1898, over 10,000 gold prospectors
converged into this small outpost. Located at the end of a fjord, the Lynn Canal, ships from Seattle and San Francisco would bring eager miners to Skagway and nearby Dyea. These were the only passages
over the mountains, were miners would travel to Whitehorse, Yukon- up the Yukon River to the Klondike. At Dyea, there was the famous Chilkoot Pass, miners single file, one by, one would climb the pass that took weeks to reach the other side. The Canadian Government required the miners to carry a "ton 'o goods" with them to survive the Klondike. Skagway had the White Pass which was
also used but more difficult. (we know, we drove over it) By 1899 a railroad was built, The White Pass and Yukon, to carry miners over the Pass. The railroad still runs today. By 1900, the gold rush was over, the town of Dyea, abandoned, became a ghost town, reclaimed by the forest.

Skagway is a vibrant town, with large cruise ships docking daily in its deep water harbor.
The town has kept its boom town charm with wooden plank sidewalks and turn of the century
buildings. The White Pass and Yukon railroad still carries passengers up the scenic pass.

We had dinner here at the Original Bar and Brothel

Buzz enjoyed the live scenery dressed in yesteryear!

Alaska Brotherhood Building--with 8,000 plus pieces of driftwood adorning the facade

Window shopping looking at all the 'Bling"

Saturday night and all closed--ships gone

White Pass and Yukon Railroad

Small Boat Harbor

On the way to the town of Dyea

Incredible road getting there

We could only go by Jeep

Not much left of the Town of Dyea, by 1903 only 3 people lived there. The buildings were carted off for their wood value to those who left; and, the forest has reclaimed the land--only a few reminders remain.