Date: Jun 13 2012
Sunrise: 3:49am
Sunset: 10:14pm
Today's Forecast: Showers, 50F/10C
Arrival: 7:00am
All Aboard: 4:30pm
The Plan
Today is the third day in a row that the kids need to wake up early. One of our kids was not at her 100%. We were lucky that one of our cruise mates was a pediatrician before becoming a surgeon. She gave good advise and our kid felt much better. We decided to take it easy today and just hang around the Skagway downtown.Tip: If you plan to visit the White Pass and beyond, passport is needed.
The Deal
The plan changed a little after our fellow cruise mates found a great bargain at the Days of 98 show site for the Charlie’s Days of 98’ Show and White Pass Tour! Instead of paying $60 dollars, we only payed $45 each. Again, our 2 younger kids were free!At this time, all of our kids were at their 100% again. Must have been the fresh air!
Tip: When making the payment, you need to check their math. They over-charged me $10 and I did not realized the math mistake until I am back on Norwegian Jewel.
Tip: To do this tour, you need to have your passport as you will be leaving US.
Days of 98 Show
The show is about Soapy Smith - "Alaska most nortorious outlaw and con man". From how he tricked people into buying his soap to his final hours before he was killed at the Wharf. It has quite a bit of comedy component with some audience partipation. I especially like the part where the lady open the back door (which open to the street) to announce the opening of the show. Overall, The Days of 98 Show is very entertaining. Most important of all, it gave us some background knowledge for our bus tour later.Tip: Arrive early, before the tour group, to get the best seat. Most important of you, you get to explore the stage and play the piano.
Tip: While waiting for the show, remember to buy some food that you can eat on the bus.
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| 98 Show Program |
While waiting, our fellow cruise mate Ricky did a performance for us.
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| The team! |
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| The cast |
White Pass Summit Tour
When the show ends, the tour bus was already waiting for us outside the theatre. All we have to do is to hop onto the bus. It's very convenient and efficient.
Tip: Before you start the tour, make sure you use the bathroom first. The next decent bathroom is 1.5 hr away. There is a honey bucket at the top of the White Pass but I am not sure you really want to use it.
Tip: Make sure you have your warm clothings and gear. Otherwise, you will most likely stuck in the bus.
The bus drove through the Skagway neighborhood. Throughout the journey, the driver shared different stories and pointed out historic landmarks. We travelled on the Klondike highway which runs parallels to the train track. The bus climbed 3000 feet in just ~15 miles. The driver stopped at a couple of locations for us to take pictures. On the way back, we saw a bear cub by the road side. Our first sighting of bears in this trip!
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| Our very knowledgable driver (most left) |
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| At the summit before we turned back |
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| There is still snow on the ground |
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| The pipeline |
Gold Rush Cemetery
The stop at Gold Rush Cemetry complimented the Days of 98 show as it took us to the final resting ground of Soapy Smith and Frank Reid. Out of respect for the dead, we did not take any photo of the cemetary. Instead, I am sharing a picture of the Lower Reid Falls. It is just a short hike from the cemetary.
Lower Reid Falls
View from the cemetery
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| Not a good place to park your car |
The Scenic Overlook
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| Norwegian Jewel with its sister ship Norwegian Pearl |
Downtown
After the tour, we spend sometime to explore the town. There are many restored historic building. I recommend visiting the tourist information center inside AB building. They gave out soft toys to any kids who can answer 3 questions correctly. |
| The A B Building - "the most photographed building in Alaska" |
Downtown
Bear proof trush can
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a must visit. They organized a number of activities. For example, a walking tour, a range led talk and movie.
Becoming a Junior Ranger
A long walk back
Norwegian Jewel docked quite a distance from town. It took us about 20 mins to walk each way. There must be a bus from the dock but we did not see it. |
| It's a very long way from the town to our cruise ship |
It is also very windy!
A nice backdrop
The Alaksa Cruise Series
- Alaska Cruise - Embarkment
- Alaska Cruise - Day 1
- Alaska Cruise: Day 2
- Alaska Cruise: Day 3 (Ketchikan)
- Alaska Cruise: Day 3 (On board)
- Alaska Cruise: Day 4 (Juneau)
- Alaska Cruise: Day 4 (On Board)
- Alaska Cruise - Day 5 (Skagway)
- Alaska Cruise - Day 5 (On Board)
- Alaska Cruise: Day 6
- Alaska Cruise: Day 7 (On Board)
- Alaska Cruise: Day 7 (Victoria, BC)
- Alaska Cruise: Day 7 (Last Evening)
- Alaska Cruise: Day 8 (Disembarkment)
- Alaska Cruise: Reflection
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