Sunday July 25th 2010 Whitehorse to Skagway Alaska via South Klondike Highway

Miles travelled = 104

I had no Internet access since yesterday, so I am updating for the rest of my trip.
I have many photos to load, and will do those later. .

Today is the day to say goodbye to the Westmark Klondike Hotel, my home for the past couple of days, and head to Skagway. It was a clear sunny day ,windy and cool enough for the jacket liner when left Whitehorse. Left sometime after 1000, remembering that Alaska is 1 hour behind.

Leaving Whitehorse

The ride was very scenic, one of the best so far, and the road condition very good.. I rode with the mountains ahead passing large lakes, some were a vivid green color, and snow was on most of the mountain peaks. As I climbed into the mountains a strong head wind sprang up, and it became quite cool, especially at the summit of Whites Pass. Clouds also started to appear, and cover the mountains, but it remained dry and fairly clear. Traffic was fairly light, mainly large land cruiser RVs and trailers heading the other way. The only wildlife I saw was a lonely coyote crossing in front of me. No bears. I did not want to stop for Kodak moments, a few were there, but I did run the helmet camera most of the way, so have some good video.

Crossing into Alaska at Whites Pass

There was no wait at the border, and I arrived in Skagway just after 1100 local time. I found Sgt. Preston’s Lodge OK, and as check in time was 2PM, they graciously allowed me to stow my gear. So I unloaded my bags, got out of my suit, and went walk about for 3 hours. I seem to have spent the best part of the past few days just killing time instead of riding.

Made it

The town was very quiet, and it appears that no cruise liners visit on Sundays, hence some stores were closed. The place was mine, which was nice. Even the Red Onion was empty, unlike when I last visited on a cruise, there was a line up waiting to get in. It was nice to just walk and browse. There were a few visitors, all bundled up with parkas, and some with ear muffs. There was a strong wind, which made it fairly cool. I had lunch, found the ferry terminal, and then checked in to the Lodge. No Internet wireless here, unless you register and get billed. No thanks. Later I visited the Skagway Brewing Company for dinner, and sampled their famous ale. It was good. Not much else to do after that. The room does have TV with old CSI shows and also ESPN baseball.

One good thing, I actually have cellular service for the first time since Dawson Creek. Good old AT&T. I will be visiting the local office when I get back about that.

Some photos of Skagway: