DAY 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6(i) & 6(ii) | 7 | 8
DAY 5
JUNE 6, 2001
- SKAGWAY & HAINES
Sunrise/Sunset: 0349 - 2212
"You can still catch the Gold Rush fever as you tour historic Skagway. From the wooden boardwalks and false-fronted buildings to the horse-drawn wagons and townsfolk in period costume, Skagway is a living museum filled with local lore. It all began in August of 1896 when George Washington Carmack and his two Indian companions, Skookum Jim and Tagish Charlie, found gold in a tributary of the Klondike River in Canada's Yukon Territory. During the first year of the rush, up to 30,000 goldseekers passed through Skagway and nearby Dyea. It wasn't until the completion of the White Pass and Yukon Railway in mid-1898, that Skagway cemented its position as the Gateway to the Klondike."
The Sea Princess sailed all night northbound in the Lynn Canal. At about 2:45am, the ship passed half a mile west of Eldred Rock Lighthouse thus entering Chilkoot Inlet and pass Battery Point and the City of Haines on the port side. The ship entered Taiya Inlet at 4:50am and commenced her approach into Skagway. The ship docked at Skagway alongside Broadway Dock at 6:29am. We had come 95 nautical miles from Juneau at an average speed of 19.67 knots. It was a chilly 55 F (12.5 C) today and the skies were overcast but got very sunny and very warm throughout the day. The Sea Princess departed Skagway at 8:20pm and sailed on a southerly course through Taiya and Chilkoot Inlets, passing Eldred Rock at 10:40pm and retraced our steps back through Lynn Canal towards Glacier Bay.
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<< We arrive in Skagway and was greeted by this scenery |
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This was the approach into Skagway... the view from my cabin balcony at the rear of the ship >> |
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<< Gorgeous mountains |
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We had company in Skagway... the Norwegian Cruise Line ship that we saw in Vancouver is baaack... >> |
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<< The Regal Princess was ahead of us at the docks. Regal is Sea Princess' sister ship. |
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The two Princess sister ships side-by-side >> |
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<< We took a tour to Haines. This is the view from the catamaran we were on as it left Skagway. |
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FOUR cruise ships flank the entrance into Skagway. Amazing. >> |
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<< Do I look pissed off? |
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We left Skagway farther behind as we headed for Haines >> |
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<< It was sunny and overcast all at once |
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We rafted down a glacial river. The magnificent vistas never seem to end. >> |
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<< Can you spot the bald eagle? Mind you, this was taken from afar... can you imagine how big these birds are? |
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Look at those mountains... >> |
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<< This is a horrible picture... we were preparing to go on a scenic raft float adventure through the bald eagle preserve. We were dressed up like clowns. |
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Look what landed on my finger! >> |
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<< This is the view that can be seen from all over Haines *sigh* |
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This is the backdrop to Haines... why would anyone leave? >> |
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<< More dramatic mountain scenery! Life doesn't get any better than this... |
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The Sea Princess! Check it out.. my suite cabin is 3rd up, 2nd from the right; got it? >> |
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<< Skagway's Main Street... there ain't much to it. Lots of quaint shops and cool shopping. |
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What a beautiful day as the sun reflects off the waters and the snow-capped peaks >> |
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<< That is the Regal Princess all lit up against a backdrop of spectacular twilight vista |
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As we sail towards Glacier Bay, the scenery gets more dramatic >> |
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<< Relaxing... after 3 consecutive port days. Port days are MUCH more tiring than at sea days. Here I am pondering Glacier Bay tomorrow... it's so exciting!!! |
