Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Skagway to Whitehorse
Before leaving Skagway, I explored the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls, learning about Martin Itjen, Soapy Smith, and Frank Reid while photographing one of the town's most visited historic sites. The drive north on the Klondike Highway offered rain-soaked mountain views, a stop at the historic Venus Mine near Carcross, and a return to Whitehorse to end the day.
Skagway's KlondikeGold Rush Stories
I spent the day exploring Skagway's history, starting at the excellent Skagway Museum and ending with the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park film. Along the way I learned about Soapy Smith, the White Pass railroad, Buffalo Soldiers, and the hardships faced by thousands of stampeders heading for Dawson City. A stop at the historic Mascot Saloon and an evening hike around Lower Dewey Lake rounded out one of the most interesting days I've had in Alaska.
Skagway, AK
An early morning ferry ride carried me from Juneau to Skagway through the mountains and waterways of Southeast Alaska. Along the way I reflected on my time in Juneau, photographed coastal scenery, and listened to a colorful family announce wildlife sightings from across the ferry. After arriving in Skagway, I spent the afternoon walking through town, reading historic plaques about Captain William Moore, the Klondike Gold Rush, the SS Princess Sophia disaster, and the transformation of the town from frontier gateway to cruise ship destination. The day ended with Thai curry from a food truck, quiet streets beneath bright evening skies, and an unexpected encounter with hundreds of crows gathering for the night.
Whitehorse, YT
After five days of heating problems in the van, I drove north to Whitehorse, Yukon. What began as a routine travel day turned into the discovery of a developing wheel issue, a visit to the Robert W. Service memorial, an evening exploring the territorial capital, and a reminder that summer nights in the North seem to last forever.