Monday, August 1, 2011

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

At our next stop, Skagway, we took the popular White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad excursion.  Built in 1898 during the Klondike gold rush, the narrow gauge railroad helped prospectors move into Canada.  Before the railroad, prospectors had to hike the Chilkoot Trail up and over the mountain with their required ton of goods.  It could take weeks.  On the train, it only took a couple of hours.  It wasn't a great day for photography, raining off and on during the trip.  But, it was interesting.




Looking out the rain streaked windows of the old coach, one mostly sees rocks and trees going by.  Sometimes, you catch a glimpse of another train ahead or behind.




You have to admire the hardy souls who hiked this route into Canada over 100 years ago.  It's a challenge even today for hikers on guided tours.  Certainly, it requires health, conditioning, and stamina even now.  Me, I'll take the train!

1 comment:

  1. Train sounds good to me too! Don't mind long walks or short hike! Never know what one might meet in the bush.

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