June 1: Summit to Sea, a Day in Skagway

Hello from Skagway, Alaska! 

It stays light here in Alaska basically 24 hours. So we have been going to bed late and getting up early to maximize our AK experience. That being said, we have been playing a lot and are pooped. Ha! So this morning, we took things a bit easier and did not get off the ship until 9am. We explored the town a bit- old time feel from the old west and Klondike gold rush days. We also walked along the Pullen Salmon run- no salmon yet- too early in the season, but still pretty. 

Ashton poses with an old rail snow plow. 

Derek in from of our cruise ship. 

A view of our berth/dock in Skagway. 

The town of Skagway. 







At 11am we went back to the dock to meet our bicycle excursion guide who took us up the Klondike Highway to White Pass. The pass is on the border between Canada and the US. At the apex of 3,260 ft we biked 15 miles down the highway through absolutely gorgeous mountain and waterfall views. After 3 miles, Zach chose to ride the rest of the way down in the van as he did not feel comfortable biking at high speed downhill. (In his defense he had not been on a bike for a few years).  So he got to enjoy the views at a leisurely pace while Derek, Ash, and I sped down the pass. Our top speed was about 25 miles an hour but we were riding the breaks the entire way. It was great fun! The bikes were well maintained and very smooth. Our bike guides were excellent and we felt safe the entire time. 

Derek and Zach at the pass apex! It was cool (high 50s) but warmed up fast as we biked 15 miles downhill from 3260 ft to sea level (mid 70s). 

Zach pulls in to the first overlook and scenic view. 

Me with the sawtooth ridge behind. 







Veil falls. One of many waterfalls along our route. 









Scenic train in the pass replicating the route of theKlondike gold rush days. 

Waterfall, hydroelectric pipeline and train all in one picture. Can you spot them? 





IHOP: International House of Passports! 

We had to stop at the US border patrol on our bike down the pass. 

The very weird looking visitors center. 

Ashton and I both bought souvenirs from the bike shop who hosted our excursion. Ash got a tshirt commemorating our specific tour. I bought a biking jersey- because who doesn’t love a shirt with a salmon riding a bicycle!