Skagway

We saw more whales on the way from Juneau to Skagway and the mountains when we could see their tops were jagged and rugged looking. Waterfalls starting near the top of the mountain cascaded to the water below. This ferry had a puzzle set up on a table in the back of the lounge which occupied some time both coming and going.
Our motel met us and its other guests at the ferry terminal in Skagway, something the other communities along the way could take note of. In the morning, we set out with our map to take the walking tour. Many or most of the buildings in the 7 block downtown area were built from 1898-1902. As we learned, they might not have all started out where they are situated now, but moved in from side streets. In the early morning there is no one around and the quiet was striking after being in the Alaskan Hotel for a few days prior! We learned about the gold rush and the history of the community. It took brave souls to pack up a years supply of food and head into the mountains in search of their fortune.
In the afternoon we rented a tandem bike and rode out of town to explore the Gold Rush Cemetery. The town hero, Frank Reid and the outlaw, Soapy Smith are buried there. Reid is a hero because he shot Smith. A sign in town says, and there has been peace and order ever since. There is a waterfall behind the cemetery that we hiked up to. We toured around on the bike a little more before returning it.
Later in the day, I found the quilt shop which is by far the best one I’ve seen on this trip. I bought some things that will represent good memories of our time in Alaska. In the evening we ate at the Red Onion Saloon. It is the oldest bar in Skagway (1898) and used to have a brothel upstairs. You can take a tour of the upstairs and the sign reads: $5 for 15 minutes just like in 1898!
There were 4 cruise ships in the harbor when we left. The town was expecting 9000 people that day—wonder where they put them all? The channel is very deep there and they park those big ships right at the dock. Think we got out of town just in time. Many take the train ride over White Pass which we saved for another time.
I’m going to skip our overnight in Juneau as it was uneventful and irritating. Next up: Anchorage.