What a drive into Skagway! - Montana Owners Club

jrgwdenner · 08-30-2005, 04:29 PM

We had a new experience on the drive into Skagway. Fog! The visibility in the highest elevation was 2-3 car lengths. It was pretty scarey. There were truck escape lanes but you couldn't even see them until you were almost past them. Wouldn't do much good for a truck out of control. We were glad that there wasn't much traffic around us. The brakes were sure stinky, too.

That said, Skagway is an interesting little town. They have developed the main part of downtown into a quaint little retail area. The shops are really cute and they were full of passengers from the four cruise ships that are in the harbor. Be sure to put Skagway at the top of your list of places to visit.

We saw the train that runs to White Pass and are looking forward to taking that ride as well as the ride to Haines. That's by boat, only 14 miles across the water. We'll keep you posted.

There are new pictures on our blog, if you're interested. And we'll have WiFi for the next few days so if you have any specific questions that we might answer, now is the time.

Parrothead · 08-30-2005, 05:45 PM

Judy,
Please take lots of pictures on the train ride. That is one thing that is at the top of our list for our trip. Different thing for different folks, we will take all of the train rides and skip the fishing trip! But we will sure eat the salmon. Thank you again for all of your posts and pictures.
Happy trails....................

jrgwdenner · 08-30-2005, 05:54 PM

There are plenty of places to just EAT fish. Their fast food restaurants in the fishing villages serve big, fat, crispy chunk of halibut instead of chicken fingers. And it's good.

The steam engine pulling the train had its last run last week but we saw diesel engines pulling passenger cars way into the mountains. Seems like the view would be the same either way. We'll keep you informed.

padredw · 08-31-2005, 02:32 AM

Judy and Glenn,
I do hope you will be able to make that train ride. On our Alaskan cruise a few years ago, that trip would have to be 'near the top' in terms of our enjoyment. I have entirely too many photos and video, bu you know how that goes: one spectacular view after another. Of course, you know about "Soapy" Smith and have probably seen his grave. All in all that was our favorite port. We'l be looking at your posted photos, and Thanks.

jrgwdenner · 08-31-2005, 04:47 AM

We're hoping to make the train ride, for sure, but the weather forecast for the next few days isn't favorable. I'm not sure what view we'll have from the train. The terrain driving down here was unlike anything we've seen yet. It reminded us of a moonscape. There were miles and miles of rounded rock formations that had minature spruce trees and beautiful green and white lichen growing on them. Small ponds were here and there. I hope we get a chance to see it in good weather. There's a lot of the drive right around the border that we didn't get to see because of the fog.

Our two border crossings yesterday were quite uneventful. We did have a delay at the Canadian border because they were searching a U-haul truck. It looked like a family who was moving and their stuff was all over. But once we got to the guard, he just asked about firearms. Coming into the U.S. to get to Skagway, the guard was very friendly. Even gave Greta a doggie biscuit.

jrgwdenner · 08-31-2005, 12:41 PM

We checked into the train ride and decided not to sign up. The ride goes 20 miles north of Skagway and turns around. There are long narrow lakes and the train track goes up the east side of the lakes. The road goes along the west side of the lake. Basically what we would see from the train is the same view that we would get from the car and we'll be driving the road twice. The price of $89.00 each for a three hour ride seemed a bit too much to see views that we will see anyway. We're pretty cheap tourists.

There are people from four cruise ships in town today so the crowds are thick. We walked around a little and looked into the fast ferry going to Haines. If the weather is good, we'll go there tomorrow. Also heard of a great little red restaurant down by the harbor that we'll have to try out. Skagway is really a cute little town, definitely made for tourists.

Dave Anderson · 08-31-2005, 01:43 PM

JUDY; would like to hear more about your boondocking spot near TOK do you remember the milepost or was there one? Sounds like your having a great trip-Dave

jrgwdenner · 08-31-2005, 02:36 PM

Dave, the boondocking east of Tok is at an easily marked spot. Appx. eight miles east of Tok, just before you cross over an arched steel bridge, there is a very large double-ended pullout with a scenic overlook. The pullout will hold ten or twelve units. There were always 4 or 5 others present when we stayed there. Some folks even unhooked their trailers and drove back into town. Slides were out and there were places where campfires were burned. It's nice and level, too. And the price is right! You are right, we're having a great trip. Thanks.

You may also like: