Written by Jen. Photographed by Tracie.
On the recent Alaskan cruise Tracie and I took, our second port of call was Skagway. Close to the Yukon, there is still a touch of wild-west energy to the place. The natural beauty is breathtaking, especially on a sunny day, and we were lucky enough to have a hot, postcard perfect day there. Tracie had only been a couple of times during her years at sea and was excited to explore more of Skagway. I was also looking forward to getting back to Skagway after developing a fondness for it over several summers. A friend of mine from Peace Corps has worked the last couple of summers as a tour guide in Skagway, so meeting up with her was going to be an added bonus.
The Volendam docked in Skagway bright and early, before Tracie and I were ready to head ashore. After breakfast we made our way off the ship, walked into town together and made plans to meet back up a bit later. Tracie wanted to get in some scenic photography time and I had a coffee date with my friend Jennie. We caught up over iced lattes and she showed me a couple of her favorite places in town.
Jennie, who was my neighbor in Peace Corps, introduced me to her boyfriend “Stache” (short for mustache) and they threw out a few options for the day. We decided to take advantage of the hot, summer weather (they’d been having lots of rainy days lately) by going on a hike. We met up with Tracie, Scott, and Inge, procured provisions, and set out to hike the Lower Lake trail. The trail head was close to the ship and the lake was only about a mile up. The hike was not extreme by any means though we all got rather sweaty due to the heat, steepness of the trail, and perhaps our less than perfect states of fitness. Jennie and Stache earned the most street cred by far, as they both hiked up with giant backpacks, filled with inflatable stand up paddle boards, beer, and other supplies.
We only saw a few other people at the lake and felt like we had our own private paradise for the day. We set up at the far end of the lake, while Jennie and Stache got to work inflating the SUP (stand up paddle) boards. The afternoon went by at a leisurely pace, all of us taking turns on the boards. I had paddle boarded one other time, at Lake Tahoe, and was thrilled to give it another go. Tracie tried it for the first time, and though she feared she may fall in, she succeeded in staying on the board without any slips. It seemed almost hot enough to swim, and a couple of our friends did take dips. I enjoyed a few beers, catching up with Jennie between SUPing sessions. Tracie learned how to SUP and got in a bit of photography time.
After a few hours of heavenly lake time we made our way back down the mountain into Skagway. Scott and Inge headed back to the boat for work, and Tracie and I took Jennie and Stache up on their offer to drive us into “no man’s land” – the area between the U.S. and Canadian borders. When you sail as a crew member, the Human Resources Office on the ship retains your passport, but as friends on board we were able to keep our passports with us. Good thing, as they were our ticket north of the border. The drive was gorgeous and just like at the lake, we saw very few other people. We made several stops for photo ops. “No man’s land” is about ten miles long and some of the landscape seems out of this world. The dwarfed trees and rock formations could be from a Tolkien landscape. Tracie and I were both thrilled to go deeper into the Yukon, further from the boat, and to really explore “no man’s land”. It is an area we’ve both had on our radar for years, but could not explore until now. We had to keep an eye on the clock as all aboard time was creeping ever nearer.
Thanks to Jennie and Stache for this photo of Jen and I.
Thanks to Jennie and Stache for this photo of Jen and I.
Jennie and Stache zipped us back down the mountain pass, from the Canadian border, through ” no man’s land”, and back into the U.S., practically right up to the ship’s gangway. As we drove by the Red Onion Saloon, an institution in Skagway, I noticed a couple of guys in drag. Jennie and Stache told us that every Wednesday is drag night at the Red Onion and that they almost never miss it. I was so sad that we did not have a later, drag show accommodating, sailing time. But alas, ship time rules your life when you are a sailor, and quite often you sail away before you’re ready, missing out on all kinds of night life. And then there are late sails and overnights when you do go to the shows and get to make the most of a port of call. At the dock quick hugs, thank yous, and goodbyes were exchanged before Tracie and I hustled onto the ship.
A few moments after we boarded the Volendam set sail for our next Alaskan Cruise port, Ketchikan.
Written by Jen. Photographed by Tracie.
Andi - I’ve been to Skagway while cruising a couple of times, but would love to explore more of Alaska by other transports! I am heading to a small island off of Ketchikan next week and can’t wait to feel the cool weather since it has been between 100-110 the last few days here in Phoenix!
traciehowe - That sounds like a lot of fun, Andi! I’d love to do some exploring off-off-the-beaten-path in Alaska like that. I’m sure it will be a relief to escape the heat!
sherianne - Skagway sure does have wild-west energy! What a cute town and gorgeous scenery. I didn’t know there is such thing as blow up SUP boards, are they sturdy?
traciehowe - Sherianne, I totally agree! Skagway does have that wild west feel, especially when you see the old trains and catch a stage show (not necessarily of the drag variety as mentioned!). And yes, blow up SUP boards are indeed sturdy! I was surprised as well!
Jenna - Alaska is so amazing—one of our favorite spots! We really need to go in the summer though. Both times we’ve visited have been in the winter. That’s so cool that you’ve been able to spend a lot of time in Skagway over the years. Looks like such a beautiful area! The lake is so pretty, and it looks perfect for SUP. What a wonderful day and so fun that you got to meet up with friends to explore! Your photos are gorgeous and really make us want to get back to Alaska again soon!
traciehowe - Thank you, Jenna! How interesting that you been twice to Alaska during the winter! Did you go for the Northern Lights or at least happen to see them? I’ve been countless times, but only in the summer. It’s definitely worth a visit then!
Punita Malhotra - Oh yes, it is stunning! The blue skies lend a perfect contrast to the landscape. Which season did you go in and how do you think October would be for a trip to Alaska?
traciehowe - Hi Punita, thanks for your comment! I’ve only ever been in the summer. I think the cruise season goes until September, but possibly into October too. If the cruises are there, I’m sure the weather is still decent. However, if you do visit without a cruise, you might be careful to check driving/travel conditions just in case! I’m sure by then you might have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights too! :)
Indrani - That is a well rewarded hike.. love the scenic captures. The night life sounded interesting, so sorry you had to miss it. I hope to get to Alaska some day.
traciehowe - Thank you, Indrani! It was a very pleasant hike!
Rosemary - How to cool to see pictures of no-man’s land between the U.S. and Canadian borders. Sounds like a lovely time with SUP (which I’ve never tried, but looks like a lot of fun). Such gorgeous natural scenery. Fun post to read!
traciehowe - Thank you, Rosemary! I wish I had known about no man’s land before that visit. It’s so stunning! I’d love to go back and do some more exploring there!
Holly - I like SUP. THis looks like a great place to do it beautiful scenery. Never heard of this place
traciehowe - Me too, Holly! Well, this was my first time trying it, but I loved it and have done it a few times since. It was a lovely place to learn!
Linda - A hike looks like a great thing to do on a port stay in Skagway. Certainly did not expect to hear that it was hot and sweaty work in Alaska! I would not have thought the water was warm enough to swim in. So much for my preconceived views of Alaska! Falling in would be one concern. But then getting back up is my big issue. Your photos look great!
traciehowe - Linda, I suppose it may have been cold in the water, but I was not interested in getting in! I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to even slightly cold water! I’m glad I didn’t fall!
Nisha - Skagway looks like the perfect place for hiking. On warm days , of course :) . I have not done SUP but the place has everything that makes me want stay for a long time. Kudos for great photographs.
traciehowe - Thanks, Nisha! Yes, Skagway is lovely on warm summer days!