The Up in the Air Day
We made it to Alaska! State 49 for us and for them. We left the trailer in Whitehorse and drove the Klondike Road to Skagway. Superb road: lakes, mountains, alpine valleys, above the tree line for a bit and then down, what a drop, 3400 feet in 6 miles. This is the famous White Pass from the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. That is another story. We arrived as the train that also traverses that pass was leaving town. Those folks were going to be pleased. The town has many, in fact most of the buildings are from the 1898 to 1920 era, many relocated from a nearby town, Dyea that died when the railroad opened in Skagway. The National Park oversees several of them and a nice VC. We took two tours one of the Jeff Smith’s Parlor and one of the town focused called Gold Rush 101. Ranger did an excellent job. Between the two we walked the town carefully avoiding the hoards of gem and jewelry sales people- not an easy task.
We stopped by and chatted with Kevin who brokered tours independently of the cruise lines (three ships in town and everything busy, after six, empty streets -nice). He told us about a Glacier flyover and we told him we were going to do that from Haines Sunday. Same plane, Mountain Flying Service. He checked with them and found that they were going from Skagway with two empty seats at 4:30 and offered us the substantial price reduction that occurs if you book from Haines. We took it. At 4:30 our pilot, Paul, taxied the Beaver plane off the runway and over the mountains we flew. Then we approached the glacier filled valleys and peaks of the park. At this point, Pat, I would like to buy an adjective. I can use some that I have and post a few photos but it was overwhelming. We flew very close to some, dipped below others, saw many that were miles long and 200 feet or more cliffs at sea level. We banked right in the face of Fairweather Mountain (it is 15,000 foot peak, we looked up at it) with folded snow mere yards from our wing tip. The family of four with us were from France and only one spoke English yet, while were were flying the oo’s and gasps were such we understood each other. It was a perfectly clear day, deep blue sky reflecting off the snow and lakes gave all of them a sparkling blue sheen. We were up nearly two hours for our hour and a half tour and it was still over too soon. After the flight we ate dinner at Skagway Brewing Co and then drove the 100 miles back to the trailer. A 17 hour day (all daylight at Solstice) was tiring but what a marvelous day.
Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint
I am a bit confused. We made it to Alaska, amazing feat, driven mostly by my determination. Yet we did not stay? What? We were not even in a Moosey part. And I ought to be upset, even irked. BUT, I did something astonishing. I stowed away in a secret compartment of an airplane the guides were getting into. I thought they might be trying to escape. When I was able to free myself and look out the window I was gobsmacked. Wow. It was incredible. I was flying and I was a natural at it. I think my water buoyant fur must have also added to the sense of floating. Ice everywhere, mountains even I might not climb. It was just fantastic. I think I will become a pilot. I know I would be exceptional at piloting with my keen sense of direction, my even disposition in a crisis and my buoyant fur. I will make that a future most outstanding ability. After Moose Rights. I will not be deterred. Now, how to get back to Alaska cause we are back in Canada or Provincial or Yukon, who can keep track.
Quick Selfie of Me Flying My Plane.