Today we planned a leisurely day in town.
We awoke to find 3 other cruise ships docked near us – the Star Princess, a Holland American and the Celebrity Solstice – that means about 10,000 extra people in this small isolated town for the day.
On our balcony it was very warm, but as soon as we hit the gangway to exit the ship I was glad I had my coat and scarf. It was sunny, with quite a cool breeze blowing.
We walked the ½ mile into town along the water. We were lucky that the While Pass train came back to town as we reached the level crossing.
We walked the shops, then stopped at the Skagway Brewing Company so Paul could try the local brews and have some halibut and chips for lunch.
Score card:
Beers 7/10
Halibut and chips 5/10
But we had to try it while in town.
Then we moved back up the street. Of course we checked out the fudge shop – they make it in store so you can see the process. Last time we bought a sampler pack, but its too large and we through a lot out. So this time we just purchased a packet of peanut butter flavoured malt balls – I am assuming they will be peanut butter flavoured maltesers or similar.
Next stop was the Bonanza Saloon, which had loud 70s music playing and was fairly packed. We got a table and Paul could get Alaskan Amber this time – a tried and trusted brew! I drank their Alaskan Cocktails.
We met up with friends from the ship, David and Leanne and ended up staying a few hours.
The taped music changed to a 2 piece band. Good songs, not so good singing but it was fun!
Many crew members came and went from this bar and they all come and say hello and have a chat. It’s very friendly. They know us well as we have been on board for 5 weeks now.
Skagway Video
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRcXDHBkLTM&feature=youtu.be[/tube]
About 6.30 pm we walked back to the Diamond and marvelled again at the snow covered mountains in the background of this small community.
The Star Princess and the Holland American ships left first. Then the Celebrity Solstice, then we left just after 8.30 pm.
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It looks like a lovely bright day!!!! You’ve certainly had some extremes of weather while you’ve been away. We’re really enjoying seeing your photos and videos and reading your blog.
Hi Mel and Glenn, yes we have the hot and the cold of it this trip. But we love that. Just didn’t have wet weather gear to cope with the sleet in Whittier – but it was great to see. When the new passengers embarked in Whittier , those in suites and minisuites needed a shovel to get the snow off there balconies. Ours was protected so we were lucky. Miraculously, the snow had disappeared from their balconies the next day….