Western Railroad Discussion > recent White Pass and Yukon trip

Had the fortunate opportunity to take an Alaskan cruise with the family a few weeks ago.   One of our port stops was Skagway, Alaska.   Of course the WPYRR was going to be a part of it.   After decades of looking at pics, I was onboard winding my way above cliffs and rivers, over old trestles, through smokey tunnels, and crossing into Canada for the first time.    It was simply spectacular!    Once we reached the top in Fraser, it was hailing.   After a quick passport inspection, I was headed off on a bike downhill on the Klondike Highway.   Two of the best experiences I can ever speak of.   
Enjoy

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Very prestine roundhouse area.

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Temps were in the upper 70's, making photography and the trip most pleasant.

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Looking ahead and back, the views of the grades were obvious.

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Some of the old trestles still stand...

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Weather conditions deteriorated once reaching the summit and crossing into Canada.   Quick video clip of hail hitting the side of the car as our power ran around the train.

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Time for some downhill action and back to the cruise ship.

Hope you enjoyed!    Everyone should visit Alaska and it's railroad gems at least once.   

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Nice shots  I did that train years ago in the snow but with your shots I now want to go back and do the trip with no snow it looks so neat.    Thanks

Been there, done that, TWICE!!!! One of the truly great train rides---a bucket list item for all railfans. 

Marty Harrison
Knob Noster, MO

Welcome to my world.   

Yukon Yeti

 

Interesting stuff....!! Thanks for sharing.

Skagway has to be the best cruise ship stop there is for a railfan.

Jealous here. I rode them on 7/23/15 but I had a heavy cloud cover the entire day. Only consolation was riding behind steam!

Of course, the weather was fantastic the following 2 days as we cruised South...

Narrow gauge? I was amazed at the rail (≈130 lb IIRC) and the amout of time that three locomotives spent in Run 8.
It was a kick! Be careful hanging out for photos. Clearances are rather tight in some places.
...Lorenzo

RayH Wrote:
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> Jealous here. I rode them on 7/23/15 but I had a
> heavy cloud cover the entire day. Only consolation
> was riding behind steam!
>
> Of course, the weather was fantastic the following
> 2 days as we cruised South...

We were there on 7-21-15.    Good weather except for the hail at the summit.   Our cruise hit rain further south two days later, so that must have been the same storm you had in Skagway.

DTrainshooter Wrote:
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> Skagway has to be the best cruise ship stop there
> is for a railfan.

I'd have to agree.   The Alaskan RR also puts on a spectacular show points further north, but I'm saving that for another post.