Last December we found ourselves ass over tea kettle in a tributary of the Amazon after spending a day dreging up the river looking for gold.  That was in Ecuador.

This week we found ourselves taking a leisurely train ride up the White Pass out of Skagway.  Twisting and turning up a fairly steep grade looking down on the pass that the early (Lunatic) gold rush guys slogged up in order to find their fortune in the Klondike.
They took twenty trips up this pass (and twenty trips down) to lug a years supply of goods.  All this in wool clothes and top hats.  I thought it was cold enough in gore tex and fleece.  I can't imagine the tug of gold fever that would convince a person (man or the odd crazy adventurous woman) to make the trek.  All I can say is that they did not lack tenacity.  What a crazy way to make a living or die!

It was a beautiful day in Skagway... a little drizzle in the morning but the sun did come out. 

Skagway is a cute little town situated in a beautiful valley.  One of the main starting points for the gold rush.  Here there are colourful stories of madams and con artists.  It does remind me of Canada (not just in the Klondike days). 

Today the con artists are trying to sell you 'one of a kind' reproductions and investments in diamonds etc.  All part of the hype again.  As one lady said.... just close your ears to it and enjoy the ride!

The next day we had the awesome experience of Glacier Bay.  Morning mist gave way to high cloud and a beautiful view of the glaciers.  Saw some ice calving and lots of seals.  This, however, was overshadowed by the amazing display put on by the whales.  As we were cruising down the channel we saw at least 30 whales fishing... jumping.... diving and breaching.  Amazing!!  The whales spend the winter in Hawaii and come north to Alaska to eat.... not a bad plan if you can make it work. It was amazing to watch them breach. The pod surrounds a school of fish and one at a time they take turns coming up through the confused school with their mouths open. Right up into the air and slap... down on their side. Over and over!! Wow... what a dream to see this!!

Adding to the amazing display were two lone kayakers who found themselves up close and personal with the feeding pod of whales. They had to get out of the way of the cruise ship and the only place they could go brought them within 100 yards of the huge whales. Kayaking is one of my hobbies so, knowing how vulnerable they must feel, I was both excited and terrified for them.
 
Not only did we see the hump backed whales but dolphin, orcas and a kodiak bear as well.

On our way south now to meet friends in Victoria for a evening of fun and laughter (as always).