White Horse Pass, Skagway Alaska
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We booked a ship tour here as The White Horse Pass was to be a highlight and it certainly was! Our ship docked right next to the railway line
and we had a brilliant view of the train from our deck on board. The coaches are named after lakes and rivers in Alaska, the Yukon and British Columbia
and are on average 43 years old! Lake Emerald was the oldest being built in 1883 and still working every day.
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All aboard with anticipation of glorious trip weather wise and all! The White Pass & Yukon Route was made an International Civil
Engineering Landmark in 1994. Such is its fame and celebration of a marvellous feat. the pass was not without its challenges but the lure of
gold in the Yukon made this a very viable proposition. The weather and degree of difficulty show itself all through the construction but
perserverence paid off and we now have a wonderful part of history for everyone to enjoy! After getting on one of the back carriages thanks to Gary,
we found we were in the best part of the train as we had a fabulous view of the train and its surrounds. We left Skagway and started to wind up the
track through greenery and the beginnings of patches of snow!
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The bridges we came across were marvels of construction as and how picturesque was this journey becoming! Being banished to the outside
of the carriage (after crossing over the carriage joiner) i was allowed to stay outside on my own for the 3 hour trip. What a bonus as I had the best
view of all! The snow began to get heavier even though lots was melted or in the process, but it added to the beauty of the scenery. It was not cold
and every minute there was a sight to see. The window reflections helped to add to the magnificence of the scenery and after a while we saw the boundary
of Alaska and the United States on our right!
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The snow was at its best up here and there were lots of patches of water by the side of the track. The view however was spectacular!
and when we reached the summit the train stopped and we changed engines on the track..Amazing process and wonderful to see. The White Pass and Yukon
Route climbs from sea level in Skagway to almost 3,000 feet at the top. It takes one and a half hours to get there and is 20 miles long. It took only
a year to build in treacherous conditions beginning 1898 and completed at the summit in 1899.
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Now it was time to go back down the mountain and retrace our steps. Some of the best views of the mountains covered in snow were visible
as we came down. There were signs all along the track of different places and as we began our winding descent the vistas of snow began to subside!
The rail fleet consists of 20 diesel-electric locomotives, 83 restored and replica passenger coaches and two steam locomotives according to the booklet
provided by the company. Each carriage has an enclosed coal fire for warmth in the colder months and so every effort is made to ensure a wonderful
journey is had by all!! Fabulous!!! and too soon time to alight and go off to Skagway for more adventures!
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