Alaska

Monday, July 25th, 2022
A few days ago, we changed our upcoming travel route. Originally, we wanted to drive all the way to Anchorage in Alaska. But as we already know, the vastness of Canada should not be underestimated. Even though we are flexible with time and route, we always have in mind to be in San Diego by early October. So, in order to avoid the pressure of another 2,300km towards the north, we are shortening the route. After all, we want to experience something and not just sit in the RV all the time.
So now we are driving from Whitehorse to Skagway in Alaska. The drive only takes two hours and we are right by the Pacific Ocean.

The journey there is marred by many clouds that obstruct our view. It requires a lot of concentration from all of us as we cross the White Pass at about 1,000m.

Upon arrival at the American border, our RV is thoroughly inspected. The border officer confiscates our bell pepper, eggs, and all the chicken meat. Since we cook fresh every day, our supply for a week ends up in the trash can. 😞

After that, we have to go back to the border building once again. We are surprised when they say, 'That will be $25 please'. An expensive experience for a stamp in the passport. But well, we are now in Alaska and we are going to enjoy the next few days.

Skagway is a small town, with only two parallel streets running through it. In between are the houses, the church, a library, and many shops. Everything here is geared towards tourism. You can find countless jewelry and souvenir shops in the center.
We let our gaze wander through the promenade and see three cruise ships in the harbor. That explains the many people strolling through the souvenir shops.
One of the highlights in Skagway is the White Pass Train.

In no time, we were done with sightseeing. We only check where our boat starts for whale watching tomorrow.

Afterwards, it's playground time for the kids.

Tuesday, July 26th, 2022

Our day trip starts at half past seven in the morning, at the port of Skagway. We take a catamaran with 'Alaska Fjordlines' through the fjords to Haines and Juneau. We keep an eye out for whales. After a short time, the captain leads us to seals along the steep shore. He tells us a lot about the flora and fauna during the entire time.

On the way to Juneau, we pass by many fishing boats that catch salmon from the sea. The fishermen wave at us friendly and show off their catch. It is clear that everyone knows each other out here on the water.

During the first stretch, we see many bald eagles and waterfalls. The hoped-for whale has not shown up yet.

After 4 hours, we reach Juneau and have plenty of time for a sightseeing tour. We explore the city on our own and visit a fountain located outside of the houses and shopping streets. The fountain is modeled after a life-sized humpback whale, and from the right angle, it looks very real.

On the way back to Skagway, we finally want to see whales 🐳. The captain takes a different route to increase our chances. Further out at sea, we see the first spouts on the horizon. Other whale-watching boats are also out there. We join the circle of other boats and turn off the engine. Suddenly, it's quiet... then we hear and see the humpback whales. A mother with her child. The child entertains us for what feels like half an hour. It swims on the water's surface and repeatedly slaps the water with its fin.

The mother is not far away and shows herself with her dorsal fin. She dives briefly again and we see her back and tail fin. Suddenly, she jumps sideways out of the water, so incredible!

Meanwhile, we see three more animals circling behind the boat. We don't know where to look first.

Excited, the journey continues.

We are provided with dinner, which is potato soup with fish, bread, and a cookie for dessert. It's delicious! The kids each had a big portion as well.

In Haines, about half of the passengers are dropped off and then it takes another half an hour until we arrive in Skagway.

We enjoy the peace and the last moments on the water.

A wonderful day comes to an end.

Wednesday, July 27th, 2022

Today, we slept a bit longer than usual. Yesterday was a long and especially exciting day.
The weather is as expected, cloudy and rainy. We really don't feel like going hiking. Since we are in a dead end with Skagway and there is nothing else to do here, we are heading back to Canada. Today, we have clear visibility and can enjoy the vastness.
On the way, we make a stop at a waterfall.

We are not the only ones, the tourist buses from the ship also stop here. While we wait for the rush to subside, the kids play at another water source.

Then we take our chance and refill our drinking water supply.

Afterwards, we cross the White Pass again. Without fog, it's worth making a stop at the Alaska sign. What an incredible silence here, we can even hear the river flowing in the valley.

At the Canadian border, we are asked to go into the office once again. This time it is because we forgot to hand in our declaration of entry. Unlike in the USA, in Canada, you have to fill out the entry documents again with every border crossing. But it is only a small hurdle that is not associated with any additional costs.

Shortly after crossing the border, there is the town of Carcross with the world's smallest desert.

Our further route leads us back to Watson Lake on familiar roads. From there, we can then take the turnoff to the south.