DAWSON CITY YUKON

Dawson City, Yukon was the hub of activity during the 1898 Gold Rush with a population of at least 30,000.  It was called the "Paris of the North".  Dawson Ciyt has retained it's period charm with dirt streets (the only paved street is Main Street) and raised boardwalks instead of cement sidewalks.  Most of the stores are closed now and the year round population is closer to 1000 but it is still a unique place.  We did a walking tour where our guide told us about the history of some of the people and buildings. The group paid a visit to Diamond Tooth Gertie's the oldest operating casino in Canada. One of the guys (Jack) was called up to the stage to perform and claim the garter.  We also drove up to  Midnight Dome which, at about 4500 ft, is the highest point in the area.  The views were spectacular.  People are again mining for gold in the area and, with gold at $1600/ounce, some are doing quite well.

Note the ferry to cross the Yukon River.  It is free and part of the Canadian highway system but only 2 of our rigs plus one or two cars will fit so it took hours to cross.

YUKON RIVER

DOWNTOWN DAWSON CITY

LOCAL COLOR

OUR MOTLY CREW

RED FEATHER SALOON

SANTA IN DISGUISE (KEN)

JACK IN ACTION

PAUL AND BETTY

BED AND BREAKFAST ON THE ROAD

WHITEHORSE YUKON

The city of Whitehorse is the capital of the Yukon territory and played a very important role during the 1898 Gold Rush.  It was a stopover for people heading for the Klondike to find their fortune in the gold fields (most didn't).   During our stay in Whitehorse, we toured the SS Klondike, visited the Frantic Follies and some of the group took a boat ride on the Yukon river.  The SS Klondike (rebuilt) was one of the sternweelers used to take supplies and people down the Yukon river.

While at the Frantic Follies, one of our guests , Alice, was brought on stage to be part of the show.  Ken was also brought on stage and had the honor of removing the garter from one of the dancers.  This was a repeat performance for him, since he was also brought up there when we were there in 2004.  He had the 2 most important requirements - he is bald and was sitting up front and on the aisle.

EAGLE ON WATCH

BABY EAGLE

THE YUKON RIVER

ELTON RING TOSS CHAMP

THE KLONDIKE

ONE OF THE TWO STEAM ENGINES THAT DROVE THE PADDLE WHEEL

OUR GUIDE EXPLAINING THE ENGINEROOM MACHINERY

A CABIN

THE WHEELHOUSE

CAPTAINS CABIN

WEATHER VANE AT THE AIRPORT

SEA PLANES A REGULAR MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

MURDOCK AND ALICE

YA HOO, I GOT IT