Another day, another port. Today we explore the northern most port on our cruise – Skagway, Alaska.
Today our luck was fading. While it never rained, we did experience the Alaska drizzle, fog and dampness. Despite the gray skies, our spirits soared as we traveled through the metropolis (I say that with tongue-in-cheek) of Skagway and into the wilds of Dyea, a former mining mecca of the northern frontier.
After a half hour van ride across a bumpy gravel, oft-times, one-lane road, our Chilkoot horseback adventure began.
We saddled up and headed into lush, dense woodlands, heading for the boggy marshes and estuaries of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
My hopes remained high that I would yet see a bear, although I was not overjoyed that, if it was going to happen, it would be from the back of a four-legged creature known for fleeing at the slightest threat. So much for my chances of capturing a photo.
After a morning slogging through abandoned logging roads and fog, and not seeing bears or any other wildlife for that matter, we arrived back in town for some on-foot exploration. We discovered a quaint little theater known for it’s Days of ’98 Show With Soapy Smith, which has played continuously in Skagway since 1923. That’s a true story – same show for 91 years. (No – not the same actors. I know some of you are going to ask that question.)
This melodrama-esque show is based on a real life person – Soapy Smith – and the actors do an admirable job of relaying history in a funny, yet poignant way. Towards the end of the show, the ladies in the cast performed a little dance number that required the assistance of two audience members, one of whom you may recognize.
That’s right, I made my Skagway debut on the stage that day, although I was apparently the only one who did not stop dancing when the music stopped. Seems my exuberance was more than this little acting troupe could handle, thus making this my debut and farewell performance all at the same time.
So, there you have it, my adventures in Skagway. Have you ever, as an unsuspecting audience member, been called upon to use your hidden acting/dancing/speaking/juggling/whatever skills in a totally impromptu manner? What hidden skills do you possess? Come on. Spill the beans. I know you have that one thing.
Word of the day: Jalousie (No that wasn’t my stage name)
Fun fact about me: My very first live stage performance was at a melodrama theater much like this one in Skagway. Ah, the memories.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, September 2014. Original photos by P. and C. Rickrode.
Those pictures look a lot like typical Oregon. Lots of gloom and drizzle, and I used to ride my horse in it all the time. Us folk up here are used to it (unlike you softies from the south) :). I had the unfortunate occasion of being called onto stage during one of our group Reno trips. It was my duty to sit on a stool between two singing guys (who happened to not be wearing shirts) and relieve them of sweat with a towel. Not. Cool. Worse, I was snickering because another lady was chosen first and she absolutely refused to go on stage. As second choice, I should have done the same. She was smarter than me, clearly.
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Seriously? How sweaty can a guy get sitting on a stool singing a song? Sounds like an . . . um . . . interesting experience. I am a total ham so being on stage is not a problem for me. It’s a good thing they didn’t hand me a microphone. God only knows what might have happened.
Horseback riding in the drizzle isn’t so bad. I’ve done it a time or two myself. Of course, I prefer riding when it’s not rainy, but hey, as you say, I’m a big ole softie.
Thanks for stopping by today, Coleen. Some day, if we don’t go to Disneyland together, we’ll ride horses together. Good times!
Patricia
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Glad I got to finish viewing your Skagway photos. That top picture is spectacular!
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Oh NIkki – there’s way more Skagway pictures. You shall see them all. Soon.
Thanks for paying a visit today. Always nice to see you here at the Edge of Eternity!
Patricia
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As always, your photos are fantastic! We did the train ride in Skagway, but it looks like you saw more–especially the play! LOL
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Hi Jennette! I think almost everyone from our ship took the train ride that day, especially since it was kind of drizzly. We had a great time riding and exploring the town on foot later in the afternoon. There’s not much to the town, but it sure is cute.
Thanks for stopping by today. Have a great week.
Patricia
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You injected life into Soapy’s revue. I’m surprised you were allowed to leave.
Meanwhile, Im catching up on your Alaskan adventures. You went zip lining?! I’m in awe.
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Why yes, Pat, we did go ziplining. It was scary fun. I hope to do it again sometime. While I was not fond of standing on a very small, narrow platform, a couple of hundred feet off the ground on a swaying tree with no guardrails while I waited my turn to zip, the zipping itself was really fun.
I’m glad you’re catching up on the cruise. I’ll have a couple of more posts yet and then I’ll have to get back to planning my next adventure.
Thanks for visiting. So lovely to see you over here at the Edge of Eternity.
Patricia
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I want to say I’m Jalousie with hidden talent, but that’s not correct on any count. I love that you got up on stage and danced. You are fun!
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You’re a brave soul to venture into the wilds of Alaska! I would have dreaded a possible grizzly bear sighting. My bro-in-law had a close call one time!
I remember your post about how you learned all different types of dancing, so I’m not surprised you didn’t want to stop. I actually practiced the little Irish steps your posted in the YouTube video. I still want to learn Irish dancing. I got called to participate in a reenactment in Hawaii and my belly dancing skills helped when I had to do a hip circle. I wish I knew how to do the hula, too! Sounds like a wonderful trip!
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