The trip to Bennet Lake and Carcross

Castle, Miriam(me), Kacey, Jen, and our amazing conductor David

The end of the Chilkoot Trail -  what an amazing place to be.
  The lives that were changed while journeying this trail
during the gold rush -  the history made.  The people who
made it up the trail and on to Dawson City were nothing
short of remarkable.

Castle, me and Jen on the Chilkoot trail with Bennet lake behind us

Awesome church from the Gold Rush Era at the end of the Chilkoot trail -  just need to get it turn 90 degrees :)

Reflections

Monday, September 1st was a day of reflection for me.  It started out as most Monday's do -  checking in for a tour, and figuring out what my day would hold.  It ended differently though.

I was driving tour to the Summit, and on one of the stops I had the opportunity to quietly talk with one of my passengers.  During our conversation he revealed to me that he was facing another round of Chemotherapy, and that this was most likely the last trip he and his wife would be able to take together -  he has pancreatic cancer.

I was, of course, saddened to hear this, and honored that I had the opportunity to help he and his wife create memories together.  It started me thinking about how fortunate I have been to share in many of life's moments with people I meet here in Alaska.  Some are celebrating milestones such as a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday -  other's are making memories together toward the end of what has been a blessed life.  I only get one chance to make it a good experience for them during our hours together, and it is a privilege to do so.

To those of you who shared your lives with me , even though it was for a short time -  Thank You -  from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks for the Memories

On Sunday night before Labor Day Jen and I pulled what we thought was a "college type" prank.  All summer long I've wanted to do something to end up in "The Blotter" of the Skagway News. There were a couple of considerations though -  it had to be something was fun, not destructive or disrespectful, and not against the law.  Brooke, our silent partner in crime came up with the idea of decorating the "Centennial Statue" -  Jen and I thought it was a great idea so we set about collecting some "Aloha" decorations.  Once we had the goods we went in the dark of night (rain too) and decorated the statues.  The sign said "Aloha Summer 2014 -  Thanks for the Memories"  The next morning we expected to find the decorations taken down, when instead we found people posing by the statues for photos, and enjoying the farewell to summer. For me it was bittersweet - it signals the end of my summer and the end of my time here in Skagway.  It has been a magical summer -  one shared with good friends in a place more beautiful than words.

Just another Day in the Yukon!

Today's adventure was amazing!  The sky was blue, the clouds were fluffy, and bears were out in abundance!  I had such a relaxing drive in the Yukon (up to Carcross) just taking photos, enjoying the scenery, and reflecting on how blessed I am to be here in the incredible part of North America.

View of falls at William Moore Bridge

3 adorable bear cubs scampering on the rocks

Cub scurrying down the rocks to catch up with Mama bear

Sow & 3 Cubs

Sow and her 3 cubs

Sow and her 3 Cubs

Mama bear crossing the road

Entrance to the Venus Silver Mines

Part of the Venus Silver Mines

Caribou Crossing - the Caribou Display is made of old railroad parts 

Hans and Pat take the Yukon by Storm!

On Friday 8/22 I got to Hans and Pat (two of our sales guys from Juneau) to the Yukon (their first time ever)  Had a great time showing them the sights and getting to know them a little better.

At Moore Bridge overlook

Checking out and building an Inukshuk

The Yukon Sign is always fun to pose by

Climbing the Chilkoot!

Emerald lake never disappoints

The world's smallest desert right in the Yukon!

At Tutshi Lake

Always fun when you see a bear on the trip!

Back to Alaska after 5 hour trip in the Yukon!

Flightseeing over Skagway, Haines and nearby glaciers

For Jimmy & Christine from Virginia

Today I had the pleasure of having Jimmy & Christine on my tour -  These pictures are for the two of you!   Thank you for sharing part of your adventure with me.  It was a privilege!