A few years ago I was fortunate to be able to board the White Pass Railroad train off shore excursion trip in Skagway while we were taking an exciting cruise to Alaska. It is known that passengers fall under its magic. The train winds up high into the mountains where you watch the valleys and hills fall away from the rugged slopes and head out above the tree line. I will admit I was a little fearful over the height, but the awesome design of nature held me in its spell. Between the Alaskan Cruise traveling on open seas, viewing the spectacular icy glaciers and wildlife, it is an adventure of a life time. I was able to stand between the car connections and experience first-hand the amazing views of the White Pass Train as it made its way across a huge trestle over a deep gorge.
Against all harsh weather conditions, the courage of the men and woman completed this iron trail. It was carved in 1898 and rises 3,000 feet within 26 miles of enormous cliffs and twisted turns. As we ascended there were small white very old signs marking the graves of those who didn't make it. Fascinating images of beauty.
This Iron Trail route is packed with American history dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush Days. At one point history revealed an old wagon that we were told had gone over the side with its mule pulling its load.
This link brings you to spectacular views: I would click on the History Section of this site and the photos. You will find it very rewarding.http://gocalifornia.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=gocalifornia&cdn=travel&tm=28&gps=106_302_935_467&f=10&su=p974.8.121.ip_p284.12.336.ip_p531.54.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//
www.wpyr.com/http://gocalifornia.about.com/bl_akwprrp...There was the delicate blazing Fireweed along this trail:
http://www.ishalerner.comThe beautiful Fireweed Healing Properties: One of it's most powerful and telltale abilities is that this is the FIRST sign of life, the first plant and the first wild flower, to begin growing after a massive, destructive forest fire. Tall, bold and leafy, Fireweed flower essence comes up rapidly (within a week) in burned out areas of devastation, and brings not only life back to an area, but incredible beauty with its long germinal racemes of flowers. In a charred, blackened region of thousands of acres of destruction, Fireweed flower remedy will cover acres with their tall stems and lavender-colored flowers - as if to say "Have hope, all is not lost. Even though it seems to be right now--it is not." Fireweed begins, quite literally, the restoration of a destroyed region.
White Pass Railroad
(c) Betsy Malloy 2005
See It Now: White Pass Railroad Photo Tour
Its official name is the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad (WPYRR), but most people just call it the White Pass Railroad. Built in 1898 to carry gold-seekers to the Klondike Gold Rush, this International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark earns its keep today as a tourist excursion line.
White Pass Railroad Review
Even the best story-teller would be hard-pressed to accurately convey the White Pass Railroad experience. Rising almost 3,000 feet from sea level to the White Pass summit in just 20 miles, the narrow-gauge tracks twist and turn, hugging the granite cliffs above the Yukon River. In any weather, views are panoramic.