Author: Diane

* Those who left their homes for Gold Rush were called stampeders.

* So many stampeders came and died of starvation trying to make 600 mile trek that the Canadian government enforced a 1 Ton provision year supply before they will allow them to cross the border. Some of the provisions included:

Klondikers supply list

• 150 pounds (68 kg) bacon
• 400 pounds (180 kg) flour
• 25 pounds (11 kg) rolled oats
• 125 pounds (57 kg) beans
• 10 pounds (4.5 kg) tea
• 10 pounds (4.5 kg) coffee
• 25 pounds (11 kg) sugar
• 25 pounds (11 kg) dried potatoes
• 25 pounds (11 kg) dried onions
• 15 pounds (6.8 kg) salt
• 1 pound (0.45 kg) pepper
• 75 pounds (34 kg) dried fruits
• 8 pounds (3.6 kg) baking powder
• 8 pounds (3.6 kg) soda
• 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg) evaporated vinegar
• 12 ounces (340 g) compressed soup
• 1 can of mustard
• 1 tin of matches (for four men)
• Stove for four men
• Gold pan for each
• Set of granite buckets
• Large bucket
• Knife, fork, spoon, cup, and plate
• Frying pan
• Coffee and teapot
• Scythe stone
• Two picks and one shovel
• One whipsaw
• Pack strap
• Two axes for four men and one extra handle
• Six 8-inch (200 mm) files and two taper files for the party
• Draw knife, brace and bits, jack plane, and hammer for party
• 200 feet (61 m) 0.375-inch (9.5 mm) rope
• 8 pounds (3.6 kg) of pitch and 5 lb (2.3 kg). of oakum for four men
• Nails, 5 pounds (2.3 kg) each of 6, 8, 10 and 12 penny, for four men
• Tent, 10 by 12 feet (3.0 m × 3.7 m) for four men
• Canvas for wrapping
• Two oil blankets to each boat
• 5 yards (4.6 m) of mosquito netting for each man
• 3 suits of heavy underwear
• 1 heavy Mackinaw coat
• 2 pairs heavy woollen trousers
• 1 heavy rubber-lined coat
• 12 heavy wool socks
• 6 heavy wool mittens
• 2 heavy over shirts
• 2 pairs of heavy, snag proof rubber boots
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 4 pairs of blankets (for two men)
• 4 towels
• 2 pairs of overalls
• 1 suit of oil clothing
• Several changes of summer clothing
• Small assortment of medicines

The list was a suggestion of equipment and supplies sufficient to support a prospector for one year, generated by the Northern Pacific Railroad company in 1897. The total weight is approximately 1 ton, and the estimated cost amounted to $140^.

This slowed down the mortality rate for starving stampeders and created a more sensible approach.

* On the white pass train, the emergency supply kit includes a saw, a hammer and an axe.

So what do you think? Could you do it?

Gabby is Mexican and a proud foster momma of all the college students who work the summer here in Alaska. Even though getting food here is timely and expensive, Gabby has taken all these kids under her wings. We’ve seen her twice. Yesterday she drove us around Skagway on about an hour tour. And today.

Nearly all the drivers of coaches we’ve been on have been easy going full of smiles and have great sense of humors, jokes and stories plus know a thing or two about the area.

This morning Gabby who does have the gift of gab had burritos in hand waiting to give them to some of her kids.

Savannah from Savannah

On the train now and she comes in and introduced herself as Savannah from Savannah. Crack me up. She was warm and friendly and we couldn’t resist buying a signature hat from the railway. Savannah from Savannah can melt the snow with that warm smile.

Because the bark is not like a pine tree or a birch tree and the leaves are not birch leaf shaped, I am thinking these are Aspen trees which will turn silvery yellow in the fall. Today we road the rails through a cloud and it cleared to be sunny today in the YUKON. Yes we are in Whitehorse, Yukon. I guess the high is about 45 and sunny/windy. This place has that air about it. By that I mean you can tell that in the winter you know it’ll be blistering cold and down right dangerous. It’s rugged and so beautiful at the same time. dmc

Thank you from our travel Agent Dawn, Julio, Loryn and the crew at Expedia for this cupcake Saturday night to help us celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary. It’s our favorite combo of cake flavor and icing. We split it and said “cheers” and clinked our cupcake in a toast to each other. On the first day here the travel knots were very tight and confusing. Having them there to talk to calm our nerves meant the world.

How can it be that short and that long for our marriage? Three states, three beautiful girls, two grandkids, multiple animals we held so dear and blessed our family and WOW, so blessed to even be on this trip of a life time. Never thought we’d have this opportunity.

Another blunder.

Since it’s 35 years we decided to take a picture together. With us being only on the boat for 4 days it was tight. The agent at the desk where we settled our bill said they would deliver our canvas to our room door before we left. NOT! When we were on the bus in Skagway I was resting my eyes. All of a sudden I wake up and say s*#+ we forgot the canvas. Well they forgot to get it to us. No worries, the ship is still in port and I told our tour guide Shawn and he did his magic. Lo and behold, when we returned from touring Skagway it was nearly the same time that our canvas rolled neatly in a strong Uline tube appeared and saved the day…. lol and a whole lot of postage. Thanks Holland America. dmc

The railroads are extremely important to this region. They can go when the snow prevents passage any other way. This area is extreme. High winds and unpredictable snow and rain leave residents with little other options.

In the morning we travel by rail into White Pass.

* This cruise has a heavy Asian and Indian influence. Vancouver was surprisingly that way also.

* Asians love to take pictures. Boarding on the gang plank, every turn found us waiting for four Asian ladies giggling and laughing and taking every picture imaginable at every turn.

* Even though there is no smoking on the ship except designated areas outside, the casino always smells like smoke.

* Traffic in Juneau was very kind. Stopped to allow us to cross the street all the time.

* I’ve met two quilt shop ladies and our wood working operation may expand into Vancouver and Alaska. Speaking quilt is universal.

* Musicians are rock stars. They impress me. Here they have an amazing rock band, BB King band and dueling pianos. All are coordinated for when one stops the other starts. So talented.

* Alaska is number one for homelessness. If you come here without a plan you may end up without a plan.

* Muesli a cold form of oatmeal type cereal served cold. Great for fiber. I like it and will have to figure out how to make it like they do here.

* In Juneau they boycotted the Walmart. The low prices according to residents would have put the locals out of business. Wow! Small people win over big box retailers. Walmart left.

* Juneau has the world’s smallest CostCo.