July 3, 2010

The Carbus Floats to Skagway

There are two ways to get to Skagway from Haines with a motor home. 

One way is to drive up to Haines Junction, then down the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse, then down the Klondike Highway to Skagway.  This route involves more than 350 miles and two to three days of driving.

The second way is to take the ferry.  A journey of about 15 miles taking less than an hour and requiring no driving.  The price is about half of what it would cost in gas to take the driving route.  Also, sticking the carbus inside a boat sounded pretty cool.  The one (small) drawback was that there is only one ferry a day for that route and that ferry left Haines at 8:30 PM.  We had a day to kill in Haines and we had pretty much seen all of Haines on our walk yesterday.

The day started cold, gray, and wet and pretty much stayed that way.  We didn’t need to vacate our camp spot ‘till 11:00 so we stayed there, did some internet, and watched the view in front of us (ships going by, tide rising, etc.).  At 11 we moved to park on the street several blocks from downtown where we could still have phone coverage if we wanted to be online more.  After noon the rain stopped so we walked the length of Haines again.  About 6:15 we drove to the ferry terminal.  We bought passage for us, the car, and the RV, and then waited for the ferry to arrive from Juneau. 

It arrived right on time and after unloading people, cars, and a couple of motor homes we (and a bunch of cars and a few campers and trailers drove into the ship. 

Pretty roomy inside with space to maneuver large vehicles.  There was a bus already inside that had to be well over 40 feet long.  We parked and then found our way to the observation deck, checking out the layout of the ship along the way.  Quite nice actually.  Cafeteria, bar, gift shop,   lounges  with comfortable seating and tables for gaming (no food or drink in lounges) even a jigsaw puzzle in progress.  Many restrooms, showers, elevators, even staterooms for those who want them.  The amazing thing was the ride.  Think of driving  a very flat road with brand new asphalt. Now take away all vibration and tire noise and it still isn’t quite there.  VERY quiet and smooth.  We only knew we were moving because the scenery was changing. 

 

Haines, AK around point on right (in approaching rain).

 

 

 

 

Cruise ship headed down Lynn Canal as we headed up.

 

 

 

 

We arrived in Skagway at 9:30, right on time.

 

Approaching Skagway.

 

 

 

 

 

It took about thirty minutes to get the carbus off the ferry (Sue got off sooner in car).  With large vehicles is the FILO (first in, last off) method of loading.

 

Our exit route. Down ramp(yet to be lowered), turn left, then up ramp.

 

 

 

 

Some people have a tough life and too much money. 

Each of the rear decks (not enclosed) had several deep, plush, easy chairs.

 

 

We already knew that all campgrounds were full so we stopped by the police station to register and get directions to the city overflow spot.  On the ferry we learned that there were fireworks tonight instead of the forth.  We inquired when at the station.  11:00.  It was already after ten so we parked the carbus and drove back to the waterfront.  Very impressive display from two launching locations and it went on for a long time.