Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
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The two RV Gypsies in Alaska
The two RV Gypsies adventures in Canada
Countries Karen and Lee Duquette visited cruises Karen and Lee Duquette have taken The two RV Gypsies travel in the USA
learn about Brian Lee Duquette's life and tragedy Flashback memories of the two RV Gypsies Links to other RV information useful hints for RV trips travel videos

The two RV Gypsies
in Skagway, Alaska
Elevation: 0 feet
July 3, 2016

sign: Yukon-Alaska border and Skagway
sign-- Alaska-Yukon time zones
mountain covered in clouds
mountain covered in clouds
mountain covered in clouds

Mile 15.9 - 17.5: Avalanche zone (though avalanches seldom reach the highway here).

signs-US customs and avalanche area signs-US customs and avalanche area

Mile 14.7 "Welcome to Alaska" sign with large parking area on the left - it makes a super photo stop, with the White Pass and Sawtooth Mountains in the background.

the two RV Gypsies at the Welcome to Alaska sign
Sawtooth Mountain
Kiwanis Club monument
Kiwanis Club monument
Klondike Highwy Gold Rush sign
Klondike Highwy Gold Rush sign
Kiwanis Club monument

Mile 14.4 The summit of the White Pass, 3,292 feet. The summit of the main arm of the White Pass, through which the railway runs, is 2,865 feet.

The summit of the White Pass and snow poles

The summit of the White Pass and snow poles
mountain and clouds
mountain and clouds

Migration Corner and information signs

Migration Corner and information signs
sign about the Klondike Highway

waterfall and bridge at Migration Corner

waterfall
waterfall and bridge at Migration Corner
waterfall
waterfall

Mile 10.0 On the left is a particularly nice and accessible waterfall with a large paved parking area. The water is pure enough to drink. This waterfall is sometimes called Bridal Veil Falls. It is easy to drive by it without noticing it.

Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls

Mile 7.7 Turnout with a great view of Pitchfork Falls, which flows out of Goat Lake. This is one of the most photographed falls on the highway. The construction of a hydro-electric operation in 1999 has led to it being known by many locals as "Pipeline Falls."It tumbles down the mountain from Goat Lake, under the railroad tracks, and down to the Skagway River Gorge.

sign about Goat Lake and the Hydroelectric project sign about the hudroelectric project
Pitchfork Falls

Mile 6.8 U.S. Customs. All southbound vehicles (heading into Skagway) must stop and report at the Customs post, which is open 24 hours a day through the summer. This is a very efficient post and delays of more than 10 minutes are uncommon. The two RV Gypsies had no troubles here and passed through this custom area quickly.

Skagway Port of Entry
Skagway port of entry

Skagway is protected as Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and looks the part of an authentic gold rush town. Skagway comes from a Tlingit word Skagua, meaning "windy place."

Mile "0": Skagway Ferry Dock
- To get through town, you can either go up Broadway through the historic district, or if it's busy, turn left at the first set of stores, go one block and then right at the sign seen above on the right, which is State Street. There is ample parking along State Street so you can explore the shops and historic sites in town, and/or take one of the free walking tours conducted by the National Park Service.
- One of the 2 gas stations in town is on the right as soon as you make this turn (at State and 2nd). There is also a small convenience store and self-serve laundry there.
- The grocery store is another 2 blocks up on State Street, on the left, and the other gas station is 1 block to the left at 4th and Main.
- Watch your speed very carefully in Skagway - the police do. It's 25 mph to the bridge across the Skagway River, then 35 mph to the start of the climb up the White Pass.

sign- Skagway Centennial Statue
Skagway Centennial Statue
pack mule monument
pack mule monument sign
train train
downtown Skagway downtown Skagway

Karen just loved the design of the Camp Skagway building (Arctic Brotherhood Hall ) in downtown Skagway. Some brochures claim that the Arctic Brotherhood Hall is perhaps the most photographed building in Alaska. In times past, it was a fraternal hall. the local chapter of the Brotherhood first met her in August 1899.

The facade, which dates from 1990, has been called a prime example of Victorian Rustic architecture. Over 8,000 driftwood sticks were collected on the shores of Skagway Bay and nailed to the front wall. In the winter of 2004-2005, all 8,883 pieces of driftwood were removed. 40% (3,533) had rotted and were replaced and the other 60% (5,300) were preserved. The building is currently home of the Skagway Visitor Information Center.

the Camp Skagway building the Camp Skagway building
sign- restoration of the Mascot Salook

Mascot Saloon in downtown Skagway - (notice Lee Duquette in the mirror below as he took the photo)

Mascot Saloon in downtown Skagway Mascot Saloon in downtown Skagway

Below: The two RV Gypsies ate at the Alaska King Crab Legs Restaurant and sat on the outside porch for a nice view. The service and food was only fair.

the Alaska King Crab Legs Restaurant view from the Alaska King Crab Legs Restaurant

a helicopter passing by

Custom border leaving Skagway

a helicopter passing by Custom border leaving Skagway
look below

go to the next adventure of the two RV Gypsies On July 4th, The two RV Gypsies returned to Takhini Hot Springs (page already linked previously) then on July 5, it was back to Whitehorse where they toured the SS Klondike, a sternwheeler designated a Nat'l Historic Site of Canada