Thursday, May 20, 2010

Another long day on the coach bus, but we had several stops along the way to break up the ride. First stop was the Tintina Trench, which is a fault line that has created a long valley, where the Yukon River flows.

A short time later, a stop at Moose Creek Lodge where many of our group got some delicious coffee, but Don and I had a great breakfast at the Westmark before we left Dawson City, so we passed up the goodies. We did take time for some photos, though.

Stylin' some impressive Yukon headgear


Of course, the headgear becomes Wings for this angel!!
From here we continued to the Five Finger Rapids. Our driver/guide and tour director went "above" (the bus)
and beyond to get a great picture of our entire group. (Sitting on the roof of the coach is apparently frowned on by HAL, so let's keep this our little secret).

Back on the bus to Hotel Carmacks for lunch. This was a new stop for the HAL cruise tours, and we ran into a little hiccup with our lunch orders, resulting in about 10 people, including Don and I, having to select a different sandwich that what we had pre-ordered. Now, did this upset our group? Not too much! Those whose orders were messed up just ordered something else, kept smiling, and went about our day. What a Great Group!!!! I mean, really, it's just one meal and everybody kept that in perspective.

After lunch, it was back on the road with a stop at the Braeburn Lodge at mile 55 on the Klondike Highway. Thought we'd pick up a tiny little snack
that lasted two and a half days! Sadly, though, it was best on the first day, as to be expected.

Our coach pulled into the Westmark Hotel in Whitehorse in the late afternoon. We all checked into our rooms, which were surprisingly outdated for a city the size of Whitehorse. It was comfortable enough, but the design, low ceilings and worn carpeting remind you of the early 70's.

Don was feeling a head cold coming on, so we took a walk in search of a drug store. It was a great excuse to get some walking in and explore some of the city center. This evening nearly everyone from our tour group attended the Frantic Follies vaudeville show at the Westmark. As they did in Dawson, the dancers chose a gentleman from the crowd to join them on stage. This particular evening, it was to be none other than our own Nathan Mouser, whose stage name is "Pookie."
It was a very entertaining show, and Pookie did a fine job. Off to Skagway tomorrow..........