We booked a helicopter ride to the Denver glacier and dog sledding at the winter camp, but the weather had other plans for us. When we walked up to the helipad, the helicopter was flying to check out the weather at the glacier. We were so disappointed when they reported back that the clouds were too dense to fly. As tears ran down our face, we regrouped and walked back to town to book an excursion to the Iditarod summer dog sledding camp. While we waited for that tour to start at 2:30pm, we ate lunch at a cute cafe (Glacier Smoothies and Expresso) with yummy smoothies and sandwiches. We also visited the Klondike Gold Rush Museum that is run by the national park service. We watched the film and learned about the history of the gold rush.

Klondike Gold Rush Museum in is downtown Skagway. It was fascinating to learn the lengths the prospectors would take in the hopes of finding gold. Most men heard about the gold found in 1896 and took the route through the ports of Dyea and Skagway. Then they would follow either the Chilkoot or the White Pass trails to the Yukon River and sailed down to the Klondike, in hopes of discovering their own gold. Each of them was required to bring a year’s supply of food. Because of the tough terrain and cold climate, most did not arrive until late 1898 and were disappointed to not find gold. By 1899, it was over.

Lunch at Glacier Smoothies and Expresso

At the dog sledding, summer camp we learned all about the Iditarod. Then we took a super 4×4 truck up to the top of the mountain where the dogs practice. They pull tourists on sleds all summer to practice. We loved this so much. At the end we were able to meet the puppies that will grow up to be Iditarod racers.

We stopped on the way back to the ship to enjoy some Alaskan King Crab! Yummy! It wasn’t enough so we ate again on board:) And I wonder why I gained 5 lbs!