Onwards to Alaska: Whitehorse, YT – Pookey at the Follies

July 19, 2013

This was the first of two days in Whitehorse to relax and sightsee after 4 straight days of driving, a welcome relief. The best part is the internet works almost as good as home, so you readers will get to see some pictures that have been on hold for some time. Our scheduled activities are the S.S. Klondike II Tour in the morning and the Whitehorse Frantic Follies Vaudeville Show after dinner.

Bald Eagle Chicks just outside of town at rest area pullout.

S.S. Klondike II is a Yukon River Sternwheeler built in 1937 after the Klondike I sank in 1936 in about 4 ft of water (She only drew 42" of water fully loaded). They salvaged the propulsion gear and deckhouses for the new hull. These ships operated in summer from 1900 until about 1955. Prior to the Alaskan Highway this was the only mode of transport in the Yukon interior. The ship began operation after completion of the Whitepass and Yukon Railroad from Skagway, AK to Yukon, YT in 1900. Gold, silver and other minerals were the economic incentive. Fuel was wood. Downstream the trip was 1 ½ days, upstream 4-5 days with 7 stops to refuel. She carried 300 Tons of cargo plus up to 75 passengers and is 210’ long. First Class passengers had luxurious conditions.

S.S. Klondike II

Stern Paddlewheel

Stern showing 42" shallow draft

The Bow

Cargo

Beer, Booze, and Fire Wood - Good mix!

Engine Room

First Class Observation Lounge

First Class Dining Room

S.S. Klondike II - Side View, Wheelhouse on top, Officers Quarters below on Boat Deck, First Class Passengers on Saloon Deck (Sun Deck aft), everything else on Freight Deck, including second class passengers and crew.

After the Klondike tour we stopped by the Visitors Center and then on to the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center. This Center featured a short video of history and cultural traditions of these First Peoples. They are Shoshone and Kwanlin means “water through the canyon” and Dun means “people.” They are one of seven different tribes or First Nations in the Yukon/Northwest Territories area. The painting in the “Tribal Elders Lounge” depicts their belief that the Crow was the creator.

Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center

Painting: Richard Shorty; Genisis I; 20-25.

We also stopped by the Old Log Church and the Macbride Museum of Yukon History. We had a late lunch in town with a great smoked salmon quiche for me, mushroom and bacon quiche for Donna and Tomato, Basil and Chicken Soup for Katherine All were great!

Old Log Church

Our evening was spent at the Whitehorse Fantastic Follies Vaudeville Show. This turned out to be a great evening entertainment event especially for Former Georgia Good Sam State Director, Harold Smith. He now has a new nickname, “POOKEY” thanks to Fawn Fritzen, one of the singing stars, dragging him up on stage! If you get up here the Show is worth every penny or as they say, gold nugget. Yee-Haw!