The Queen

It is with much reluctance that we are leaving the precious town of Dawson City today. A tugging reminder of the freedom we've let go by choosing to tour this area instead of venturing on our own. We would definitely be staying awhile longer if it was up to us.













The good news is we are departing not by motor coach but by boat. The Yukon Queen will transport us down the Yukon River crossing the border and bringing us back into the United States where we will disembark in the little village of Eagle, Alaska.


Our journey on the river this morning will take about three hours and what a pleasurable three hours we have. The weather couldn't be more beautiful, the sights more picturesque, and the boat more comfortable. We inquire if this transportation could not be an option all the way to Denali. Fellow travelers concur. But, alas, not possible. We shall enjoy this leg fully, however.





The little group is getting acquainted by now and the Queen gives us ample opportunity to mingle. The captains graciously allow access into their space, giving us a birds eye view of our route. Either below or on the outside stern deck, we wander, take pictures, soak up the sun and views, and thoroughly enjoy.

Our new friends, Pietra and Glenda, smile for the camera, while Celeste continues to bond with her fellow photographers, Robert and Stephen. This day provides amazing vistas for pictures. Wildlife spotted - eagles, mountain goats, moose - all interspersed within this pristine region of the Yukon.

Lunch is served on board, including yummy chocolate cake for dessert, and the bar is open for drinks. As it is still before the noon hour and a very long travel day looms ahead, we unlikely bypass an adult beverage opportunity. Just if it were a bit later, perhaps...


As we pass into Alaska again, dare we say, it gets even prettier. And, before long, we are docking in Eagle. Customs is a breeze - all should be so easy. A US custom agent boards, actually smiles when checking our documents, and we disembark with mixed feelings. Leaving the Queen is difficult, but the beauty of Alaska beckons loudly!!

Dawson Fun

A good night's rest feels great and we are anxious to explore further this little gem of a place. Another free day - yeah!!!!











The Yukon River offers yet another path along it's shores, so this seems like the perfect start for our day. There is nothing like a stroll along the water first thing in the morning. Birds are everywhere, the morning crisp, a sunny and very pretty day awaits. We wake to this beauty slowly, savoring the pristine views in every direction.









The town's core dots this coast line and we meander from water to city scapes easily. It is the quintessential tour, offering mountains, water, and old time charm all in one. We don't think it can get better than this!

A simple trail takes us by Jack London's home and a childhood memory jarred. As a young girl, for some unknown reason, I was quite moved by his Call of the Wild, and a flood of that time is revisited. Having never read anything remotely near that genre since, I still hold this particular read gingerly in my bank. It's a bit of a moment - there are many these days.

The path winds up the mountain from here where an old cemetery sits and incredible views of the little town below are offered. Quite peaceful.


We meet several locals here who absolutely love this unique spot. They even enjoy the winters that bring the opposite of the Midnight Sun summer, months of darkness. The sense of community is strong. Full time night brings folks together, hours of scrabble and wine! Okay, definitely my type of home!!!

Yukon's Little Gem

After our happy hour/dinner, we stroll through downtown Dawson for a bit. These long days make it perfect for travel - you never run out of time to explore!



















The quaint village is inviting and we are especially intrigued with the quiet, laid back feel of this town that has withstood it's ground. There is nothing here that screams today's modern creature comforts. Even the roads are unpaved, still dirt. The feel of yesteryear is found around every corner.




We like it very much!

Travel Days

Freedom is fleeting as it is necessary to once again board the motor coach and take to the highway. Today's journey will take us even further north into the Yukon, our destination the gold mining town of Dawson City.











The tour is once again really beautiful with several leg stretching stops along the way. We have to give it up for Holland Tours, though these days of travel can be quite daunting, they try to make truly the best of it. Several stops intersperse our drives and Lisa continually chimes in with informative news regarding the various regions, history and landscape. Matt humors beautifully with instructions and logistics, keeping his group on track at all times. I applaud their gallant efforts. Better them....



Our lunch stop is brief, and Celeste and I venture for a little hike to stretch - making us a tad late for boarding our waiting coach. Matt, in his official capacity, flags us down. The waiting travelers gracious in their reception - these two trouble makers!!!



Moose Lodge is the afternoon stretch today and the necessary snack inhaled. Posing for pictures, we start to slowly engage with our fellow travelers. It's an interesting quest as everyone has their own little niche in this journey. Watching the different personalities unfold is telling and, for us, a completely different twist from our solitary travel to date. Giving up control of our own agenda in exchange for this completely planned outing is a lesson in itself.




As we finally reach our end route late this afternoon, Dawson City seems worth the journey. An adorable little town. We head straight to the patio lounge, a drink beckoning loudly. Dining al fresco this evening the perfect culmination to a weary travel day. Balance. Perfection.