If we hadn't already done enough driving to Keno and back, this family was up for at least one more adventure--nearby Alaska!
Loaded with fruit, snacks, books, toys and handful of songs, we drove south into northern British Columbia and down across the border to cute little cruise-ship bombarded town of Skagway, Alaska--home to myriad jewelry stores, many, many tourists, but also some beautiful secret views, which only those in the know and willing to drive will ever witness. And we were lucky enough to be so fortunate!
On our way, we stopped at the world's smallest desert in Carcross--a little sand dune in the middle of nowhere.
Our backseat entertainers and such lovely company--grandparents! What would we do without you?!
After exploring Skagway, we drove several miles out of down, down a very narrow and slightly treacherous dirt road to well-reviewed Chilkoot Trail Outpost, just south of Dyea, an old town now disappeared after a massive landslide. If you are ever in Skagway, this is the place to go!! Amazing Alaskan hospitality and perfect little cabins. They even pack up little baskets of food for you to grill your own meat and eat either outside or in your cabin. And it comes complete with materials for s'mores.
Gabriel wandered around with his dad, throwing rocks in the stream, and playing in the dirt, happy as a clam while supper was BBQ'ed up. I have so loved watching the two of them play and interact. Having Jordan around is a hundred times better! He brings such a relaxed attitude and sense of humour that I've missed while he's been away working.... And watching Gabriel with his grandparents is too adorable. He just loves them--imitating their dance moves and saying new words, like "guitar" for instance. So sweet.
After spending more time outdoors and having a late BBQ, we slept like logged that night in the cool air of the Alaskan mountains.
Being so close to Dyea, our hostess directed us to the old historic town-site which provided some of the most spectacular scenery of our entire trip! There aren't really many sites left, but Dyea was out in the iris-filled marshlands just off the ocean and in a valley between some beautiful mountains and the well-hiked Chilkoot Trail. I cannot imagine having gone to Alaska and missed it!!! The irises were beautiful and Gabriel in particular loved running around through them before plopping himself down in a big dusty pile of sand. He was covered in dirt from head to toe, that kid.
Later on, we stopped in for lunch at a restaurant worth mentioning, at the Jewell Gardens which of course, is surrounded by blooming gardens, glass sculptures and a little toy train. We let Gabriel wander around, sniffing flowers and running through the trails before having a delicious lunch. I think that they likely have the best food in Skagway, and certainly, the most glorious view!
We loved Alaska and definitely plan to return!
