We’ve really enjoyed our stay in this historic town in Yukon, Canada. Dawson City is called “The City of Gold.” It has such a rich history and played such an important part in the Yukon Gold Rush of 1897-99, we had no problem filling our two days seeing various sites, taking tours and learning what made (and continues to make) this place so special. With over 140 pictures taken here, I can only hope to give you a few highlights or you’d be bored to tears.
View of our RV park from atop the Midnight Dome. Ours is the last motor home about 5 rigs to the left of the blue-roofed building.
Don’s sitting on the bench atop Midnight Dome. I’m in the parking lot. On June 21, 1899 (summer solstice) about 150 people gathered on this mountain top to view the midnight sun. They were disappointed when the sun set at 11:30 pm. It rose again at 2:00 a.m. However, this site has remained the place where people gather on summer solstice to see if they can view the midnight sun.
Top of the Life Bench on top of Midnight Dome. You get a 360 degree view from here.
The Yukon River below, with many islands, has a constantly changing character due to the silt carried from its far reaches.
Top of the World Highway, our route tomorrow.
Dredge #4, the largest wooden hulled, bucket line dredge in North America. Our tour included all interiors of this big rig, and we climbed stairs to reach the very top. We learned about its operation and how many men it took to operate it (only 4 on the rig itself, lots more on the outside).
The cabin of Robert W. Service, Bard of the Yukon. Not open due to work in progress on the grounds.
The cabin of Jack London, considered by some as America’s greatest author.
Headstones in the YOOP cemetery (Yukon Order Of Pioneers), dated 1867-1935.
Bank building where Robert Service worked.
The SS Keno, one of several paddleboats that traveled the Yukon River between Dawson City and Whitehorse. With its shallow draw the SS Keno could travel in early spring and late fall when the river was at its lowest levels. Its last voyage was in 1960.
The Dawson City Museum, chock-full of interesting information.
Church
1904 log cabin
Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, where we saw a can-can show last night.
Post Office
It was hard to decide which pictures to include, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the ones I chose. I encourage you to follow links I’ve included or do your own searching to explore and learn more about Dawson City and the Klondike Gold Rush online.
We’re going to be in Alaska for a couple of months starting tomorrow. Thanks for following our travels. There are lots of adventures ahead!
PS: As I write this blog, my heart is heavy because I just learned of the death of the husband of my cousin Ann Warren. Rest in peace, Bill. You were one of my RV mentors. We love you.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin's husband.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures you chose to display in your blog today are fantastic, I really enjoyed looking at all of them. I had all but forgotten names like Robert Service and Jack London so it was good to be reminded again.
Great blog!
Good post, Sharon. We followed the Top of the World Highway, sat on Midnight Dome and got some splendid pictures, and saw the Dredge #4. But we didn't take the tour of the interior. Also didn't get inside Robert Service's cabin. But touring that area is fun, whether for days, weeks, or months! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFirst, my condolences.
ReplyDeleteNext, thanks for all the great photos! Re Jack London -- I was surprised at how much I liked White Fang. Call of the Wild is on my Kindle and may be after Nick's book (which I started last night).
Zoe