Lake Bennett to catch a train..

The best time to leave a party is when you have had a good time. We've had a good time and exited the Chilkoot trail via Lake Bennett and the historical train with cheerful mindset.

Lake Bennett - why is it still named after a New York editor ?  to quote  on the prior link - "Lake Bennett was named in 1883 by U.S. Army Lt. Frederick Schwatka during his survey of the Yukon River system, after the sponsor of his 1878-81 search for the remains of the Franklin Expedition in the Arctic, James Gordon Bennett, Jr., editor of the New York Herald."

It's beauty deserves more and I sure the 'First Nations' peoples had a more apt description.

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Anyway, it is what it is.

On our way out from Bare Loon camp we see a historical cabin. People in those days were quite short and we had to watch our head entering. It was quite sturdy and cosy.
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We also view a church, which now stores stuff - rather than being utilised for worship. Perhaps in the future its function as a place of worship might be restored, not that I'm particularly religious.

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The salient facts for distance are presented on a sign. No indication of gradients nor terrain so perception at this point might and indeed is misleading given the manicured nature of the trails leading out.

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The Canadian exit point of the Chilkoot or entry if you are one of the few who trek the reverse direction is geared for the masses of tourists who visit from ships or other means via the historical train service. There is a museum, the aforementioned buildings and lovely park settings.  It is all clean and tastefully done.

The railway station is on a poetical stage standing out a boldly for all to see. There is no mistaking where we will be picked up ! (My tent is hang out to dry on one of the columns just to spoil the photo )

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We are early, so the tent can dry and we have time to take some mug shots. In front of the lake Candace and I pose next to an open boat proudly waving the Canadian flag. This tourism stuff is fun, and is a symbol of the good time we've had in friendship and the overall value of the whole trip.

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The train is a bit late due to some issues. What do you expect: it is a historical train.

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Just kidding, this mini engine is for a maintenance and a track check. The driver is a funny fellow, only wants to know about his realm and not interested in Parks and the outer elements of this region and has been doing this for the last umpteen years.  Demarcation - absolutely !   The real train is late and comes in soon enough.

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Talk about demarcation. We walkers are separated in two carriages on the end of the train. Riff raff - thou shalt not mix with the paying customer ie. the ship tourists are buying souvenirs and lunches at a somewhat elevated price.

We had to laugh though, there are fewer of us and our carriage is just as well appointed.

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The train is taking us to Carcross. It runs along the water so there are great views to be enjoyed all the way.

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Carcross is shortening of its former name Caribou Crossing so I'm told.  The town exists mainly because of tourism,  I would have liked to have done some mountain bike riding here but time wasn't available. (see this write up it looks good).

There are some good places to eat here and my friend - Candace's niece Julia has kindly offered to pick us up. We have a meal together head back to Whitehorse. Julia, like her aunt is a fascinating person. Her occupation is a tough one working with mentally disabled people, something I could not do. Somehow she thrives on it and is engaged enough to do a masters degree in that area.


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