Alaska 2016: Dredge 4, Dawson City and THE TOE

We started our day with a tour of gold mining Dredge #4 which is very near our campground. This dredge, one of two dozen that worked this area starting in 1899, was the largest wooden hull, bucket-line dredge in North America. The dredges were a very efficient means of mining gold, and this one sometimes produced as much as 800 ounces of gold in a single day as it moved upstream in Hunker Creek and the Klondike Valley. Amazingly, it only took 4 men to operate the dredge. It was in operation from 1913 until 1959.

After leaving the dredge, we drove up Midnight Dome again to show David and Jackie the beautiful confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers and the town of Dawson City. Then we went to the Visitor's Center to gather information and took a ride around town, stopping briefly to see the cabins where Robert W. Service and Jack London lived and wrote.

Back at the rigs, we took care of our dogs and had a rest before heading back into town. Our destination was Diamond Tooth Gertie's where we enjoyed dinner from Big Al's and a good vaudeville show of song and dance. The lead singer found David very attractive! Steve won a little money at the slot machines, and a good time was had by all.

After the show we headed for the Downtown Hotel and Pub where three of us were inducted into Capt. Dick's world famous Sourtoe Cocktail Club. This requires buying a shot of whiskey or whatever 40 proof drink you choose, then standing in line in order to have Captain Dick put an actual human toe in your drink. To complete your membership, you must drink the shot so that the toe actually touches your lips! All three of us were successful as our photographer has documented. We have certificates to prove we did it!