In The Footsteps of My Father: Recalling a Century-Old Trek to Alaska and the Yukon Territory

By: Sheldon Gebb

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Synopsis: Live life in the Alaska and the Yukon more than one hundred years ago through my father's diary, which details the hard work, frustrations and horseplay in the development of Guggenheim's mammoth gold dredge mining operation. Ponder his decision to quit a comfortable job as a mining engineer to venture 60 miles east of Dawson City with the King of the Klondike to endure, without fear, the coldest winter on record averaging minus 50 degrees. Question through his words the unsuccessful digging of a mine shaft through frozen ground ending with the comment, "April Fool's Day. We're down 160 feet in the shaft and no gold. April Fools proper-that is what we are. We are up against the fact we can remain no longer. We have no grub." Experience his comical adventures as a bear hunter finally giving up to seek employment at the Kennecott Copper Mine; electing to cross the largest ice fields in North America alone, guided by instinct, with only a woman's robe and a tarp for warmth.