Experiences over Extras

Here at the Seashore there are homes big enough to house a museum and small enough to feel like a shoe box, especially when housing 4 kids, 2 parents, and their array of pets. Maybe it is this that makes me consider each gift carefully. How much space does it take? Will it be used enough to warrant the space? Often times we opt instead for an experience: camping near a natural spring; visiting a local (or not so local) attraction; taking a trip. Most all of our trips are family oriented and designed with the family in mind. So, it is no wonder that when offered opportunities to travel with friends or sisters my answer is typically - no thanks. I like to share my experiences with my children.

But this time, I couldn't say no. My sister and my husband had schemed and planned without my knowledge and the next thing I knew I was scheduled to take a trip to Alaska with my sister, my niece and Oldest. Wow! Yes, I am leaving Sunnyville for 10 days in Alaska.

And not just some hop on and off the cruise ship to see cool things trip. Nope, not us. We are doing the fly in, land, and travel via RV trip. I guess we figure we have this down - having driven over 3000 miles last summer in a rented RV with 6 of 7 kids (Oldest was taking a class) and only Sis and I piloting a much larger RV. (Here is a quick summary of that trip) Of course we left from and returned to home - we were not in brand new territory - there are no moose sightings in the areas we traveled, let alone collisions - grizzly bears weren't in the areas we camped - what the heck are we thinking?!?

We are thinking experience, nature, adventure (but nothing action-movie or worse yet, survivalist-movie worthy - I hope).

We are traveling an estimated 850 miles - less than 1/3 of our last trip, but a whole lot busier. We will depart from Anchorage, make our way south to Seward and the Kenai Fjord then meander north eventually arriving in Denali National Park (aka Mt McKinley). This is our longest scheduled stop, keeping us there for 3 nights within the park itself. Afterwards, we will travel south eventually arriving in Anchorage where we will at long last I'm sure have the comfort of hotel beds and restaurant meals.

Two sisters, two cousins and the wilderness of Alaska - what could go wrong? On second thought - don't answer that!

In case you ever want to try something equally out of the ordinary, I will be posting prep info as well as a travel journal. So check back often! We depart on July 17th and much of the planning has been done. I will share some tips I have learned from the process as we move toward departure day!

*Your comments, questions or prayers are welcome - post below!*