Let's take a road trip to Alaska....1 month this week!

Most people hope to be able to travel and see the world once they retire. If there is anything life has taught me is: mine as well do it now, for we are never promised tomorrow. And by doing it now, I get to have the adventures with my husband and boys by my side. On our time. I'm not having to wait till they are grown and settled in their own lives to make plans and hope everyone can make it. We are all here now. Has it been easy? Not always. Just like life in bricks, RV life has its challenges. Things need to be fixed. And unless we fix it ourselves, we have to move out of our home until it is fixed. We are navigating life in a 43 ft amount of space. Travel days are long and make me nervous and ready to be there already. But, we get to see the United States and all it has to offer. We also know we still have an amazing village of family and friends we can still rely on back home. 

Back in Arizona the question or opportunity came up about doing a contract in Alaska. We knew 2 things if we did this: 1. We would have to drive up there with or without the camper and 2. We would be hitting winter months. So if we did this it would need to be a longer contract. And if we did this for a longer amount of time we couldn't stay in our camper. Also after watching a number of videos we decided taking the camper would not be the best idea. So now came the planning. 

We decided since we will be there for an extended amount of time, I can go back into the classroom and the boys could have an Alaskan school year. The travel world has now also opened up to traveling teachers and so it was an easy apply and interview process. We already have everyone's passport since we went into Quebec City this past January. My teaching license is up to date and to get certified in Alaska is no big deal if I'm already certified. I would be fine once there it was the getting there that made me nervous. 

I hadn't been in the western side of Canada, so my thoughts were it would be like Eastern Canada. Very European. Turns it out it wasn't. It was much like driving through middle America. I could easily have forgotten I was in Canada. I follow a Facebook Group called Driving the AlCan. It gives lots of tips and tricks for driving. Gas is there. You'll be fine, take it slow. Stop and get gas when you see a place, there will be long stretches without service but keep going. Animals will be present. Drive in the daytime and slow. Don't get out of the car. All seems like common sense.

My father in law offered to ride up with us. He expedited his passport and it came in record time. I planned out our itinerary complete with where we would stop, est. how many hours, time zone changes. I sent it out to all the family. Bob flew in the night before we left. Sir Isaac found on Facebook marketplace a roof rack and a hitch for the back of the jeep. We were loaded up and ready. We said our goodbyes to Sir Isaac on Saturday and began our trek. 

When I tell you we rarely ran into an issue, I would think you were kidding. But I truly believe God opened these doors and I just had to be okay with walking through. We saw animals, mainly cows. The few we did see were far and few between. No threats or dangers. The Canadian wildfires were vast and were causing delays. When we got to them they had been mainly contained.

We were able to stay with some lifelong friends in Montana and it was nice catching up and seeing their beautiful family. 

The border was uneventful. The guard didnt search us, just chose to ask a ton of weapon questions. No i dont have ninja starrs with us sir. I had a paper notorized in Wisconsin saying I was allowed to take the boys out of the country, in case he questioned where their dad was. Thankfully they didnt ask. 

When we were driving through the Yukon and came upon Watson Lake, we noticed my brakes started grinding terribly, so while we were at lunch I tried to find a local mechanic. It was Friday so I knew my luck would be slim, but it was none. No one had one or none could get us in. Our next stop for the night was another two hours out and there really was nothing there. 

We decided to get up early and drive the hour and half to Whitehorse which was the next biggest city and hopefully since we would be early we would find something. We stopped at this tire shop that said they also worked on brakes, but being that it was Saturday they didn't have a mechanic. I tried calling a few more places but no luck. I tried the one last number on the list from Google and the man that answered said yes he would get us in if we hurried. We were 2 minutes away.  He quickly got the jeep in and while we were feeding the boys he called and said my brakes were metal on metal and he would change them. It was going to $1300 Candian dollars equalling out to roughly $1000 USD. Either way, yikes but what choice do I have? So we sat for 3 hours. We talked to a lady who was a First Nation person who lived 2 hours away. She gave us a mini history lesson on her Tribe and it was a neat way for Bob and I to pass the time. Once the car was done, I went to the register to pay and the price had drastically reduced that even the manager double checked his number. It went from 1000 USD to 700. I went to give the man my card and I couldn't find it. It wasn't in my wallet, purse, car. Thankfully Bob was there and lent me the money. On the way out the manager let me know that his shop is the only one in Whitehorse that has a mechanic on Saturday. He is booked 2 weeks out but took kindness upon us since we were passing through. I thanked him, and told how grateful I was and headed out to the car so we could then go hunt for my bank card. While I'm starting the car up my phone rang and it had a Whitehorse number on the I..D. log. For whatever reason I answered and it was the manager from inside the shop. He had my bank card! When I initially went and paid I must have gotten it out and then he moved me registers and I must've left my card on the counter. I ran in and said you are working all kinds of miracles for me today and his response was "Seems like someone is looking out for you." Yes Sir, I think they are.

With a deep breath, new brakes, and a sense of tiredness we headed on and made it back through the Border at Tok (pronounced Toke), Alaska. Let me tell you if we hadn't had the brakes fixed we would've been in trouble. We came to Deconstruction Bay which is about 2 hours from Alaska and you hit crazy roads: potholes the size of a small Crater, frost heaves, rain puddles, Dips, and curves. Thankfully Bob drove. At one point we swerved out and thankfully Bob had control and got us back on track without missing a beat. These roads continued on into about an hour into Alaksa. We were tired and exhausted getting into Tok for the night. The guard at the border was very kind. She laughed when Bob said we were headed into Alberque. She asked Emory a couple of questions about his tablet and he acted like Mr. shy guy and had to be told firmly to talk. I said Emory she wants to make sure we didn't kidnap you, so you have to answer the agent when they ask you a question. We didn't come this far for trouble now kid! 

Sunday finally was here and we drove into Amchorage around 5 pm to Phil and Christine's. They are an old family friend of Bob amd Laura's and were gracious to allow to stay the week while I started work and until our rental was ready. She had dinner every night for us, played games with the boys, allowed them to start piano and agreed to keep teaching them once we left. Bob drove me into work each day and spent time with the boys while I was away. 

Mom flew in on Wednesday and we moved over to the hotel on Thursday and stayed with her till Sunday. Bob left on Friday morning and we were all sad to see him go. Without Bob the trip would've been a lot harder. It would've been scarier. The boys got to know the Carpenters and probably learned some life lessons having him along for the ride, and they got memories that I hope will last a lifetime. 

On our trip we listened to books, music, stories about the history of the Alcan. The boys played their devices and we all took naps. I'm thankful we live in an age of technology. 

I started work the Monday after we arrived. I walked in and the first thing the administrative assistant said was "oh hi, we are excited you are here. The principal will be in shortly. He currently is trying to get a student inside that ran out to the playground." This.is going to be an exciting adventure.

My classroom is big. Which is so nice. There are 3 paras assigned to the room. My first week was spent setting it up and on Thursday ready or not my assigned students and paras moved over to my room. It has been a game of catch up and just keep swimming ever since. But if you know how I roll with teaching, you know Baptism by Fire is my method. The classroom is called an SLC classroom or Structured Learning Class. Everyone is new. To me, I'm back in my Asd k-2 classroom bubble. So I'm the new but experienced one. The best I can compare it to back home is maybe an SDD class or ASD 3 class. The kids are to access as much gen ed curriculum as possible.  They already put them on a diploma track. If they need more than what SLC can offer they move to the Life Skills class which is on an adapted curriculum. Thankfully everyone has been so helpful and supportive. The principal taught SLC up till a few years ago, so he is very special ed supportive.

The boys began school the week after 

we landed and have done well adapting. Eli and Emory come to school with me. Eli thinks that it is just so uncool, but I do catch little waves here and there. You know when no one is watching. Emory's room is right across from mine, so he often comes by and says hello. Both have adapted really well. Eli has a soft spoken teacher who is very patient. He caught up quickly and gets excited to put his A papers on the fridge. Emory moved a little bit more slowly but has seemed to settle in and has made a friend. Isaac, with the help of mom, got on a routine of school and getting himself up and to the bus stop. Apparently Moose start coming around next month so that might be adventurous bus stop. I went to his open house and met most his teachers. He was moved to advance science the first week which he was excited about. After all you are Isaac Newton. He has a traditional home ec class. He is learning how to cook, sew, balance a checkbook. Things I will be asking him to teach me! He also has drama which ge seems excited about. I will say he did make a cute bunny when he was in Kindergarten play of the Velveteen Rabbit. All his teachers have told me how respectful and smart he is. He says he is still working on making friends, but there are a few people he is considering. All in all they have been doing well and making me proud and happy with our decision.

While mom was here she helped us settle into the house. We had a few adventures going to the State Fair, Wildlife cruising. and dog sled training. She helped me with the boys and was willing to get them to and from school when needed. It was nice having her here and I'm thankful she was willing to.come up here and help. 

I am thankful for all the grandparents who were here physically or were back home helping from a far. Travel, groceries, and school supplies add up and it took my whole village. I'm so thankful for all of them!

God has really been with us this trip and we have felt every thought and prayer to get us here safely and thrive.When you look for the signs, you will see them. And if anyone wants an Alaskan adventure, come see us :) 

Things I've learned about Alaska:

It rains a lot. I'm still not sure if it's all year or just this time of year, but it's a lot. 

The hours are long. It's Alaska Standard Time. It's a 4 hour difference than Eastern time. But it just seems the hours are longer here. Bedtime never gets here!

There is a large homeless population here. I don't know how they manage in the winter, but someone said they start sobering up come winter to be able to stay in a shelter. 

When the sun is shining, it shines brighter here. 

Coffee huts are everywhere. It's the Waffle house of Atlanta, the Dunkin of Massachusetts, the Culver's of Wisconsin. They are little tiny independent coffee huts. I think i pass 5 of my 20 min drive to work.

Apparently 20 minutes is a long drive into work. Seems not bad to me, but I keep hearing wait till it snows. I'll wait.

Moose Signs are everywhere. I've only seen 2 and neither were near my hose or work. Apparently they don't like dogs, so Rosie stay away!

Kids go out to recess in heavy fog, rain, and -10 weather. It's just a little wet, but you make time in the schedule to change clothes. Amd schools have washers amd dryers for this purpose.

There is a large Philapino population here. Most of my team is Philapino, so I am enjoying learning about their culture. 

Anchorage has most the same businesses as we see in the lower 48.

The lower 48 is what the rest of the United States is called. 

The biggest tip, I've received is just don't stay at home when the winter comes. Even if it snows or is dark don't just sit inside. Be active. 

So far we are enjoying it. We are making the best of it and we are anxiously waiting for Sir Isaac gets here. I'm still a nervous Nelly about driving in the snow and keep telling myself it won't come. It's not possible. It won't happen. 

I'll talk to you again when it does.