Fairbanks

When we got to Alaska, we didn't go straight to Ramsey's house. We actually spent the weekend in Fairbanks watching Sadie (Ram's little sister) State track meet. It was fun being able to see the city! It is one of the largest in Alaska. While there, I got to meet Ramsey's family and friends. We stayed with Heather and her dad, who are both so hospitable and sweet. We spent most days at the track meet or driving around the city. It reminded me of a suburb...not huge, but lots of stuff to it! And our little Sadie took second place in her race! So great :)
There is also a city by Fairbanks called 'North Pole'. This place is crazy. It's Christmas all the time! The light poles are colored like candy canes, there is a 'Santa House', and the town is just very festive and in spirit. It's great!
The weather was beautifulall weekend, so we were really able to enjoy the trip to the fullest

Hello, Sunshine

I am obsessed with skies. I love the sun, I love clouds, I love the moon and stars, and I love the different colors and shapes that the sky creates. I am so thankful that we have such an artistic God who is able to visually stimulate us every day by allowing us to see such a small piece of His beauty. I was blessed to see many different skies during the trip, and these are some of my favorites.

The Long and Bumpy Road

So, not all the roads that we drove were paved very well. Especially the road that goes from the end of Yukon into Alaska. Very bumpy! And lots of dirt filled pot holes.

ALASKA!!!!!!!!!

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!! 5 days of driving. 4 different wild animals spotted. 3 nights of sleeping in a car. 2 showers. total. 1 destination: Alaska. We crossed into the Alaskan border Thursday morning at 5:45, had a ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ dance party at the border gas station, and made it into Fairbanks by 10:30! Although the drive was beautiful, I was completely ready to get out of the car by that point. The good thing was, we saw a porcupine on the side of the road. Crazy!! So we are staying at a girl named Heather’s house tonight which is such a blessing. (holler, Heather!!!) We get to take showers and sleep in beds. Ahhh!!! What a luxury :) Hello, Fairbanks.

AND....per the picture, we're still friends :)

I Saw the Sign

we passes some pretty crazy signs on our drive! here are just a few of them

Watson

We took a pit stop at a place called Watson Lake. I was actually asleep when we got there, but when Ramsey woke me up my eyes were dancing. This place has thousands of signs. People bring their sign of choice, one made or one taken from the road, etc, and are given a hammer and nail to post it up. It was started by a cute little man in 1848, and is still going strong today! Check it out, yo!
(also, shout out to Marianne Bach with the B-Taves sign. What up, girl!!! we miss you and love you!!!)

You're Beautiful

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You’re beautiful


I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful




I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home You’re beautiful, you're beautiful


When we arrive at eternity’s shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we’ll sing
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful


I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful
I see Your face, I see Your face
I see Your face, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful, You’re beautiful

JOHN!!!!!

French (Canadian). John Conterez. Me and Ramsey. We were listening to the French station and wanted give a little shout out, haeyy!! We miss you!!!

BLYTHE!!

As we were driving, we chanced upon this truck. Once we stopped in traffic, we saw a little black nose pop up from the back. It was a golden retriever! He was just chillin in the back, going for a drive. He was so cute. And we immediately thought of none other than YOU, BLYTHE COLLINS!!!

Wednesday

OK, so, we actually went to the hot spring's on Wednesday. And, we also drove through the Yukon Territory! We woke up this morning to chilly rain, yuck. And we're leaving the BC, sad. But, I'm really excited to go into the Yukon partly because of the name. It sounds like some kind of extraterrestrial planet that is different from any place you have ever been. Also, partly because of the fact that not many people go there, and I feel cool saying I have been to the Yukon.

I was a little disappointed. I didn’t see anything unusual and there were no alien spottings. BUT, the word ‘majestic’ holds a new meaning for me. We saw the most incredible mountains all day. Granted, many of them came from the drive out of British Columbia and then back into it, but the mountains were beautiful nonetheless. The Rocky Mountain range actually stretches into that part of Canada…who knew!!...so there were just breathtaking mountains all around us. Ramsey was glad she drove, because we prob. would have gotten into an accident if I drove. I would not have been able to focus on the road at all. We drove on twirly, swirly roads up and down mountain ranges; flat roads with huge lakes on either side of us; and bumpy gravel roads. I drove pretty late into the night, and the deeper I got into the Yukon the more amazing things I saw. I drove for about two hours with these massive, ice capped, majestic mountains right in front of me the whole time. I am just blown away by God more and more each day. He is such an amazing artist, and I am obsessed with His work!

Rotten Eggs, anyone?

While we were driving through Canada, in British Columbia, we stopped off at some hot springs. We had to walk along a boardwalk for about 5 min. before we reached the springs. They told us to look out for bears. Luckily, we didn't see any; but just for future reference: brown bear: run like crazy and black bear: play dead. We made it to the springs alive, and we had an amazing time. We had to change in one giant room (i don't know why guys like changing in the same room together) and nothing was sectioned off! Then, while we were sitting in the springs, we met some friends from Holland. There were about 24 of them and they were taking a 7 week RV trip from Canada to Alaska! How fun - they were so cool! The springs were unreal. They smelt like sulfur, which is terrible, but they were soo relaxing. I am getting a hot tub when I get home.

Look Through Our Window

We have truly been blessed by such a beautiful, breathtaking drive. God is soo incredible!!! Here are a view shots from our seat, so you can share in our wonderful drives with us!

I HATE My Driving Companion

No, not Ramsey. The stupid potted plant that had to come along with us. We literally stop and check that thing all the time. It rides in between the seats, and we have to hold it constantly so it wont fall. It was pretty at first, but then all the flowers died and the leaves started to wither. But, low and behold, the plant continued on the trip with us. All I can say is, I am going to be so happy when we can finally get rid of that thing.

Sleepy

So, we decided that we would get a hotel one night at a motel to take a shower and get one good night of sleep. We chose the Shannon Motel. The owners are native Chinese men and they are soo sweet. They have the best deals in town, and their motel is the best one for the price! They told us that all the other motels are dirty and no other motels have hardwood floors like theirs. They even lowered the cost for us! How could we not stay there? So we made a good choice! And got some new friends out of it. Goodnight!

Not So Perfect Driving Record

So, Ramsey got pulled over LITERALLY was we were pulling over to make our half way point video. I don't understand how she ALWAYS gets her way...even is she doesn't try! No one steps to Ramsey...no one.

WE MADE IT!!!! THE HALF-WAY POINT!!!!

so, we made a better video, but it didnt record sound. so here is what he have! ha

Day two

We crossed the border!

O, Canada. My mouth has been agape all day. Literally, open all day. I think Ramsey is annoyed with all my ‘oooo’ and ‘ahhh’’s. Alberta and British Columbia hold secrets that are rarely revealed to outsiders. The roads are aligned with forest that beautifully protect the rivers and lakes buried inside.. Driving into British Columbia has been my favorite. This province has it all: wide, WIDE, open spaces as far as the eye can see, forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains that would unravel jaw to the ground. British Columbia is also my favorite because some pretty significant things happened. 1st, we got pulled over for speeding. 2nd, we hit our half-way point. And 3rd, I saw my first and second wild animals. The first wild animals I saw were buffalo. Ya, not too exciting. But then, just as I was beginning to give up hope, a little black bear peeked his way out of the forest onto the roadside. He was SO cute and I loved him. He was right outside the car! Just was he was getting close enough for me to pet him, Ramsey pulled away.

Land is only 250 an acre. Who wants to buy some with me!!??

Have a little faith!!

Everyone keeps telling me and Ramsey things like, "wow, you guys are driving to Alaska? Really?" or "are you sure you can do it?" or "you are gonna hate the car and hate each other". Well I'm here to tell you that I strongly reject all of those comments. And I'm also here to tell you 'thank you', because that is the fire for our fuel. So, friends and foes, keep the doubts coming because it will make it that much sweeter when we get to Alaska! Still friends!

North Dakota. Take a Look!

Monday

Two words: North Dakota. Yes, I’ll admit. I was not happy going through that state. I stooped down to the level of calling it the ‘wastelands of America’. But alas, how ignorant was I! I began to see that North Dakota, though flat and boring, is home to so many people who adore it. Someone in a car on the same road as us drove through part of the state and turned onto their road, praising the fact that they had finally made it home. It was then that I realized that North Dakota was more than just cornfields and rundown shops. The amber waves of grain are home, and a lovely home at that. I themed North Dakota ‘The Simple Life’ because there is something to be said about people who take life for what it is and, “embrace the pace”.




We took a little detour and went to this place called 'Devil's Lake' (which also happened to reside in 'Ramsey' county, ha!). VIA Wikipedia, 'Devils Lake' was founded in 1882 and was originally owned by the Sioux Indians. I'm not sure of anything other than that, so here are some pictures!

Also, while in North Dakota, I pulled out of a parking lot and went completely over the curb. Totally illegal – I didn’t realize that it wasn’t an exit. As soon as I pulled out, I noticed there was a cop next to me. I looked at him with a smile, knowing I did something wrong, and he just laughed and drove off. His kindness and laughter made my day ☺ So thanks, North Dakota, for your hospitality. You are the 'Virtue State', indeed!

We slept in the car again, this time in Canada. It was a little more difficult to find a place, but alas! we found one and slept the night away. Ciao.

Sunday

We left Moody two and a half hours later than planned. I wish I could say that was unexpected. We drove for 11 hours, and went through Wisconsin and Minnesota. Wisconsin=amazing. Such a beautiful state with so many little treasures. I themed it ‘Natural Beauty’. Minnesota was also really pretty. We went through Minneapolis and St. Paul. The sun was setting while we were driving through, hitting the buildings with such precision. It was wonderful. I themed Minnesota ‘Modern meets Classic beauty’. The sunsets have been breathtaking.

We spent our first night sleeping in the car. We found a perfect spot, right in front of an apartment building. Surprisingly, we slept great! Sweet dreams!

foot out the door

Pulling out of the Jenkins parking lot, Sunday at 12:30. And we packed the car full! Off to Alaska!!! WOOO!!

The Send Off

Right before we left on Sunday, Mary and I went to Panera and had a sweet little brunch outside with Ramsey and Blythe. The weather was beyond perfect, and the company was lovely. What a great way to leave Chicago - in the company of friends

Stuff

So, I thought that I would bring only a bookbag to Alaska.  Not just any bookbag, my North Face bookbag.  Which means it's small.  I just filled it to the very top.  And I still have two bags of stuff I need to put somewhere.  It all worked out in my mind, but not in real life.  Welcome to my ideas.  They seem great, until it's time for them to pan out.  Ooops!

Also, MBach is out.  Alaska in 12 hours!!

Come on, Mary!!!!!

Marianne Bach from MBach Photography has been juggling with the idea of coming, last minute.  She is such a sucker for trips and knows how amazing this Alaskan trec will be.  Me and Ramsey are all for it and are encouraging her strongly to come. Her company would be amazing and her life would be changed!!!
countdown: 2 days!!!!

the plan

3,589 miles. 4 days. one car. two drivers. me and ramsey. friends to enemies. to sisters.

The plan is to drive from Chicago to Alaska.  Starting in Chicago we'll be going to Wisconsin, hopping over to Minnesota, skipping up to N. Dakota, jumping into Saskatchewan Canada, through British Columbia, and into Alaska.  Countdown: 3 days!!