Donut Holes?! Are You American?

Day 4
3 July

Whitehorse, Canada to Liard Hot Springs, Canada
8hrs 51 minutes 401 miles

Yesterday we had a long day. Before we headed out of Whitehorse, we hit up Tim Horton's for coffee and breakfast. If you've never been to a Tim Horton's well then you should be jealous :p It's kinda like a Canadian version of Starbucks but better! The drive-thru line had at least 10 cars in it so Gabe and I ran in to order to-go. Part of the perk of having Hope along with us (other then her company of course) is that we can leave her in the car with the kids and run in to the store...Anyway, as I was trying to order a box of donut holes for the kids, the guy working looked at me with the most puzzled face...so I said again "Can I please have the box of 20 donut holes" and still no reaction...finally after about 7 seconds hit face lit up and he said, "OH! You mean Timbits?!?" Ha, yes, that's what I meant, silly me calling them donut holes and not Timbits while at the Tim Hortons in Canada, because apparently, Canadians don't know what donut holes are! So then he asks me if I am American...which surprisingly I have now been asked quite a few times on this trip...I never thought being American was SO different then being Canadian, but apparently it is! (ps-Jude thought the Timbits were da bomb!)

After getting coffee, we drove all around town to try and find ice for the fish in the coolers; but again, Canadians only carry blocks of ice?? Interesting. We finally came across a gas station where the worker just bagged up some ice from the ice maker from the soda machine; he was super nice.

It was a long stretch to the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake. When we arrived we got gas and some snacks and let the kids run around the Sign Post Forest. We walked around reading the signs and scouted a place to hang ours. We finally found a good spot and hung up our Alaska license plate we bought at the Tok gift shop. We all signed it and wrote Wasilla Alaska to Altus, Ok 2014. The Sign Post Forest is super fun with great history; you can read about it and see additional photos here.
We spent at least an hour there where the kids got their energy out and enjoyed playing hide and seek amongst the signs.

We decided to skip staying the night at Watson Lake and pressed on towards Liard Hot Springs. Along the way we saw bison, black bears and moose. The black bears were sooooo cute, I really wanted to take one home as a pet. But I guess that's not allowed?!.... On this stretch, Jude was entertaining himself and his Aunt Hope with blowing raspberries for like 30 minutes. It was super cute!

The campground at the actual springs was full (all 50 some lots) so thankfully there was an RV site across the street where we set up camp. Gabriel and I set up the tent and got a fire going while the kids hung out in the car because the mosquitoes were in full swing. We grilled some caribou brats over the fire and boiled some water (in Gabe's new jet boil I got him for father's day) and cooked up some mountain house "meals". We sat around the fire with our camp food,  some country music and lots of bug spray!

As we were headed into the tent we noticed some bear scat; which then of course got us wondering if we should have picked a different spot to set up the tent. Oh well, it was too late, so we just went to bed in the tent hugging our bear spray, just in case.....

Stay tuned!

Susan

Cheyenne's place of birth

Daddy's place of birth and where we got her name from :)

For Jude :)

Making our small mark songs the thousands of others...

Resting after running around

Camp for the night

My little pyro 

Oh, Canada!

Day 3
2 July

Tok, Alaska to Whitehorse, Canada
8 hrs 18 minutes 386 miles

This morning we got on the road around 9:30; later then I wanted to, but it's hard to get up, dressed and packed with 4 sleepy kids! We made our way across the Canadian border without a problem. We stopped at the "Welcome to Alaska" sign and tried to re-enact a the photo we took with the kids on the way up there 3 years ago. They enjoyed standing right over the border line and being "in two places at once"!

Soon after that we stopped at Buckshot Betty's in Beaver Creek for lunch. Thankfully we got there right before they closed and were able to get some food. I tried Gabe's Borscht soup (for the first time) and liked it! Of course the black forrest truffle was better, and since I couldn't decide on what to eat, that made for a yummy lunch ;)

We then made about a 3 hour drive and stopped at Kluane Lake; one of our favorite spots. Unfortunately the rain was rolling in so the pictures didn't do the crisp blue/turquoise lake justice. We let the kids get out and play in the water for a bit. It's such a beautiful lake!

After that pit stop we made about a 2.5 hr drive to Whitehorse where we found some food and checked into our room. Thankfully we have internet again tonight! The kids have been doing awesome in the car; they just have a lot of energy when we get to the hotel; hopefully we can find a park or somewhere they can burn off some energy soon.

Unfortunately, we didn't come across any wildlife, but did have some gorgeous scenery! Tomorrow is the sign post forest in Watson Lake!

I apologize as sone photos are taken through the windshield :p

Off to bed! Gnight!

Susan

Scenery before we hit Canada 

Cheyenne in two places at once!

Aunt Hope and Jude sitting on the line

Re-creating a photo; I'll have to find the old one; or you can scroll through my old posts from our previous trip and see!

Saying good-bye!

Chase wanted to be in two places at once too!

Border Patrol 

Kluane Lake; love this spot!

Enjoying being out of the car!

Sporting our Alaska hoodies!

Happy Birthday Chase!

Day 2
1 July

Eureka, Alaska to Tok, Alaska
3hrs 46 minutes 189 miles

I'm going to write yesterday's post quick so we can get off and running to Canada today! Yesterday was Chase's 4th birthday! We had given him one gift the night before for the start of our drive; a stuffed toothless dragon from How To Train Your Dragon. He loved it and snuggled it the whole night. Then when we woke up in the morning in the cabin we gave him his second gift, a brown bear stuffed animal. He loves the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear and has been asking for a bear like that one, so I thought it would be something easy to take along in the car. He loved it too; now he's got buddies to play with on the long drive!

We slept in a bit because the night before was a long day, plus the drive for the day was only about 4 hours. Once we got up and going, we went to the Eureka lodge for lunch. I love this diner where you can get a cup of joe for 25 cents! Their burgers and fries are amazing, and even Jude thought so too! (see pic below). After filling up the tank and our bellies, we were on our way!

Unfortunately it was raining most of the drive, but we still had some great scenery (of course!). We did come across this gorgeous rainbow that we stopped to grab a picture of.

Everyone did well in the car and the day's drive wasn't too bad. We made it to Tok and immediately went to the gift shop we had stopped at on our way into Alaska. The kids picked out something special, and we enjoyed the amazing antler chandelier they had custom made recently.

After the gift shop where everyone got to stretch, we headed for the motel. It's definitely a hole in the wall motel, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was super clean, had a microwave, fridge, huge tv and free wi-fi! Can't argue with that! We got two rooms next to each other and the kids were enjoying running back and forth between the rooms; oh to be a kid again! It's the little things :)

Since there was a Three Bears Grocery store in town, we decided to hit that up for dinner. The kids picked out some microwavable dinners (I know, super healthy) and Hope and I got salad in a bag in which we topped with some kippered salmon from our fishing trip to Chitina. It was so good!

The kids were a bit excited but after sending them to their room with Hope, all settled down and it was time to sleep!

Tomorrow (today) we have a long drive to Whitehorse, Canada.

Will post again when I can!

Susan

The kids with their friends from the cabins 

Eureka Gas

Yummy Diner 

Jude loved their fries too!

Awesome rainbow on the way to Tok!

Do We Have to Go?!?

Day 1
30 June

Wasilla, Alaska to Eureka, Alaska
2 hours 97 miles

Today we left what we have called home for the last 3 years. It was far from easy but somehow we drove away without a total melt-down. I know, it sounds like I'm over-reacting, so just read my previous post and you'll understand.

Anyway. We got a (super) late start on our trip due to out processing on base taking forever, errands that needed to be done and cleaning our house! We left around 10pm; saying good-bye to neighbors in the midnight sun. It's so hard to drive away from a house you've made a home and have made sweet memories as a family together in. Here we had prayed for our future child; here we have adopted our son. I can't quite describe what it feels like to pick up and leave after you "finally" feel settled; only to have to start over again. It's very bittersweet and I don't know how else to explain it. After 10 years of moving you think it would get easier; but no, it's quite the opposite.

We only made a 2 hour drive tonight up to our favorite spot. A spot we would hang out with our good friends to go camping and riding. A spot we made some amazing memories at. So, in honor of our friends who have now moved away, we decided to stop here one last time to remember the good times we had with them. Of course it didn't go as planned because we arrived way later then we wanted to; so much for a fire and hanging out making smores. Instead we arrived in the rain after midnight. So quickly we carted our suitcases inside the cabin and settled in and fell asleep fast.

On the way to Eureka we saw 12 moose and chatted about how much we will miss Alaska and how if it wasn't for the military; we wouldn't be leaving (although if it wasn't for the military, we never would have gotten here either).

We plan to sleep in a bit tomorrow as our drive will only be about 4 hours to Tok; the last stop before Canada!

Goodnight!

Susan

Krazy Moose Subs cookies; HAD to have these one last time! 

Yup, 11:10 pm and look at that light outside, gonna miss it! 

Mama moose crossing! 

One of my favorite views on part of the trip to Eureka.

More moose! 

Glaciers are so gorgeous! 

Alaska, Thanks To You, We Will Never Be The Same!

We've known it's been coming for a while now. We know we would have to say good-bye sooner then later. 3 years can go by (really) fast when you're having fun.

We have truly loved it here and all the people we have gotten to know. Alaska, Wasilla especially, just felt right; just felt like "home". We were discussing today as we drove away, tears welling up and stinging eyes, how much we've felt like Alaska has been the one and only place that we have felt like we have truly belonged. This state has changed us; individually and as a family, so many amazing adventures as well as every day life in this gorgeous state. Constantly surrounded by beauty, how can it not change you? I know my friends who were stationed here can attest as well. We were able to experience what life is like as an Alaskan, and not just get a taste of the state as a tourist; it's a 180 difference. What an amazing opportunity! I feel like I've encountered 2 types of military wives here. Those who love it and those who, well, don't. I can 100% tell you that I am among the first. Alaska is just amazing, in so many more ways then one. Sure the winters are cold, sure it's so far away from the "rest of America" but Alaska has so much to offer I wouldn't even know where to start, and honestly, I'm too tired to name it all (plus you just wouldn't get it unless you lived here and experienced it yourself).

To sum it up in one short sentence: We don't want to leave! There's so much to see and do and explore, it's a never ending play-ground!

Alaska has brought us closer as a family. We have gotten out and explored the state together and have made amazing memories while we were at it! What more could we ask for?

While it's so hard to leave; I'm trying to remember to be thankful for the time we have had here. For all the fun we have had as a family and for the memories we will take with us that will carry us through until we can make it back one day (hopefully sooner then later).

So good-bye home, for now. I'm sure we will be longing to be here until the day we return. This is where our heart is, and this is where it will remain....

Susan

HOME

Day 14

29 July

Tok, Alaska to Anchorage, Alaska

318 miles 5 hrs 47 min

YES! WE ARE HERE!!!!! Ahhhhh, 14 days in the truck, and we are HERE! I think today was the longest day yet, due to the excitement and anticipation of the drive into our new hometown (and the fact that there was construction along the way which added about 2 hours).

The last half of the dive into Anchorage was beautiful! Ive got to say, I think driving here has been more rewarding then if we were to fly in....2 weeks in the car, thinking, talking, wondering, waiting what's the new place/town going to be like? What will our new "lives" be like? We are very excited but a bit anxious/nervous about starting all over again. This is our 8th move and 6th state since being married, and I wonder when it will become easy? I'm sure it never does, but at least its always an adventure (right my military friends?!)

Before driving to Anchorage, we decided a have a quick look at the house we will be renting in Wasilla. The owner of the house was actually there getting the house ready for us, so he came out and we introduced ourselves and he let us come in and check it out. The kids seem very excited as am I, its a beautiful house with lots of room for all of us! The owner even told us a little tidbit of making sure we keep an eye on our kids in the front yard starting around Nov, "Because, see that dip right there outside the window....the rain collects there, and the moose like to lay in it." WHAT?! Haha, that really caught me off guard, but I guess its really common up here to have wildlife in your yard! Cant wait! I can just see Christmas morning coming downstairs and seeing a moose outside the window of where our Christmas tree is..... ;)

So, after a look at our house we drove on down to Anchorage, checked into the hotel, and decided to just stay in, order pizza and take the kids swimming. They had a lot of energy to get out and I didn't want to deal with that at a restaurant ;)

Tomorrow, I get to meet up with a close friend who just moved here from Dover too! Cant wait to see a familiar face...other then the 4 Ive been with in the car for the last 14 days!!! :)

Hopefully we will explore some more of Anchorage tomorrow, then Sunday try out a church and do the walk thru of our house and get the keys!

I hope you all have enjoyed reading this blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it! I do have a lot more pictures I took along the way, the ones Ive posted are more of the highlights. When I have time I'll try to post them all to FB for something. Also, I'v had thoughts of posting some of the scenery pictures on my photography website if anyone is interested in purchasing them ;)

I'll let you know when they are up on www.susanwetlesenphotography.zenfolio.com

Christmas in July

Day 13

28 July

Whitehorse, Yukon to Tok, Alaska

623 km 8 hrs 34 min

Today was a fun day! After a little bit of driving we made a stop at Kluane River to stretch out and let the kids explore a bit. It was SO beautiful! I wanted to just stop for the day and set up camp right there, make a fire and roast some marshmallows and just take in the beautiful scenery. The kids had a blast finding rocks and tossing them into the water. Thankfully we got there when we did because after about 15 minutes a few tour busses pulled up and swarmed our spot. Thats ok though because I was able to get some good pictures before they arrived.

After the lake we stopped for a late lunch at Buckshot Bettys, the only place in Beaver Creek to eat. Cute little place! Once our bellies were full we headed for the Canada/Alaska border. Thankful to be back in the US! A short drive after that we were in Tok, Alaska, our stop for the night. We checked out a gift shop and then checked into the hotel and went to get some more food before heading to bed. The hotel we are staying in is only open from May-September, so right now they are decorated for Christmas! Of course the kids love it! ;)

So good to finally be in ALASKA! Tomorrow we make the drive to Anchorage (and possibly a drive-by our new home in Wasilla?;)

One of the most photographed spots

Almost there!

Love this one!

We caught his smile!

He loved the rocks too!

Kluane River

Love it!

Cheyenne took this ;)

Finally here!

Cheyenne is in two places at once!