Becoming Alaskans

The road trip may be over, but the adventure is just beginning.

After nearly two weeks on the road, it felt good to spend a few days without watching mile markers disappear behind us. Instead of unpacking suitcases every morning, we finally started unpacking a home.

Our first full day in Alaska was dedicated to giving the vehicles some well-earned attention. Thousands of miles of highway, construction zones, and ALCAN dust had left them looking like they’d been through an expedition, so they both received a thorough cleaning. With that accomplished, we rewarded ourselves with lunch at Snow City Café. We had heard countless recommendations, and they absolutely lived up to the hype. Easy 5 stars from us. We followed lunch with a movie before ending the day at Seward’s Folly, where we enjoyed our first taste of Alaskan seafood.

The next morning made it official.

Sam became an Alaskan.

A new driver’s license, voter registration, and Alaska license plates made it feel like this wasn’t just another assignment. This is home now. We spent the rest of the day doing all the not-so-exciting things that somehow feel exciting when you’re starting over: stocking the pantry, buying household essentials, learning where everything is, and beginning to organize all of the gear Zed had already delivered during Trek #1.

We’re also learning a few uniquely Alaskan lessons.

For one, homes here generally don’t have air conditioning. Instead, everyone becomes a student of the weather, opening windows at just the right time to let the cool evening air flow through the house before closing everything back up during the warmer part of the day. The other adjustment has been the sunlight. Nearly twenty-four hours of daylight has been fascinating…and a little confusing for Sam’s internal clock. Until our blackout curtains arrive with the movers, Zed solved the problem by buying an eye mask with built-in speakers. Between that and a little white noise, sleeping has become much easier.

We also had our first Alaskan earthquake.

Around 9:30 that evening, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Hope, Alaska. Apparently, locals would describe it as “just a little guy.” Sam was downstairs in the basement and honestly thought someone had fallen down the stairs. She never felt the ground move. Zed, on the top floor, immediately noticed the house gently shaking. Same earthquake, completely different experiences. We’re guessing that won’t be the last time we have one of those stories.

While we were settling into Alaska, the kids were having an adventure of their own. Mia and Ana completed Trek, walking a total of 23 miles while pulling handcarts across southern Idaho. They absolutely loved the experience, grew closer to their “families,” strengthened their testimonies, and made friendships they’ll remember for years. Hearing their stories made us wish we could have been there to watch them finish.

By the weekend, it was time to explore beyond Anchorage. We headed north to Palmer for the Alaska Scottish Highland Games, held at the state fairgrounds. Neither of us had ever attended Highland Games before, and we quickly learned they’re much more than bagpipes and kilts. We watched competitors launch enormous cabers, throw hammers and heavy weights, and compete in events that somehow make carrying telephone poles look like a perfectly reasonable sport. The athletes were incredibly friendly, answering questions and chatting with spectators between events. The sound of the pipes drifted across the fairgrounds all day, and even beneath cloudy Alaska skies, the atmosphere was full of energy. It felt like one of those uniquely Alaskan gatherings where people from every background simply come together to enjoy the day.

We wrapped up the weekend by having moose steaks (so tasty) with Sam’s cousin and her family. Knowing we have family just ten minutes away has already made Alaska feel a little more like home. Being thousands of miles from where we started feels a little less daunting when there are familiar faces nearby.

The road trip may have ended, but this new chapter is only beginning.

Next Sunday we’ll share what it’s like starting new jobs, welcoming the movers, and finally turning this house into our home. We have a feeling the next adventure is already waiting just around the corner.