• Trek #2, Day 12: The Best-Laid Plans

    Trek #2, Day 12: The Best-Laid Plans

    After several days of making steady progress north, Day 12 reminded us that sometimes the road gets a vote too. We woke up in Toad River ready to continue the journey toward Alaska. The coffee was hot, the vehicles were packed, and we were prepared for another day on the Alaska Highway. Then we learned…

  • Trek #2, Day 11: The ALCAN

    Day 11 was one of those days where the miles add up quickly, but the scenery and wildlife make every mile worthwhile. We officially started driving the Alaska Highway, better known as the ALCAN. Built during World War II to connect Alaska to the Lower 48, the highway stretches through some of the most remote…

  • Trek #2, Day 10: Oh Canada

    Day 10 took us across the border and into some of the most breathtaking scenery we’ve seen on the entire trip. We spent the day driving through Yoho, Banff, and Jasper National Parks, and by the end of it we agreed on one thing: the United States has some incredible national parks, but Canada is…

  • Trek #2, Day 9: Handcarts, Heritage, and Another Goodbye

    Trek #2, Day 9: Handcarts, Heritage, and Another Goodbye

    Day 9 started with a little more cousin time while we packed up the camper and got ready to hit the road again. Before leaving, the kids got a tour of Grandma Douglas’ quilting room and fabric storage. If you’ve never seen a lifetime of quilting supplies gathered in one place, it’s impressive. Bolts of…

  • Trek #2, Day 8: Cousins, Chickens, and Another Generation of Stories

    Trek #2, Day 8: Cousins, Chickens, and Another Generation of Stories

    After several days of driving, warning lights, dealerships, and schedules, Day 8 was all about family. We started the morning with breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa Davies’ house before packing up and heading north to St. Anthony, Idaho, where Zed’s maternal grandparents and extended family live. One of the unexpected gifts of this move has…

  • Trek #2, Day 7: An Unexpected Day in Salt Lake

    Day 7 took us to Salt Lake City in hopes of finally getting the van fixed. We left the camper behind with Grandma and Grandpa Davies in Talmage and headed to the Ford dealership first thing in the morning. After a few days of warning lights and uncertainty, we were ready for answers. Unfortunately, after…

  • Trek #2, Day 6: Family Ties

    Trek #2, Day 6: Family Ties

    Day 6 carried us over the Rocky Mountains and into Utah, adding another chapter to both the journey and the family reunion tour that has quietly become part of this PCS. The drive itself was beautiful. As we wound our way through Colorado, we passed through Steamboat Springs, a place both Sam and Zed agree…

  • Trek #2, Day 5: Back to the Beginning

    Trek #2, Day 5: Back to the Beginning

    Day 5 brought the Davies Herd to a place that played a major role in both Sam and Zed’s story: the United States Air Force Academy. The drive to Colorado Springs was a trip down memory lane in more ways than one. As we made our way from Manhattan, Kansas, to the Air Force Academy,…

  • Trek #2 Day 4: Thrills and Together Time

    Trek #2 Day 4: Thrills and Together Time

    Day 4 was all about roller coasters, laughter, and spending the day together. We headed to Six Flags St. Louis and packed as many rides as possible into our time there. One thing that struck me throughout the day was how different this season of life feels. Years ago, amusement parks meant splitting up. Some…

  • Trek #2, Day 3: Faith & Family

    Trek #2, Day 3: Faith & Family

    Today was a different pace from the first two days of Trek 2. Instead of making miles west, we made an out-and-back trip to Nauvoo, Illinois, to visit sites important to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For Sam, it meant resuming her role as passenger princess. With Zed behind…