Heading back to Alaska 2018

I won’t lie—these last few months have been challenging. My emotional health has been taxed to the max as I continued going through the motions. Loving mom to her last breath, taking care of inevitable details, moving dad to NC, settling him in, prepping to leave for another cross country trip. You could easily say I was “zoomy” by the time we left midday on May 3. That’s my story/excuse why I didn’t take a single first day picture as we drove through Tennessee. 

Shared a meal and good time with Greg’s stepdaughter & partner, Karma & DW, outside Clarksville. Boondocked in their front yard before heading west early on the 4th. Drove through Land Between the Lakes before angling across Missouri. Generally, when I drive, we take back roads. When Greg drives, we do interstates. It’s just how we roll. St Louis was more decrepit than we remembered. Missouri boasted amazing redbuds; their size & frequency surprised us. Ended the day the only people around—Pony Express Lake Conservation Area outside Osborn, MO. We set out the camp chairs, watched fish jump, listened to birds (while trying to identify by song), and filled our bellies with caribou roast.

On the 5th we hit the southeast corner of Nebraska & Homestead National Monument. We’re pulling a trailer on this trip so we are trying to avoid mountains which is giving us opportunity to see some lesser known National Parks and Monuments. I hiked a trail through tall prairie grass while Greg & Dad hung out at the exhibits.

For 89, dad is doing pretty dang well. In & out of the camper. Shower & tiny bathroom adjustments. Legally blind; can’t hear much. But he says he’s like a pup—put him in the car and he’ll wag his tail for an adventure. Also says he’s probably been more active in the last few weeks than he has been in the last decade. 

Spent the night boondocking at the largest reservoir in Nebraska—Lake McConaughy. Website Parks & Services said Lone Eagle Campground was open May - October; it was not. Good thing we’re flexible. 



Photos