And away we go, Day 1 (Monday, June 6m 2016)

We've actually done it; planned and are taking an extended vacation.  Extended meaning a bit beyond a week.  Our 35th wedding anniversary is in a week and so we've decided to revisit Alaska and take a southern route home, so a minimum of 35 days, more likely a few more!  We've built in some wiggle room on the other side for additional adventures if we so choose! We've decided that since we are older, and can still travel, we should.  So we planned and changed our plans and realize our plans will change as we go, and are just doing it. 

Our original plan called for a slide-on camper on a truck.  We love Sunshine and she took us to Alask the first time, but we opted for a more fuel-efficient and flexible mode of transport this time.  After researching and test-driving trucks for weeks, we decided on a Ford F-150.  Four doors, literally!  And it's a 4 x 4!  It is a 2013 so it is new to us.  Campers are a whole other beast and we looked at various models, thought about building one, and then ultimately decided to go the natural route and so we are tent camping.  Those years of being scout parents prepared us for this!!  Tent-check!  Air mattress (the older I get, I need a comfortable sleep!)-check! Bikes and kayaks and hiking boots-check, check, check!  Mess kits, simple menus, bear bells/whistles, etc.-check, check,  check, etc.!  It is amazing how you have to think about planning for 35+ days!  How many clothes do you pack, especially when the beginning of your trip is going to Alaska where it was snowing just yesterday, and ending in in the Gulf of Mexico where it never snows and it is much, much warmer!  Do we need parkas or jackets or ?  Layers it is then!  We'll just go with the flow and make it work.  We have grown to be pretty flexible and will adjust as needed.

The last time we did this was 10 years ago and the boys and Maggie were along.  We wanted to visit places that Dad loved and he had passed the year before, and there were a few places we couldn't get to; we hope to visit those places this time around.  The boys are busy with their lives and jobs and what not and Maggie is no longer with us either, so it is just the two of us!  We are looking forward to the adventure and hope you don't mind our sharing this trip with you. 

Our first day started off a bit later than we planned as Andrew had to make an unexpected trip to Evansville to get his glasses fixed!  We had been cat-sitting and Tavi decided he didn't want to leave Grandpa and Grandma!!  What does he do?  He runs 1/2 onto our railroad track we have across the living room!  Just looking and sort of taunting us as he knows we can't go out there!  But eventually we snag him and head to Indy.  We get some granddaughter play time - holy cow, she is growing up so fast, but that is another story!  Now we are crashing in Urbana with Max, not exactly tent camping but we do have our air mattress set up in his living room!  We will head out for a long driving day tomorrow.
  

Thanks to momma and sister Margie for house-sitting for us and taking care of our cat Phoebe while we embark on this adventure! 

And good night!