Sunday morning we wake up to voices. The spot we chose to camp had a magical view, but apparently it is on some website or map because every other car stopped!

Laurie and Andy were up around 630am and chatted for about an hour. This is the first time we’ve had a chance to have an actual conversation at length without interruption from kiddos needing this or wanting that in over a month!

After our chat we snoozed again and all woke up around 9am. The skies were grey and Andy wanted to drive the remaining 22 miles of the dirt road before more rain fell.

For the most part the road is in good shape but there are many sections with potholes. Andy took his time and kept the RV as smooth as possible. Today was special because he had a copilot. Miles rode in the front seat with dada while the gals hung out in the coach. The speed limit on this dirt highway is 50 mph. Andy was doing 20 – 25 mph most of the way so it took us almost an hour to get to Brushkana Campground, a BLM campground along the banks of the Brushkana River.

We weren’t sure if we were going to stay here or check out another location 1 mile further mentioned in the Milepost but with Miles getting antsy and the rain coming down harder we decided to find a site and call it home for the night. Andy went to level the RV and unfortunately but rather predictably, Miles made a lot of noise after promising to whisper and woke Ani from her nap. We have to settle for a 40 minute nap.

We spent the afternoon hanging out in the camper until about 2pm, when Andy took Ani out to play in the rain and look for blueberries, giving Miles a chance to nap. After about an hour Ani wanted to go back and Andy obliged when he heard noises coming from the camper. Miles was having a snack and playing while Laurie was in the bed over the cab. Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? (:

Around 4pm Andy strapped Ani to his chest and took her out for her nap. As soon as they left the RV Ani was out like a light. Laurie got Miles dressed and they too left the RV in search of blueberries. We are too late for this location but Laurie still managed to collect a Talentis worth of blueberries. We all had fun picking blueberries while Ani slept and returned to the RV when she woke up.

Before going in, we looked in awe at how dirty the RV got on the drive. The sides and rear of the RV were caked in mud. And the bikes, oh the poor bikes. You couldn’t even tell what color they were!

We had a mellow evening and went to bed early with hopes of an early-ish start for the 4 hour drive back to Anchorage. Laurie wanted to stay one more night out of the city, but Andy (with good fore thought) wanted us to have time to pack and organize.

We left our campsite at 9 am and made our way south. It was another gray and rainy day. The spot we had camped 2 nights ago looked totally different on the way out.

The kids did great and we made decent time. We stopped for lunch and to stretch our legs about 30 minutes north of Anchorage.

Ani and Miles walked the nearly 1 miles loop around Relfection Lake. There were no mountain views but we were happy to be out without raincoats.

We had hoped to get some of our town chores/travel prep done today but realized it was Labor Day and everything was closed. So we had a mellow evening in the RV park with hopes of an early bedtime and full last day.

Tuesday was our last day in Alaska. Laurie woke up feeling bittersweet. Trip endings are always a little sad for her as she mourns the end of an adventure. Even though at times it was exhausting and frustrating, Laurie loves being an “adventure mama.” Trips and adventure make her heart sing. Andy, while he also likes to travel and be out, is very excited for the move to Boise. And Miles, he is just excited to be going on an airplane and to get his UPS truck he has been promised when we return to Oakland.

We make the morning special by stopping at a bakery on the way to Pablo’s bike rental to rent a burley. We intend to do the coastal bike path again- this time with Andy and Ani. Despite having bikes and seats for all, we decide to rent a burley so Ani is more comfortable, and hopefully more content, and Miles can ride his bike or sit on the seat behind Andy.

The bike ride is lovely but we don’t see any wildlife. Miles rides about a mile before proclaiming he is tired and wants a break. We squeeze out another mile using dried mango and races as motivation. Laurie then straps his bike to her rack and Miles sits in the seat behind Andy. Andy has a heavy load but doesn’t mind. Our ride continues like that- start and stop.

Around mile 7 Laurie separates and rides to the end (mile 11) while Andy and the kiddos return to the RV. Laurie loves the feeling of the wind on her face and her heart racing- the first real exercise she have gotten in over a month! We meet up at a playground about a mile from where we parked. We all have fun running around, swinging and sliding.

Miles happily gets back on his bike to ride the 1 mile to the start. His smile quickly faded as we get to a small incline. Despite having pedals, his strider bike is 1 speed and his legs get tired spinning super fast on the flats or downhill. Encouraged by those walking the trail, he makes it to the top. We walk our bikes up the final hill to meltdown central at the RV. Both kids are tired.

Ani wants to walk and squirms as Laurie tries to wrangle her to avoid cars in the parking lot. Miles is hungry and tired but doesn’t want anything we offer. It is just one of those times.

We head to Fred Meyer (the store that has it all!) for a few last minute items before picking up Moose’s tooth pizza for dinner.

Our final evening is more of the same: Miles starts to play with his trucks but doesn’t want to share with Ani. When we give Ani something to play with Miles wants that instead. Both kid cry. And so the cycle repeats until it is time for bed. Neither kid took an afternoon nap so resiliency is low.

After packing up the duffel bags with what we need for 6 days in Oakland, Laurie takes a shower. Five minutes later when we go to shower Miles we discover there is no hot water. Between Fred Meyer and Moose’s Tooth we had stopped to fill the propane tank and apparently forgot to turn the knob back. Laurie’s shower drained the hot water tank and it didn’t refill. Wet wipe shower it is for the kiddos!

The past few nights we have tried a new sleeping arrangement with Laurie and both kids sleeping in the bed over the cab. This works since we all go to sleep at the same time and Miles is a heavy sleeper and doesn’t wake up to Ani shifting and asking for milk. Plus, it is good practice for the next week when we will inevitably all share a bed in Oakland!

The flight home is smooth. Miles takes his role as “mama’s helper” very seriously. Ani sleeps for the first 90 minutes of the 4 hour flight and is reasonably entertained by food, beads, toys and the iPad for the remainder of the time.

Joanna graciously picks us up at SFO. When walking outside to wait for her Laurie turns to Miles and asks, “what is this?” Squinting back he looks confused. The sun! We have missed the brightness and warmth of the sun.

Despite all the gray and rainy days, Alaska is magical. Similar to our experience in Nepal; before even leaving we want to come back! But maybe with older kids or just as a couple so we can actually hike and explore the enchanted land!

Next stop: Oakland for 6 days and then off to start our new chapter in Boise.