Is it June yet?

Not just because I'll have the summer off from grad school or because this snow pile in our front yard will transform to this:

But because our family will be on an epic adventure that has been in the planning stages since I was a little girl. For a as long as I can remember my Dad has dreamed of biking across the country and I have always responded, "I'm going with you Dad."

Well, we are not traveling coast to coast, not yet,  but in June we will bike from Washington State to Wyoming with Elias in a rented RV. Nick, my Mom and Dad and I will take turns driving while the other three bike. We'll pull Elias on flat or down hill days. We'll camp in State and National parks, as well as visit with friends and family along the way.

We have two big weddings--Nick's sister's and oldest childhood friend's--in Oregon on either end of our month-long bike trip so, along with our drive down the Alcan,  we'll be out of state for two full months.

We'll miss the summer in Alaska and Elias will miss his regular therapy but I can't think of anything more holistically therapeutic than a long overdue family adventure. When Nick and I fell in love we thought our lives would be filled with outdoor expeditions but instead we've spent more time exploring hospital corridors and clinics.

Instead of talking to his grandparents on the phone, Elias can stick his fingers in their ears.

And since my laptop is wireless, you'll all get to be part of the adventure.

But alas, it's still March. I have two big papers and a presentation due this week--that I haven't started-- as well as the continuous gathering of Elias's medical records for the mega-bureaucracy of Medicaid. And the thermometer only read 9 degrees this morning...

(...but we are up to 12 hours and 40 minutes of daylight and the days keep getting longer. And warmer. There may even be movement deep down under that pile of snow.)

Comments

[Glyn]

That sounds like so much fun!! We'd love do travel cross-country someday..maybe we'll have enough money someday. =)

So, how does April look to you guys? =)

(Sorry I haven't been posting much, we've had a lot on our plates lately)

[Kyla]

Wow! That sounds amazing!!

[Bon]

sweet merciful god...y'know, i seldom realize how lazy i am until i read your blog. now i'm sure.

that sounds like an amazing adventure and even though i am having a minor panic attack imagining it (my exercise bike scares me, road bikes make me palpitate) i am impressed. and excited for you.

and in love with your summer front yard.

[Robbin]

Can't wait to read about it!

[Deidre]

Freaking AWESOME! I'm so pumped for you guys! Such a well deserved break from the grind.
Lots of love,
D

[jess]

And then comes August. . .

[Cathy]

That sounds like a fantastic trip to go on. We traveled back & forth from TX to MA on vacations. It takes between 36 & 40 hrs 1 way. We just meved back from MA. The drive back was beautiful in Oct. Seeing the different states in Oct. from all the colors was great. WE went thru 8 different states on the way home. It was good to get home. I do not think I could ride a bike even half that far.(2000 miles) Good luck & have loads of fun & many posts to let us know how it is going. Ok

[Christy]

So um I have a lot of riding to do to actually get in shape for this trip so right now in theory it is an excellent idea and well needed but we'll see how I feel over the Cascades.

ah yes August...when we will be back in AK to host Jess, Brian, and little Annie and to show off our great state. Yippee.

And flowers, sweet flowers.

[Katie]

This is my first time commenting, and I find you a very strong mom & wife. I really enjoy your blog!

What a wonderful trip! I'm afraid my knee wouldn't handle it well, but I am envious of your family trip. As an Idahoan, please visit our wonderful state, and if possible visit little Burley (south central on Snake River), it's a great place to stop, if you ask me! But I'm biased, I live there!

[moreena]

My calves hurt just reading this post. But, also, my little dreamer heart says, "Yes! Yes!"

I can't wait to read about this experience with your family.

[angie]

I can't wait for summer either:). What part of Wyoming are you traveling? I am in Cody....if you are going to visit Cody let me know. Elias and Emma would be an awesome pair:).