Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound - Tok to Montana

Here’s a revised “Homeward Bound” version that keeps your voice, adds the emotional thread of missing your sister and your soon-to-arrive secret puppy Ruby, and weaves them in so they’re felt rather than bluntly stated—like little undercurrents carrying you toward home.

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Homeward Bound – Tok to Montana

Looking back, the trip from Tok, Alaska, to Prince George was not just a journey along a historic route—it was an immersion into landscapes vast and untamed, a lesson in patience and wonder, a parade of encounters with curious animals and generous people. The Alaska Highway is a road that insists you slow down, open your eyes, and let the land tell its story.

I returned with an iphone full of photos, a head full of memories, and a heart grateful for the privilege of travel. Whether you’re an intrepid road tripper or a dreamer plotting your next escape, the journey between Tok and Prince George offers more than destinations—it is, in every sense, the adventure of a lifetime.

We skirted through Prince George, eager to reach Montana and the familiar pull of the USA. We departed Tok around 11 a.m., after Mike visited Wolf Hawk, who would safely transport his Glock 45 from Alaska to the Lower 48 without concern. It was one of those travel days when housekeeping responsibilities—like refilling prescriptions—were seamlessly woven into more unique tasks, such as retrieving firearms.

Now, it’s Monday night at 6:30 p.m., and we’re settled at our campsite in Mammoth Springs, in awe of our surroundings. As the sun drifts across the sky, the mountains around us transform—tan to gray to deep forest green. No artist’s brush could capture these colors.

Still, as breathtaking as they are, my mind drifts eastward. I picture a familiar laugh waiting for me, the one that feels like home no matter how many miles I’ve traveled. And there’s another pull—quieter, softer—a tiny heartbeat I haven’t yet met, a bundle of fur and joy whose name is Ruby. She’s still a secret, but she’s already mine in my heart.

My happiness overflows tonight, not only for the beauty before me but for the life that’s waiting. With a bit of bourbon in hand and the stars beginning to shine, I feel my love for this country swell. Blessed to be an American, blessed to be heading home.

Getting the Van Ready

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Lao Tzu

Getting Road Ready: Building the Foundation for Chasing Horizons

It took months of research, planning, and preparation to bring our dream of driving from Lewes, Delaware, to Alaska to life. From coast to coast, our route would span more than 10,000 miles—crossing plains, winding through mountains, and braving some of the most rugged roads in North America, especially through the Yukon Territory and Alaska. We knew our Winnebago Travato had to be up for the challenge.

Arguably the most important upgrade we made was to our tires. Even before purchasing the van, I had joined a Travato owners Facebook group and dove headfirst into the wealth of knowledge shared by experienced RVers. One thing was clear: the stock tires wouldn’t cut it for the terrain we had planned.

After a good amount of research and comparison, we landed on the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tires—known for their durability and performance in all weather conditions. They were the best match for our needs and gave us peace of mind for what lay ahead.

Next, we tackled another common Travato issue: no spare tire. We knew we couldn’t head into the remote stretches of the North without a backup plan. After weighing several options, we decided to modify the Black River by Summit bike rack that came with the van to carry a full-size spare. It took a little ingenuity, but now our Travato is both adventure-ready and road-resilient.

That brings us to The Alaska Fund.

About two years ago, I picked up occasional shifts bartending at American Legion Post 17 in Lewes. Every tip I earned went into a dedicated jar marked “Alaska”—my quiet way of keeping the dream alive, one dollar at a time. When the fund finally reached $2,000, I ordered the new tires and spare tire carrier without hesitation. It was a milestone moment: not just a financial goal reached, but a symbolic one, too. The journey was becoming real.

Welcome to Chasing Horizons

As I turn the page on 26 rewarding years of teaching, a new chapter begins—one filled with open roads, new landscapes, and endless possibility. My husband and I are embarking on a long-awaited adventure: a road trip from our home in Lewes, Delaware, all the way to the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska in our Class B van.

2023 Winnebago Travato

Chasing Horizons is more than just a title—it captures the spirit of our journey. It’s about seeking what lies beyond the next bend, savoring each sunrise in a new place, and embracing the freedom of the road as we explore the incredible diversity of North America together.

This blog will be both a travel journal and a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into a trip like this. I’ll be sharing our planning process, from getting our rig road-ready and prepping healthy meals, to choosing what (and what not) to pack for life on the move. Along the way, I hope to pass along useful tips, lessons learned, and a few laughs too.

Most importantly, Chasing Horizons is a way to stay connected with friends and loved ones as we document this unforgettable experience—mile by mile, memory by memory. Join us as we chase new horizons, explore the unknown, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

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