My trip to Alaska was a planned excursion that was really a way of escaping the relationship I had with my children.  I know it sounds highly unlikely for a mother to say this, however the circumstances leading up to the trip were taking control of my life in the worst way possible.   Within a year, I received my divorce papers, gave away custody of my 10 year old daughter so that she could remain with her twin 15 year old brothers who were awarded to her father, met a guy who offered the opport ... more »

My trip to Alaska was a planned excursion that was really a way of escaping the relationship I had with my children.  I know it sounds highly unlikely for a mother to say this, however the circumstances leading up to the trip were taking control of my life in the worst way possible.   Within a year, I received my divorce papers, gave away custody of my 10 year old daughter so that she could remain with her twin 15 year old brothers who were awarded to her father, met a guy who offered the opportunity to escape and left the drug and alcohol party life that I was slowly entering into. 
The plan was to research everything about Alaska that was available (before the internet).  I sent away for travel brochures, bought a really cool book that laid out in detail every road and milepost, and looked over many maps.  We would have to quit our jobs, plan our wardrobe, and collect all our moneys into travel checks.  Thank goodness I didn't have a credit card. 
We said good bye to family and friends, got into his VW bus and went for a long camping trip.  Less