Hello Again!

It's been a long time since I dusted off the old AK Traveller blog but I think it's time to get going again. Because....we're taking our kids off on another adventure! Actually, 2 adventures, back to back.  

First off: We're sailing "around" the UK this summer. Not necessarily Circumnavigating the UK (that's waaaaay too goal oriented for us). But we have bought (?!?!) a 44 ft gaff-rigged yawl in Lymington, UK, and we're going sail about in it, headed along the coast in a westerly/northern fashion from May 29-August 14. Or thereabouts. And this adventure was the impetus to re-start my blog so you all can enjoy my musings on our escapades. 

This is a Very Big Adventure. And is a touch Romantic (in the classical sense). 

But that's not all! When we return, we're not really returning. 

And so the second adventure begins: We're moving to Unalaska!

 Just like that. We're in the midst of negotiating the contract and securing a house to rent simultaneously as I'm restarting this blog. (and moving out of our house in Anchorage).

I rather fancy our family as the carefree, nomadic type: with sun-kissed, ruffled hair and adventure-shabby - but still hip - clothes. Sailing here, caring for a remote, underserved community there. However, as with so many things, the reality is far from Instagram-perfect. My kids are upset, so I am upset. We have a great community here: our kids like their schools, friends, neighbors, etc. We live in a safe neighborhood, near to our work, grocery stores and restaurants. It's easy, convenient living. The American Dream. 

And we're moving to a wind swept island where the Pacific Ocean meets the Bering Sea. With no hospital. To offer care to a community that endures the worst weather the earth has to offer and a migrant labor population that comes from all over the world to work in a harsh, demanding fishing industry. 

I'm excited, sad, regretful and thrilled, all in the same body. 

Honestly, what family uproots itself from a safe, predictable, structured life to go sailing for 3 months and THEN moves to the ends of the earth?  WHO DOES THIS? 

Well, apparently, Murray and I do. (insert friendly wave). 

I'm don't have much to say to defend ourselves. I can write more later when I've processed it a bit. And my kids have processed it a bit more as well - currently I'm helping them process it and That. Is. Really. Hard. 

'Cause they're not happy. (this will not be as shocking to any of my readers as it was to Murray and I. We're strange. Our kids are cool. This is a big difference.)

Anyway.  I didn't think 2 parents working full time and living in mid-town Anchorage was worth writing about, but I do think sailing the Young Larry with Natalie, Sam, and Murray will be. As will living in Unalaska. 

I hope you agree.