Today’s the day. After months (yes, months) of lists, planning, more lists, packing, cleaning, trailer organization, and even more lists I can finally say: WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO ALASKA!

If you’ve spoken to me in the past two months, you’ve probably heard about one of my many to-do lists. There were lists for getting the house ready (and then redoing those lists), lists for what to pack, how to pack, what not to pack, where to stop, where to sleep, and which hotels won’t kick us out for having an anxious English Setter named Zeke in tow. We even had a room layout and list for the new rental house in Anchorage.

Yesterday, we wrapped it all up with a goodbye pool party that doubled as a farewell and a stress-relief session. It was lovely. I cried. Then I cleaned up. Then I panicked again. Then I checked one last list. Typical.

My family is exhausted—partly from the heat (it’s been 95+ degrees in Michigan all week) but mostly from dealing with me. Zeke has been following us around, tail down, fully aware something is up, and probably wondering if all this fuss is worth it. Yup, Zeke, it probably is.

We loaded the trailer with help from some very good friends in what felt like the fiery depths of the sun. Hot, sweaty, and very not glamorous. (I hope the bribery donuts helped a bit.) But that’s behind us now. Cooler weather and beautiful scenery lie ahead.

The plan? A seven-to-eight-day journey across North America with stops in Duluth, MN → Carlyle, Saskatchewan → Edmonton, Alberta → Dawson Creek, BC → Fort Nelson, BC → Whitehorse, YT → Tok, AK → and then, finally, Anchorage.

There will be long drives, sketchy gas (and probably restroom) stops , dog-walking pit stops, and, I’m sure, a few surprises. But we’re ready. Or at least, we’re packed and pointed in the right direction.

So here we go – hot, tired, and excited. Alaska or bust!