I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, but knew I always wanted to move to Texas. This past summer of 2019, I made it happen.
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Anchorage, AK
I started planning my move in November of 2018 with an old Atlas and National Parks of American by Lonely Planet. I’d always imagined the move, but I had not imagined the drive. I discovered the routes, the possibilities, the options – were endless!
I spent the next 6 months planning, packing, and preparing for the trip of a lifetime.
In the afternoon of June 8, 2019, I packed the last box and left everything I knew behind with my 2 dogs, best friend, and belongings in tow.
Driving out of Anchorage and through “The Valley” (AKA Palmer/Wasilla) was nothing new to a homegrown Alaskan, but it held a whole new beauty knowing I was leaving it behind for something entirely new and completely different.
We spotted a moose off the Glen Highway before we had even hit Eagle River, which resides approximately 30 minutes North of Anchorage – a goodbye from an iconic symbol of Alaska.
The miles melted away as we rolled through Palmer and Sutton, Chickaloon and and Glacier View. We watched through open windows as the Matanuska Glacier appeared to our right. To see it in video form, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aefx5-XChjo&feature=youtu.be.
We continued up the highway, taking our time around the sharp curves of the road and the steep inclines of the terrain. We passed through Eureka and Nelchina before we hit the fork at Glenallen. The Glen Highway (Highway 1) that starts in Anchorage forks with the Richardson Highway (Highway 4), going South to Valdez and North to Delta Junction. We continued along the Glen Highway, making it to Tok around 1 AM.
With 318 miles under our belt, we settled in for the night, moving things around in the back of the car until 2 humans and 2 dogs could fit relatively comfortably.
Luckily, it was still Alaska twilight, making this endeavor much easier than it would have been in the dark. We fell asleep in the parking lot of the Chevron gas station, excited for what tomorrow, and Canada, would bring.
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2 replies on “Alaska to Texas in 13 Days – Day 1”
What made you decide to move to Texas of all places?
Miles,
I was born and raised in Alaska, but my parents are originally from Texas, so my extended family has always been here. I grew up visiting Texas and don’t remember a time when I didn’t imagine living here. The best part is, it’s better than I ever imagined now that I’m finally here!