I'm finally feeling a little more interesting again. I'm kidding. But we've been at this waiting point for a while now without anything really new going on and when you add that to weeks of rain it's kind of like.... Blah.

We've been filling our time watching Alaska shows like Building Alaska, and Life Below Zero. While we would rather go out and live life- we're just waiting to get our car on the Ferry. Come on June 1st! But it has kind of had us wondering what kind of lifestyle we could see ourselves living in the future. We are so anti the rat race- 9 to 5 lifestyle of working to live in a house that you are never home for to just pay the mortgage. We've talked about buying property, building, possibly something along the lines of homesteading. Would we/could we do off the grid living? I've gone as far to ask myself "could you live without plumbing?" We are still undecided. And I think we'll know a few more of those answers after a summer of camping on the roof of the car- because there is no plumbing in that situation!

But past the idea of would we want to- if we did, how would we learn how to do it all? Research. Trial and error. Ask around. Yes- of course, all of the above. But we've also come up with a more off the beaten path plan as well. I started looking into some workstays over the past few days. What is a workstay? You basically volunteer your time to helping out any way the host seems fit in exchange for room and board. Generally for at least a few weeks at a time. Every situation is a bit difference of course. There are a few areas that we kind of have our radar on right now. I think I found one that sounds perfect that is off-grid that we can get some gardening and greenhouse experience. I absolutely love this idea. There are a ton of things that I have no idea how to do. Volunteer a few weeks of my time and learn some valuable skills. We get to see what it really takes to get where we are thinking we want to be. Let an expert tell us exactly what to do- while we help them out. I feel like there isn't enough of this in the world today. We have turned into an every man for himself kind of society. And it doesn't have to be like that. You just have to be able to be a little creative and chase your dreams. I can't wait to share how the experience goes!

We have something like 6 weeks left on this island. Which is completely crazy. I'm not sure how it is going equally fast, as it is slow. Parts of me are so ready for the summer adventure but it will be bittersweet because there is a lot I will miss. 

We've started the preparation! We bought the rooftop tent! I'm so excited. Planning things like this is a little harder in Alaska. There aren't nearly as many stores. It's pretty much what is available in Anchorage or Fairbanks or relying on what will ship here. The tent we wanted wouldn't ship to us. But it will ship to the REI store in Anchorage. AND my member coupon of 20% off of one item worked on it! I was sure with a big ticket item like this I was going to put my coupon code in and get the "We're sorry. This item is exempt." 20% off of an $1,800 tent that never goes on sale is pretty much the best deal ever. It's currently on back-order though but we still have 6 weeks. So I'm mostly just crossing my fingers that it all works out. Because with this one, here in Alaska- I don't really have a plan B. 

We ended up splurging and getting the Tepui Tents Autana Sky 3 Tent with the removable annex room. We went back and forth on it. It was an extra $300ish  for the removable room. We couldn't decide if we were being extravagant or just planning really well. In the end we decided that if we were spending the entire summer here, it might be a nice reprieve from any weather or bugs and not be stuck just in the tent or sitting in the car. I'll keep you updated if it was worth it! 

So we are doing something kind of crazy. Why you ask? Let's start at the beginning.
Alaska is a huge state. I mean like seriously huge. It's spread apart and more than just dotted in vast areas of remoteness. Almost all of which is completely unexplored by Scot and I. Trying to decide where you want to head next, if you have to sign a year long contract with the actual hope of finding your little piece of heaven that you never want to leave, is kind of hard when you are just looking at a map and Googling it. And since we are marooned on this island with no ferry's until April we can't just go check it out first hand.  Which takes us to The Plan. 
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I've signed a contract to go back to Brevig Misson. Yes. It is even more remote than Kodiak. No, there isn't a typical grocery store, or cars, or roads, or basically anything. Which- given my complaints about why we want to leave Kodiak, makes the decision seem pretty much crazy. But on the adventure side of life, which often rules all of our decision making, it is pretty spectacular. As far as experiencing wild Alaska- there you go. I did this alone for 3 years. But I'm really excited to get to experience it with Scot now.  I think I definitely experienced everything on the play it safe front and can not wait to see what things are like with a partner in crime. My experience there had a profound effect on my outlook in life. There aren't many people who get to experience life like this. And I can't wait to see some amazing familiar faces and all my little lovelies who aren't so little any more.  
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But what about the summer you ask? I'm pretty much preparing myself for any and all adventures possible. Mostly- there is no plan. Can you think of anything more amazing? I can't. 

 Okay- there is a bit of a plan. We will be outfitting my 2012 Ford Explorer with this rooftop tent and just- GOING. Wherever and whenever we please. There has been talk of work stays, helicopter rafting trips,  and most of all sleeping under the stars. We will be doing a lot to get the car ready for such an adventure. Right now we have been deciding what will be staying and going. What is worth shipping out to the village? Sell it? Store it? It is kind of a freeing experience because really- you don't need a lot to survive. Currently I've only gone through my closet. I mean- I had a enough clothes for 4 people... We'll talk about that addiction another time. But I've already earned about $400 from clothes I barely wore that hadn't been worn in well over a year. ​ Baby steps. Really. We are going to send and store as little as possible. If there is no sentimental value and it is easily replaceable. Good riddance. 

And of course, as we explore every nook and cranny (that one summer will allow) of Alaska maybe we can find our next step. Or. Maybe we'll give it all up and just be nomads forever.