Sleeping Soundly at Swensons

5 long traveling days, 45 hours in the truck, # miles , 3 states, 2 countries and 2 provinces later…

We. Made. It.

Phew.

The sheer joy of knowing we’ve stopped traveling- even for just a short time is joyous and overwhelming. Each morning we wake up facing a new challenge, living a new life, and stretching ourselves to a new capacity.

After a very short rest in Iskut, we drove just a few miles north to the home of a wonderful family, Mike and Pat Swenson. Their family welcomed us with open arms and we were taken-aback at their generous hospitality. With all of our equipment and supplies, we were dreading the short little drive in our boat across the river. We imagined horrible scenarios of crossing dozens of times for every little necessity-not to mention the question of how the ATV and side-by-side would fair on the little fishing boat.

Imagine our surprise; nay our sheer joy as Mike graciously offered his barge to forge the ENTIRE lot over the river in one fail swoop.

Jillian and the babies and I waited it out in the cabin anxiously awaiting their arrival. It was beginning to feel like we were just inches away from being “home”.

Chauncho even found a friend. Their new puppy, Sada gave Chaunch a run for his money and we were glad he had a distraction so we could worry less about him and the wolves and more about the babies and equipment.

The boys worked into the night to not only forge all of the equipment and supplies across the river, but to begin prepping the clearing on our claim for the tents. What a daunting task! Fortunately (or unfortunately- whichever way you want to look at it), it stays extremely light here for an extended period of time. I loved it as we were driving, no need for a head lamp or book light while driving; driving at 11:00 at night felt easier when your mind was thinking it was only 6:00; the view and the scenery continued to impress as we drove on into the night.

For the boys that meant more work light, though it also meant even though their bodies were tired, their minds convinced them to keep going. It’s an odd feeling when your mind says it’s evening and your body is screaming, But it’s Midnight!

The Swensons once again opened their home to us and allowed us to sleep in their neighboring cabins for the night so the boys could get a good start on clearing land in the morning.

How lucky we are!

How blessed we have been!

We’re alive, we’re well, and we are more than happy to be so close to “home”.

Love, Sleeping Soundly at Swensons’.