Chuck Chuck is father to the three youngsters, primary driver, sole trailer-backer-upper, and the voice of reason in things organizational.

Miranda Mom to this brood, Miranda is the webmaster, chief cook and bottle-washer, and the backseat entertainer to the kids.

Erin 7 years old, Erin loves reading, playing violin and piano, reading, and did I mention reading? She also has a blast playing with her younger siblings.

Noah 4 and a half, Noah is full of life and full of questions. He loves police cars, math and swimming pools.

Sophie Sophie is 2 and a half and loves playing with her siblings, talking a blue streak, and being read to.

The Camper: The Boy's Bed is the extension on the left, the Girls' Bed is on the right. Both collapse for travel, but the main shell remains. Inside is a toilet, small dining area, sink, stove, fridge and some storage space. The camper also has a forced air propane furnace, a creature comfort we've come to appreciate on past trips. During the summer of 2000 we lived in this rig for four weeks and didn't kill each other. So theoretically it can be done.

The Van: This is where we're planning on spending much of our time during the day. Loaded up with a spare gas can, two spare tires, a computer, a bunch of story CDs and that ubiquitous Suzuki violin repertoire CD, we're hitting the road.

The Plot

• Chuck and I had been wanting to do a road trip like this since before the kids were born. Once they were on the scene, we knew tent-camping on a long, wilderness trip like this would be unrealistic for a few years. We tried to rent a camper to go north, to no avail... something about road conditions and voided rental agreements made it seem like too much of a gamble. But then, after a few years, we were able to buy a camper of our own, and the trip became possible. Not only that, but in the interim we'd accumulated some wonderful friends along the route, including the Cuells of Smithers and the Abbott family in Whitehorse. And so, plans for the trip took gradual, if disorganized shape.
• At point of departure, the plan is as follows. We leave New Denver on June 14, 2001, and we will head north towards Prince George, then to Smithers, up the Cassiar Highway and into the Yukon. Hopefully we'll arrive in Whitehorse sometime. We might even make it to Atlin or Dawson City, and hopefully we'll come home via the Alaska Highway through Northern Alberta and the Rocky Mountains, arriving in time to feed the dog on July 1st. Stay tuned and you'll see how closely reality matches up with the plan.

Yes, this trip will be fun and educational for the kids, and something they'll remember their whole lives!

visits since June 16, 2001