For the past couple of years, we’ve been kicking around the idea of taking our Airstream to Alaska.

We never really intended to “see every state” in some sort of checklist fashion. We have always simply gone to the places that felt right. But after all of these years, since we’ve camped in each of the lower 48 states, it seems only natural that we go for number 49. The question has simply been about timing. When to go? It’s not exactly like running down to the corner grocery store.

ALASKA – Chapter 1 – Oak Mtn from Long Long Honeymoon on Vimeo.

Since we hail from the Deep South, Alaska looms as The Mother of All Road Trips. The drive is over four thousand miles, one way. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little intimidating – to both my butt and my bank account.

Nevertheless, in our usual spirit of last minute spur-of-the-moment trips, we’ve decided that this is the year it happens. No time like the present, right? Fuel probably won’t get much cheaper (at least until they figure out cold fusion) and I’m certainly not getting any younger. So we might as well get this show on the road.

The clock is ticking. We’re leaving a little late in the season. We’ll be experiencing Alaska in August, when autumn begins to arrive. We’re packing cold weather clothing for this trip. It feels a little weird – we’re tossing thick toboggans, long underwear, and the like into our camper while the temps at home are approaching 100 degrees.

Fortunately, I love autumn. It’s my favorite time of year, so the prospect of two autumns in one year is not all bad.

My filmmaking goal with this summer’s trip to Alaska is a little different than years past. This time around, my intention is to shoot a feature length documentary film. We’ll be shooting and editing in more of a gritty style than our usual fare. This will give viewers a better sense of what life’s really like on the road.

Our mission is to create a standalone film that both informs and entertains other RV owners. We plan to record all of the pertinent details of an RV trip to Alaska. We’ll be keeping track of receipts and costs along the way. Want to know what it’s like to take your rig to Alaska? Watch this film.

I’m sure we’ll have our fair share of the usual travel troubles. When we encounter a problem, I’ll strive to keep the cameras rolling.

Summer will be dedicated to the shoot. The full edited film will be available later this year.

I also plan to shoot a little lighthearted LLH talk show along the way. This show will be shot, edited, and uploaded throughout the summer. It will be simple and fun. More details on this show to come, probably in my next update. If you have any questions you want answered on the show, be sure to let me know (either here or on our Facebook page).