Ann Cales took Delphi Study Club members on a virtual journey to Alaska at the club’s November meeting in the home of Vivian Pemberton.
Reviewing Follow Me to Alaska by Ann Parker, Cales told the true story of one couple’s adventure moving from a cul-de-sac in El Paso, Texas, to an off-grid homestead in the Alaskan wilderness. The book developed from Ann’s blog chronicling their adventures at Cub Lake, Alaska.
After Shon and Ann Parker retired from their respective careers in law enforcement and in teaching, Shon challenged Ann to follow him to Alaska. The couple had earned pilot’s licenses, and Shon was intrigued first by Alaskan bush pilots and then about life in Alaska. In 2016 they flew from El Paso to see a cabin accessible only by bush plane. After prayer and reflection, they sold all their possessions except for thirty tubs of essentials and within 67 days were on their way.
Life in Alaska was much harder than the Parkers expected and sometimes it was dangerous, but they also had fun. The river was like a highway, and freight and food were delivered by a freighter, Ken Lee. They were able to meet their neighbors, who were interesting and unusual characters.
Shon bought a snow machine (bigger than a snowmobile) and learned to run it by watching YouTube. Ann raised chickens and picked berries and Shon hunted moose. They cut wood for fuel and stored it under their front porch. Their many experiences strengthened their marriage.
In 2018 Shon bought his own plane, which they flew to bring in supplies. In November of that year, he was critically injured in a crash but recovered. The Parkers still live at Cub Lake, having the adventure of a lifetime.
Attending the meeting were Linda Brown, Ann Cales, Evelyn Coyle, Beverly Frazier, Carolyn Ott, Pemberton and Marjilea Smithheisler.
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