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Follow Me to Alaska: A true story of one couple’s adventure adjusting from life in a cul-de-sac in El Paso, Texas, to a cabin off-grid in the wilderness of Alaska
A retired law enforcement officer turned pilot and a former math teacher chose to leave their home in Texas for a cabin in the wilderness of Alaska. They left life as they knew it behind to start fresh in the land of the Last Frontier.
Their cabin on Cub Lake was only accessible by bush plane in the summer or snow machine during the winter, making life challenging. They knew their learning curve would be steep. What they didn't realize was living on a homestead in the wilderness of Alaska would make them face obstacles they had never experienced before.
This new chapter forced them to take every skill that they had learned in their lives to the next level. Hunting, fishing, gardening, and flying would all become key to thriving off-the-grid. Arctic temperatures and wild animals in the Alaska bush provided countless adventures. These tales may make you laugh, make you cry, and might possibly inspire you to follow your own dreams!
While enjoying the majestic nature surrounding them, they also learned to work together like never before. The two of them have dealt with everything from crazy chickens to bears, and ultimately even looked death squarely in the eyes. Throughout it all, Ann knew there was no place she would rather be than with Shon when he suggested, "Follow Me to Alaska."
Their cabin on Cub Lake was only accessible by bush plane in the summer or snow machine during the winter, making life challenging. They knew their learning curve would be steep. What they didn't realize was living on a homestead in the wilderness of Alaska would make them face obstacles they had never experienced before.
This new chapter forced them to take every skill that they had learned in their lives to the next level. Hunting, fishing, gardening, and flying would all become key to thriving off-the-grid. Arctic temperatures and wild animals in the Alaska bush provided countless adventures. These tales may make you laugh, make you cry, and might possibly inspire you to follow your own dreams!
While enjoying the majestic nature surrounding them, they also learned to work together like never before. The two of them have dealt with everything from crazy chickens to bears, and ultimately even looked death squarely in the eyes. Throughout it all, Ann knew there was no place she would rather be than with Shon when he suggested, "Follow Me to Alaska."
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2020
741 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Ann Parker
69 books31 followersAnn Parker was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her younger years were spent in Carrizozo, New Mexico, trying to keep up with her two older siblings, Carrie and Wayland. They told her she could only tag along “if she could keep up.” Her fear of being left out created a strong determination in her formative years. That drive equipped her to keep pace with her siblings, who were six and seven years her senior. She also spent time bossing around her younger brother, Patrick. Her mother remembers Ann, just a kindergartener, instructing two-year-old Patrick to recite the pledge of allegiance. Patrick definitely had a hand in developing Ann’s love for teaching.
Ann’s family moved to a small West Texas town, Sonora, when she was just ten years old. Sonora proved to be a nurturing, idyllic place to grow up. Ann enjoyed being involved in as many activities as time would allow. She especially loved the competition of basketball and track and forging friendships with teammates that have lasted throughout the years. The people of Sonora helped develop her faith and convictions that have shaped her life.
Her education continued at Angelo State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her time at the university, she met Shon at Casino Night. After a brief courtship, they married while she was still in school, and he was beginning his career in law enforcement.
Ann taught third grade for two years at Water Valley Elementary before Kyle was born. At that time, she and Shon decided Ann needed to be a stay-at-home mom. Three years later, the family grew with the arrival of Jared. After nine years, Shon left the San Angelo Police Department to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety. This change led the family to move to Big Spring, Texas, which was close to Shon’s hometown of Ackerly.
Over the years, Ann went back to teaching elementary and eventually taught high school level mathematics. Shon and Ann both got their pilot licenses, which created a new opportunity for Shon’s career. They lived in Alpine, Texas, for a few years, followed by a time in El Paso. After twenty-eight years in law enforcement, Shon retired, and the couple made the most daring move of their life.
Ann’s writing developed through the telling of their many Alaskan adventures and misadventures on Facebook. Her friends and family loved the stories, asking her to continue writing about life in the land of the Last Frontier. Because of their solitude, Ann especially enjoyed the interaction from her friends, even if only online. Throughout this process, an unsuspecting author and this book were born.
Ann’s family moved to a small West Texas town, Sonora, when she was just ten years old. Sonora proved to be a nurturing, idyllic place to grow up. Ann enjoyed being involved in as many activities as time would allow. She especially loved the competition of basketball and track and forging friendships with teammates that have lasted throughout the years. The people of Sonora helped develop her faith and convictions that have shaped her life.
Her education continued at Angelo State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. During her time at the university, she met Shon at Casino Night. After a brief courtship, they married while she was still in school, and he was beginning his career in law enforcement.
Ann taught third grade for two years at Water Valley Elementary before Kyle was born. At that time, she and Shon decided Ann needed to be a stay-at-home mom. Three years later, the family grew with the arrival of Jared. After nine years, Shon left the San Angelo Police Department to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety. This change led the family to move to Big Spring, Texas, which was close to Shon’s hometown of Ackerly.
Over the years, Ann went back to teaching elementary and eventually taught high school level mathematics. Shon and Ann both got their pilot licenses, which created a new opportunity for Shon’s career. They lived in Alpine, Texas, for a few years, followed by a time in El Paso. After twenty-eight years in law enforcement, Shon retired, and the couple made the most daring move of their life.
Ann’s writing developed through the telling of their many Alaskan adventures and misadventures on Facebook. Her friends and family loved the stories, asking her to continue writing about life in the land of the Last Frontier. Because of their solitude, Ann especially enjoyed the interaction from her friends, even if only online. Throughout this process, an unsuspecting author and this book were born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 26, 2020
Comfortable and engaging writing style. I enjoyed reading about the highs and lows, and their trust in God - very realistic. What an adventure!! I read the book on my first flight to Anchorage. Specifically, I enjoyed the flying stories as my husband is a private pilot also.
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February 15, 2023Conclusions from the anthropological experiment of reading this self-published book my mom bought me:
1. A lot of bible verses— it seems like religion really helped them cope with living in a cabin 50 MILES (via snowmobiling on a frozen river) away from any town
2. I learned a lot about snowmobile machinery and repairs. Also generators
3. I’m excited to go to Alaska this summer. This book did not sell me on remote living in a freezing climate. No offense to my mom or this book but I also feel like there are probably more ~acclaimed~ books about Alaska my mom could have picked, but I had fun
1. A lot of bible verses— it seems like religion really helped them cope with living in a cabin 50 MILES (via snowmobiling on a frozen river) away from any town
2. I learned a lot about snowmobile machinery and repairs. Also generators
3. I’m excited to go to Alaska this summer. This book did not sell me on remote living in a freezing climate. No offense to my mom or this book but I also feel like there are probably more ~acclaimed~ books about Alaska my mom could have picked, but I had fun
September 15, 2021
Troubles!
Loved hearing about them having to deal with the troubles of the last frontier. Them adjusting to all that chaos was quite entertaining.
Loved hearing about them having to deal with the troubles of the last frontier. Them adjusting to all that chaos was quite entertaining.
November 30, 2020
The second half of the book felt a little dry, a little redundant, a little too much detail on some things and not enough on others. The first half though, I was riveted. I loved hearing about the move and how they settled in, and overall I did like the book. I found myself skimming on the last third, though. Was pivoting between 3 and 4 starts and opted to go with 4.
October 18, 2020
I finished the book so a weak three stars. It was sometimes disjointed and at times felt like blog posts strung together. I found the first part more interesting, when they were settling in and learning how to cope. Lots of religious references but they seemed in keeping with the story. Too many exclamation points! Sometimes several in one paragraph! Very distracting.
September 3, 2021
Voornamelijk het eerste gedeelte van het boek was erg interessant om te lezen. De reis van Texas naar Alaska en de problemen waar het stel tegenaan liep. Ook was het hartverwarmend om te lezen hoe open de gemeenschap in Alaska is naar buitenstaanders. Naarmate het boek vorderde begon het wat droog te worden, veel verhalen over hun vliegtuig. De passages uit de bijbel heb ik overgeslagen.
November 1, 2022
God op bijna elke pagina. Te veel gezaag en zelf medelijden... boring.
October 12, 2022
Might have been good without the Bible thumping
February 27, 2022
Very good
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. To me it wasn't quite like the majority of books that I read. It didn't have any bad guys and no who done it factor. Not a typical love story where two characters end up together in the end. But, it was in my opinion, A mystery as far as what was going to happen next, were they going to figure things out together, would it strengthen their relationship and so on. In a way it was a love story, between two people already in love and the trials and tribulations they faced to stay in love and strengthen their bond. I felt as though I was reading Ann' s diary about their adventures.
I would recommend this book to anyone that just wants a great book to Sig back and enjoy. I myself was not disappointed.
Happy reading!!
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. To me it wasn't quite like the majority of books that I read. It didn't have any bad guys and no who done it factor. Not a typical love story where two characters end up together in the end. But, it was in my opinion, A mystery as far as what was going to happen next, were they going to figure things out together, would it strengthen their relationship and so on. In a way it was a love story, between two people already in love and the trials and tribulations they faced to stay in love and strengthen their bond. I felt as though I was reading Ann' s diary about their adventures.
I would recommend this book to anyone that just wants a great book to Sig back and enjoy. I myself was not disappointed.
Happy reading!!
March 18, 2021
An incredible tale of tough resilience. And it is true.
I downloaded this book because I liked the two trips my wife and I took to Alaska from Indiana. We still want to make another trip, now that we are retired. This book looked like an easy way to vicariously enjoy another visit. Was I ever wrong!
Ann and Shon seemingly did everything wrong. And showed how tough nature can be on total greenhorns. They overcame obstacles in their way in the tradition of historical pioneers. Moving from Texas to a cabin 25 miles in the wilderness without utilities, in moose-bear country, they started a fresh, new chapter in their life. It is a story of struggle and triumph. Read it. Buy it. Gift it. I did.
I downloaded this book because I liked the two trips my wife and I took to Alaska from Indiana. We still want to make another trip, now that we are retired. This book looked like an easy way to vicariously enjoy another visit. Was I ever wrong!
Ann and Shon seemingly did everything wrong. And showed how tough nature can be on total greenhorns. They overcame obstacles in their way in the tradition of historical pioneers. Moving from Texas to a cabin 25 miles in the wilderness without utilities, in moose-bear country, they started a fresh, new chapter in their life. It is a story of struggle and triumph. Read it. Buy it. Gift it. I did.
June 22, 2021
I enjoyed reading about Ann and Shon's adventures in Alaska. Always said I'd live off-grid..if it didn't involve snow! I'm more of a Utah desert type off-grid wannabe. LOL. She included many details about their new life. I'm not religious, but her Bible verses and religion comments were not over the top annoying as some people's can be. The only issue I had was some of the events seemed to be out of chronological order and I had to reference back a few times. She does use exclamation points throughout the book to really show how happy or emotional she was at that moment but it didn't take anything away from reading...it just emphasized the realness of the author to me. Other than that, a really good read and I wish the best of luck to Ann and Shon.
August 12, 2021
I don’t read much memoir, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book by a fellow Alaskan, now a sourdough. What I liked most was the author’s consistent voice all the way through. She bared her soul with the ups and downs of pulling up all stakes in the Lower 48 and moving to rural Alaska. She was honest in her emotion, sharing the mistakes they’d made and the wonderful things that went well once they got settled into their remote cabin on the lake. I know what it’s like to clear land and start from scratch to build a home in a remote area, so I appreciated the difficulties and nuances that the author described. It was an enjoyable read.
June 10, 2020
Amazing
This is a well written account of a couple that relocates from an arid ,dry, West Texas lifestyle to a rugged, cold, yet beautiful extreme northern wilderness. In every page, you can feel the cold yet smell the fresh warm air, see the beauty yet fear the unknown. This writing make the reader feel as if they are living the experience with them ...enjoying their tribulations yet suffering their pain. In all, their ultimate conquering of this beautiful endeavor will fill your heart with joy. An awesome book.
This is a well written account of a couple that relocates from an arid ,dry, West Texas lifestyle to a rugged, cold, yet beautiful extreme northern wilderness. In every page, you can feel the cold yet smell the fresh warm air, see the beauty yet fear the unknown. This writing make the reader feel as if they are living the experience with them ...enjoying their tribulations yet suffering their pain. In all, their ultimate conquering of this beautiful endeavor will fill your heart with joy. An awesome book.
July 3, 2020
Excitement builds continually in this true adventure story of a west Texas girl from a semi-desert who ends up with the love of her life in the bush wilderness of Alaska. One interesting episode builds up to the next as this innocent former teacher and her cop husband learn the intricacies of living with bears, contrary bush planes, snow-mobiles, conversational moose (meese?), unexpected friends, and a potato picking party are just some of the fun activities Ann Parker relates in her rollicking, no nonsense style.
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August 30, 2020This was an ideal book to read, for me because I moved to Texas from Minnesota, where it was much cooler each day! And they had a winter up there that was cooler than it is down here in the South!
Yes, I could believe that that was a true story, and I hope that they are alright up there still. If I was to live up there, I would like to have some of their knowledge that they have now about living up in the tundra!
Yes, I could believe that that was a true story, and I hope that they are alright up there still. If I was to live up there, I would like to have some of their knowledge that they have now about living up in the tundra!
October 7, 2025
I was totally mislead by the use of "Off Grid". They have a microwave oven, a blender, a washing machine... and all running on petrol. Not what I expected at all as it was no different than any well to do family living in a country with regular powercuts. Moreover, there was no feeling of life in a natural environment aprat from snow mobile problème, some snow. I stopped reading haflway through book 1.
Maybe it improved later.
Maybe it improved later.
April 11, 2021
Read this book NOW !
Nicely told adventure of two very brave people living their dream of living in the bush country of Alaska. I read this book over a span of two days. I wish this book was longer. One thing I would like to know, where did these very likable people get all that money they were spending? Lol. Anyway, if you’ve ever dreamed of living off-grid, read this highly enjoyable book. You’ll be glad you did.
Nicely told adventure of two very brave people living their dream of living in the bush country of Alaska. I read this book over a span of two days. I wish this book was longer. One thing I would like to know, where did these very likable people get all that money they were spending? Lol. Anyway, if you’ve ever dreamed of living off-grid, read this highly enjoyable book. You’ll be glad you did.
September 1, 2020
Final career change!
This book piqued my interest as our son and his family have lived in Anchorage for the past five years. I found it interesting that even with time to prepare for life in the wild, reality is a cruel teacher. A very sweet story of a couple, starting over, in a new phase of their lives and marriage, and obtaining success!
This book piqued my interest as our son and his family have lived in Anchorage for the past five years. I found it interesting that even with time to prepare for life in the wild, reality is a cruel teacher. A very sweet story of a couple, starting over, in a new phase of their lives and marriage, and obtaining success!
September 14, 2020
Beautiful story!
Ann's way of writing transports you to Alaska with her and her husband. I felt as if I was accompanying them on their adventures. I could see the lakes, the mountains and the rivers through her eyes. Thanks for sharing your life in Alaska and I hope your next book will be out soon.
Ann's way of writing transports you to Alaska with her and her husband. I felt as if I was accompanying them on their adventures. I could see the lakes, the mountains and the rivers through her eyes. Thanks for sharing your life in Alaska and I hope your next book will be out soon.
December 14, 2020
If you love the outdoors you will connect with this book.
I ran across this book looking through Amazon unlimited. I started to read it to see if it would capture my attention. I found I couldn't put it down. I've always felt that reading is a way to travel without leaving home and very much enjoyed and appreciated this trip and I'm sure you will too.
I ran across this book looking through Amazon unlimited. I started to read it to see if it would capture my attention. I found I couldn't put it down. I've always felt that reading is a way to travel without leaving home and very much enjoyed and appreciated this trip and I'm sure you will too.
January 22, 2022
Concise and interesting read
Ann Parker is an exquisite author. Giving just enough detail without going overboard, and making a very interesting, but “not too long” read. I loved this book, and their experience. I look forward to reading their neighbor’s book, next. And any future volumes Ann may write. Thank you so much Ann!
Ann Parker is an exquisite author. Giving just enough detail without going overboard, and making a very interesting, but “not too long” read. I loved this book, and their experience. I look forward to reading their neighbor’s book, next. And any future volumes Ann may write. Thank you so much Ann!
February 2, 2022
Great story - a must read...
for those who have ever thought of going on an adventure or traveling somewhere new and wild. It was a bit heavy on the God stuff for me but it really doesn't take away from the real life story of two brave people who found a new life and a wonderful "neighborhood" in Alaska, America's Last Frontier.
for those who have ever thought of going on an adventure or traveling somewhere new and wild. It was a bit heavy on the God stuff for me but it really doesn't take away from the real life story of two brave people who found a new life and a wonderful "neighborhood" in Alaska, America's Last Frontier.
July 1, 2020
A school teacher and her Law Enforcement husband decide to move to Alaska to enjoy their retirement.
A great Story of how these two Texans learned to live in a remote area and to live off the grid. this is a true feel good story.
A great Story of how these two Texans learned to live in a remote area and to live off the grid. this is a true feel good story.
July 5, 2020
Life’s journey
Just as a beautiful sunrise or sunset is more beautiful with some clouds, life becomes more beautiful with some clouds to make you appreciate the good times even more. A well written up lifting
Story.
Just as a beautiful sunrise or sunset is more beautiful with some clouds, life becomes more beautiful with some clouds to make you appreciate the good times even more. A well written up lifting
Story.
September 30, 2020
Refreshing to read of real life experiences.
Actual experience instead of rehashing other people's stories. A true story of a couple's adventure into a new environment and how they grew closer as they adapted to living off the grid.
Actual experience instead of rehashing other people's stories. A true story of a couple's adventure into a new environment and how they grew closer as they adapted to living off the grid.
December 30, 2020
Great book ! Ann is a good story writer. Very enjoyable to read.
Definitely would recommend this book to anyone that wants to find out more about Alaska ! Book was a very easy read.
Definitely would recommend this book to anyone that wants to find out more about Alaska ! Book was a very easy read.
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January 27, 2021Great book
Enjoyed reading about couple who spent their lives helping others and being able to follow through with their dream. The book made you feel like you were there sharing their life!
Enjoyed reading about couple who spent their lives helping others and being able to follow through with their dream. The book made you feel like you were there sharing their life!
February 12, 2021
Inspiring Story
The story of this couple's adventures in Alaska is well told and exciting. It was especially meaningful to me because I lived in Alaska for 11 years and loved it Thank you for sharing your story
The story of this couple's adventures in Alaska is well told and exciting. It was especially meaningful to me because I lived in Alaska for 11 years and loved it Thank you for sharing your story
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February 16, 2021Excellent read
I fully enjoyed this book. It really showed the reality of what it is like to make such a move into the Alaskan bush, and how being flexible to the weather and other environmental factors is key not only surviving in a new and wild place but also thriving in it.
I fully enjoyed this book. It really showed the reality of what it is like to make such a move into the Alaskan bush, and how being flexible to the weather and other environmental factors is key not only surviving in a new and wild place but also thriving in it.
March 28, 2021
Love this read!!!
I thoroughly loved reading this book!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us and encasing Gods word and offering encouragement and guidance for others in our everyday struggles.
I thoroughly loved reading this book!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us and encasing Gods word and offering encouragement and guidance for others in our everyday struggles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews