THanks to TOTE Alaska, Shipping the Bus to Anchorage is almost a done deal

When I started to think about how to get the bus from the San Francisco Bay area to Anchorage, I thought I would just drive it.  The Canadian border is scheduled to open in a few days so I could just take a week and drive it up.  It is not something I am unfamiliar with. One year, I drove the ALCAN 3 times. 

Then I started thinking about the reality of doing that drive with an unknown bus which is only 5 years younger than I am.  I am a pretty handy guy and love a challenge and adventure but I began to think there might be a better way.

I contacted a company I have used before for vehicle shipping - TOTE Alaska.  When I got the quote, I was devastated.  It was way more than the project could support.  When I asked if there was a chance we could get a reduction for a charitable cause, I was contacted by Milena who is Tote's Community Relations Program Manager.  After a lovely chat, she asked me to fill out some paperwork and she would see if they could ship the bus for free.   Once again, the power of community seems unstoppable. 

I will still have to go down and drive it up to the port in Tacoma but I look forward to meeting Jim in person and finishing up a few projects down there before heading north.  I want to thank him in person and carry his knowledge about the bus back to the Alaska team.

So from despair to elation, I am once again optimistic that this dream can become reality.  Details will be finalized soon and I have my fingers crossed.  Thank you Milena and TOTE Alaska!