Alaska Peace

Trisha Rhodes Start Date: Oct 28, 2025 - End Date: Feb 27, 2026
  • Hope, Alaska, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Trisha Rhodes Start Date: Oct 28, 2025 - End Date: Feb 27, 2026
: Returning to Hope, Alaska

When I was a child, my family lived in Hope, Alaska — a small, rugged town surrounded by towering mountains, endless forests, and the serene beauty of nature that feels untouched by time. Those early years were full of wonder, exploration, and quiet moments that left a lasting mark on my heart. Some of my fondest childhood memories — hiking through snow-covered trails, fishing along frozen rivers, and watching the northern lights dance across the sky — all took place in that little Alaskan town.

For my parents, Hope was more than a home; it was a dream. They always spoke of the peace they felt there, the sense of freedom, and the profound connection to the land. Their ultimate wish, something they held close to their hearts, was to have their ashes spread there one day, returning to the place that had given them so much joy and serenity.

But as much as they loved it, the harsh Alaskan winters became too difficult to endure. Eventually, we moved to the lower 48, seeking milder weather and a more manageable life. Even as we settled into a new home, the memories of Hope never left me — the crisp air, the quiet snowfalls, the laughter and love that filled our small cabin. Those memories became a foundation of my childhood, a reminder of a simpler, magical time.

Now, years later, I feel a deep calling to return. I want to honor my parents’ dream and finally lay them to rest in the place they loved most. It’s not just about fulfilling their wish — it’s about reconnecting with the part of my childhood that shaped me, revisiting the landscapes that hold my happiest memories, and finding peace in a place that has always been a part of my soul.

Returning to Hope, Alaska, is about closure, remembrance, and honoring the legacy of my parents. It’s about walking the trails they once loved, breathing in the crisp northern air, and spreading their ashes in the place that gave them joy and inspired their hearts. It’s a journey of love, memory, and reverence — and one that I hope to make with the same awe and wonder I experienced as a child.
  • Hope, Alaska, United States of America