We are Judy and Steve (two separate people, one wonderful pairing). We have lived in Alaska since '77. I know a lot of people on this forum are wondering why we would want to leave such a beautiful state. Well, that is just the thing. When you live up here, it is hard to travel out. It takes 5-7 days to drive the Alcan and a lot of $ to fly out. So when we did take a vacation, it was to Denver where we both have family or to LA where our 2nd oldest and his wife live. Just in the last few years we have had the good fortune to visit my good friend in Oregon and that was an eye-opener, it planted the seed and we were in love with the idea of actually seeing the rest of America. We have two other children and 3 grandsons here in AK, but then when we met #2 child and his wife in Oregon this past February and found out they are expecting a baby, my hubby made the remarkable statement..."we need to rethink the whole retirement thing". So since then we have talked, talked, talked fulltiming in between digesting everything we can find on the 'net about it. Our basic plan would be to spend the summers up here and then flee to warmer climes, visit the new baby, and explore the "road less traveled" the rest of the year. We are anxiously reading this forum and it is nice to "meet" all of you!

Be sure to keep us all posted on your progress. Welcome to the mainland. HA!

Congratulations Judy and Steve, that sounds like a program!! Good luck, you're going to love it. Fred

I have met a few Alaskans who use their RVs part-time in the lower 48 and Mexico. Some store the RV somewhere in Washington or Oregon over the summer, some drive it back and forth, and some vary what they do each year. Alaska is a great domicile since the taxes are low. You will not be alone with Alaska license plates in the lower 48 during winter.

Thanks to all of you for the encouragement! We have a lot to do to prepare. We have a target date of 2010, of course we won't leave AK until fall. That is the plan any way. We will keep you informed! Judy