Preface
(1-06-2005)
(1-06-2005)
Retirement is great but ushers in changes in lifestyle. It is time to sell our house, on a big lot, which takes more time, effort and monetary resources than are available in retirement.
We know downsizing is a must but what to do after selling the house is up for debate. Should we buy a smaller house, a condo, go on the road full time camping, or something else?
I would like to try full time camping but my wife, Val, says very firmly… NO! Camping is OK for extended periods but not full time.
As an alternate suggestion I said lets go to Alaska in our 30' travel trailer for a full year.
After getting past her initial shock and after some discussion she bought into the plan.
Why Alaska and why for a yearlong stay you ask?
We know downsizing is a must but what to do after selling the house is up for debate. Should we buy a smaller house, a condo, go on the road full time camping, or something else?
I would like to try full time camping but my wife, Val, says very firmly… NO! Camping is OK for extended periods but not full time.
As an alternate suggestion I said lets go to Alaska in our 30' travel trailer for a full year.
After getting past her initial shock and after some discussion she bought into the plan.
Why Alaska and why for a yearlong stay you ask?
Going to Alaska has been one of the places we have always wanted to visit and the yearlong stay has several reasons.
First, we have learned from our camping travels during retirement that it takes more than just a month or two to really see and enjoy all of points of interest in any given state and Alaska is a very big state!
Second, I have been bitten by the photography bug and want to spend enough time in Alaska to get some great photos. Some of the best weather, hence best photos, occur in the fall, winter and spring. There are also many winter activities that are of interest.
First, we have learned from our camping travels during retirement that it takes more than just a month or two to really see and enjoy all of points of interest in any given state and Alaska is a very big state!
Second, I have been bitten by the photography bug and want to spend enough time in Alaska to get some great photos. Some of the best weather, hence best photos, occur in the fall, winter and spring. There are also many winter activities that are of interest.
Third, since we will be in transition we will not have the financial burden or worry of a house while we are away. Hopefully the cost of the trip, other than fuel, will be little more than if we had purchased a new residence and lived in it for the same year.
It is January 2005 and as I write this preface our trip is still just a concept. In the pages that follow we will chronicle with photographs and written narration our preparations and planning as well as our experiences as we travel through this retirement adventure.
Please read on and enjoy!
Lou and Val Petkus
It is January 2005 and as I write this preface our trip is still just a concept. In the pages that follow we will chronicle with photographs and written narration our preparations and planning as well as our experiences as we travel through this retirement adventure.
Please read on and enjoy!
Lou and Val Petkus
Our travel trailer
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Issue #1
June 15th 2007
June 15th 2007
Page 1 of 4
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