I Won the Lottery! Wasilla, AK

[taviking22]

This position was found in another RV forum, but my DW and I have been accepted and will be workamping for a private aviation maintenance company near Wasilla, AK this summer. We will be property caretakers Sunday-Monday when the facility is closed and the owner is gone, and would be "working" only in the rare chance that a float plane would need to make an emergency landing at the facility's lake and be pulled out of the water. The owner said this has only happened once in the last couple of years.

Full hookups are provided in return for our time. The other five days of the week we are free to RV to other locales, do day trips, fish, etc. We will also have a couple of 2 weeks-off opportunities to get to Denali NP, the Kenai Peninsula, etc. We are welcomed to stay onsite and hooked up at the facility where cable TV and Internet is available.

We have never been to Alaska and were planning our summer vacation there anyway. When this opportunity came up it seemed to good to be true.

 

[clubhouse]

Congratulations, sounds like a great opportunity

I hear in Wasilla, from certain homes back porches, you can see Russia

 

[JW of 4 Corners]

I saw that same post and we have a pet so we couldn't compete with you. I am sure you will have a memorible experience and wish you the best.

 

[Kave&Lucky]

Sounds to me like you two need assistants!

 

[OnTheGo]

I'm envious. That would be reason enough to buy a TT if you didn't own one. I hope you will keep us posted during your adventure.

 

[KDCrunk]

Have a wonderful summer!

 

[Jagiven]

Awesome opportunity. My cousin lives in Wasilla. We spent 3 weeks in Alaska in 2008, absolutely a fabulous time. I would go back in a heartbeat. We rented a MH for one of the weeks. There are a lot of good trips you can take out of Wasilla that will last 5 days.

Fuel costs are higher in AK, I think the most we paid we about $5.50/gal. My cousin said that in the back areas you can easily pay $10+/gal. If you are below a half tank and you are not half way to your destination, turn around and head home. Make sure you have glass replacement rider on your car insurance. The rental facility stated 1 in 3 MH that are returned with a broken windshield. If you can arrange the time, be in Seward over the 4th of July to watch the running of Marathon Mountain, we missed it by one day, but the emergency preparedness prep that was being done was absolutely crazy to see.

Best of luck, please post about your adventures.

 

[smiley-JAY]

What at great opportunity, Alaska is beautiful. My DH's Grandparents were Homesteaders years ago in Wasilla, so with all those long winters he now has lots of family in Wasilla. When he was a kid they would take their VW camper and go from Chicago to Wasilla every summer. Last time we were there we used one of his Aunt's RVs, grabbed some cousins and our kids and hit the road, it was great. My DH is surprised how much the town has grown,( there used to be only one street light and alot of unpaved roads) they now have a Super Walmart in town and a great Costco in Anchorage! Enjoy your summer!

 

[tinlizzie23]

We sure would like some photos of your scenery up there ! Enjoy and Happy Camping.

 

[taviking22]

We leave for Wasilla around May 10. Time seems to be crawling as we are anxious to go!
Once we get our Cable Internet connected in Wasilla, I'll try to remember to post a message with a link to our photos.

 

[Denise-JAY]

How kewl to have a (free) 'home base' while spending time in Alaska! Have fun and post about your adventures.

 

[mikmurphy]

If you have time and inclination, spend 2-3 days at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge, a private in-holding in Lake Clark National Park. You'll get up close and personal, safely, with grizzlies! I've never enjoyed bear viewing/photography like this before. The hosts are gracious, the lodge and meals are incredible; and you'll leave with memories (and photos if so inclined) you'll always love to re-live. Go here to see more:

http://www.silversalmoncreek.com/

 

[RedHorse1]

Won the lottery? Ha, this is much better than winning the lottery.
Have a great time and travel safe!