Southern lady with more questions for Rance or anybody (Wasilla: relocation, travel)

[BJSkallion]

In my extensive internet research I have being reading that in the Wasilla/Porter area I am interested in relocation to that the mean age is in the 30ies. Does this mean that I will have no mature people to befriend to speak of? This is a concern because I am a real people person and love to cook and share my time with card games and just visiting. I am really excited about learning from others about the difference in the Alaskan way of life and learn to cook their way.

I also read about the AMHS highway and that this could keep you from going through Canada. I have no passport and is this going to be a problem in getting to SE Alaska from the lower 48?

Another question: I am getting new tires for my vehicle before I start my trip and will I be able to get anything that will work for both the winter and summer driving in Alaska? I read somewhere that I will need some with winter treads for snow driving but will these also work in non snow driving too?

I know this is alot of questions but I want to be prepared as much as I can and not have as many surprise problems when I arrive.

Thanks,
BJ

If you also know of another website I might can get on to pick more brains for info it would be helpfull.

[paddleplay]

Hi BJSkallion -

First of all, I want to say that I think it is totally cool that you are packing up and moving all the way to AK by yourself, especially since your post makes it sound that you are in your mid-life and thus seem to be ready to make some extreme life changes.

Second, I hope that I can put some of your concerns about the Mean Age thing into perspective. Personally, I am in my mid thirties and I have many friends who are in their 40s and 50s. We enjoy outdoor activities, card-games and cooking and plenty of other adventures together. I think it is all about finding people you can relate to. Many of my same age peers are caught up with starting their families and careers, something that doesn't fit with where I am at in life. My "older" friends are young at heart, and maybe a little like you, in that they are willing to take chances. Finally, just because the mean age says 30, doesn't mean that there won't barely be any same age peers for you. You are probably looking at a community with lots of kids, who are pulling down that average.

Ok - Have fun in your journey and keep us posted.

[Rance]

You won't need a passport to go through Canada until 2008. I have no solid info on that as of yet! But if you boarded a ferry/cruise ship in Seattle, heading for Alaska...I don't think you'll need a passport. You may find info at: http://www.milepost.com/faq/crossing_border.shtml (broken link)

Ferry info at: http://www.milepost.com/faq/travel_ferry.shtml (broken link) and: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/Explore/

You can get all season radial tires on your vehicle. Once your here and established you can decide for yourself if you want to get a seperate set of studded winter tires! Studded tires will help...especially in towns or cities where there is more traffic, and slicker spots at intersections etc.

What about work? You can look around here: http://www.jobs.state.ak.us/

And another usefull link: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/

Good luck with your trip!