We've started the countdown to Alaska. Jim made the mistake of emailing the Alaska Tourism folks for travel info on Alaska and OMG! We've been inundated with email from hotels, tour companies, book vendors, camping and fishing outfitters, RV companies, etc. So exciting, planning on being gone for four months! Will I have garden separation anxiety? Will Jim and I still be married after four months in the 5th wheel together? Will Maggie drive us crazy? Will the mosquito's get us? So much to think about........

We've got a shake down cruise scheduled at Black Butte for the end of April. Several of the coffee guys and some of the family are going camping with us.

To save on gas, I intend to strip the 5th wheel of all junk, extra chairs, blankets, flags, bird feeders, etc. Jim has put "Tim the Tool Man" mud flaps on the truck, we look cool now driving down the highway with our mud flaps fluttering in the wind. It's the Massie version of Ice Road Truckers. We've even purchased extra tires and rims for the 5th wheel and truck.

The temperature will probably never get above 60 so packing will be easy. WARM WARM WARM is my motto. Also, does anyone know where you can purchase mosquito spray by the case? We also need to get mosquito nets to wear and rubber bands for shirt cuffs and pant legs. Hhhhmmmmmm, this trip is sounding less and less attractive!

I am determined to join the Polar Bear Club. It's a 980 miles out of our way (down a gravel road) but how many people do you know who've actually jumped in the Arctic Ocean in just above freezing water? Jim says if I chicken out at the last minute he'll make sure I go in regardless.