TEO
Inverness, FL, USA
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OK, I'm still in the glow of a super vacation to Alaska. It was the vacation of my life and I'd like to go back in two years. Unfortunately, the DW insists that once was enough for her and suggests that if I really want to go again I could go by myself or take someone else. It all sounds sane so far. Right? Here is where I break down. I am thinking , in broad terms, of making the trip in 1012 with my five grandchildren. Then, they will range from 17 down to 9 and I think it would be a great vacation for them and give them something that they will remember for their lives. One son would help me drive up and spend a little time and then fly home. My other son would fly up, spend a little time, and help me drive home. I know there is an awful lot to consider. It will require a lot of cooperation and organization and tons of patience.
Is this possible? What pitfalls am I overlooking? Any help r hints will be appreciated.
Paul
Paul & Helen
2002 Winnebago Journey DL
1999 Jeep Cherokee toad 
Yellow Lab, Jodie, Chocolate Lab, Coco  , and Lab/Golden mix, Sandy.
FMCA 98905
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Mootpoint
Brentwood Bay, B.C.
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Do it!!!!! I don't what your DW didn't like not to return but don't let the grandkids miss the trip of a lifetime. 40 years from now they can relate to thier kids what a trip they had and hopefully take thier own out and about. We went 2 years ago and will definately go back somwday. We said to ourselves if we had been 20 years younger we would have stayed.. Hmmmmm!!! If we're available .... we may help you out...hmmmmmmm!!!
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Artum Snowbird
Campbell River, B.C., Canada
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Well, I am thinking that you are or will be about 60 as I am now, maybe a bit more. The thought of spending that much time with five grandchildren all under your control and influence would be life changing. My parents used to take one or two grandchildren with them in their motorhome, but the thought of that many all at once for such a long time... well good for you that you can think of it.
I say, go for it if you can. It won't be easy, but you will be enriched by the experience. So will they.
Mike and Carole
2007 Snowbird 9'6" Super Slide
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
2000 F350 7.3 SC 4X4
previously 8'10" Snowbird Camper
2006 Triple E Regency 27 foot SXL SOLD!
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TEO
Inverness, FL, USA
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Actually, I'll be 68, but I'm in pretty good health and I would insist on getting a lot of help from the grandkids, cleaning, laundry, etc. We'd have no dogs, so there goes all the stops to walk the dogs and all the hair that they contribute to the vacuum cleaner. I'd have to find a suitable toad that will hold all of us. My Jeep Cherokee just wouldn't work without at least a few kids strapped to the roof. I'd have to dip into my IRA, but I think it's worth it. One of my fondest memories is a camping trip to Maine when I was about 6 or 7. You just can't put a price tag on that.
Paul
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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I took a vacation from there to CA and took 5 kids, the DW and a BIG dog. I drove a Dodge van towing a 24 foot Sportsmaster trailer. It was fun most of the time but when a kids get tired and "snotty" the fun goes away. I wouldn't do it again but once with the kids is okay. Talk to them and see if THEY really want to do it. You have a lot of time to figure it out. Good luck.
Frank
2004 Dodge 1T SRW CTD long bed with 19.5" Ricksons & load range "G" tires, Stable loads & Timbren rubber springs, 2011 Palomino Maverick 1000SLLB
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junmy3
Warner Robins GA
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And if the GKs do not want to go, you can always take DW and I. We want to go in 2012
Jim & Junnie
2005 Sunline Solaris T-2553
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Nascarcruzin
Home is where the RV is parked.
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I say, do it, too! What memories you will have. We were there in 2009, are planning a return trip in 2011 and 2012.
Rebecca
Ronnie & Rebecca
Soddy Daisy, TN
Full-timing since 2004
Check out our adventures:
North to Alaska 2011
Travel Journal Enter the password - 12345
2008 Alaskan adventure
2009 Northeast coast and Canadian Maritimes
1999 Holiday Rambler Imperial 40WDS
FMCA #388387
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Veebyes
Bermuda & Maryland
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Well now, if we assumme correctly that you are in your sixtys & the DW is not too far off that mark either, tell her that you have found 2 late 20s ladies who would like to go with you.
See if she changes her mind.
Is your rig suitable for fulltiming?
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel
Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995
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joe b.
Florida
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I suspect we made at least a half dozen trips over the Alaska Hwy with our daughters before they reached "teen-age-dom" and crossed over to the dark side. It was a blast, most of the time, just like it was at home. The biggest thing we found to do, was to make sure we took lots of breaks, for hikes, picnics, playgrounds, took lots of their stuff, books, toys, their cats, etc. Plus each trip, they both got to pick out one major thing/place, anywhere between Alaska and Florida,generally speaking, where they wanted to visit. One liked Dino museums, such as at Drumheller AB, Colorado, Utah, etc and the other was big on zoo visits, San Diego, Colorado Springs, Okie City, etc. Water Parks were big with both of them. Once we hit the Lower part of Canada and the Lower 48 we tried to stay at campgrounds that had stuff for them to do, swimming, playgrounds, etc. They felt "part" of the trip. As adults, 31 and 33 currently, they still talk about the fun they had on the trips. We had a Class C with bunks for most of their trips, so they had their own space, etc.
As was mentioned I would talk to them individually and see if all of them want to go or just some of them. But I think the way to be successful with traveling with young children is to get them involved and don't forget they are children and at times will act like children. LOL
We would normally spend a couple of days at Liard River Hot Springs such as this photo when the girls were about 8 and 10 years of age.
* This post was
edited 08/30/10 08:53am by joe b. *
joe b.
Stuart Florida
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
Dodge/TCD - Rockwood 8281 SS 5th Whl & 2008 Lance 845 TC
www.pajbcooper.com web site
Alaska Trip 2011 - now posted.
Alaska-Colorado&others, photos
"Without challenge, adventure is impossible".
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John&Betty
Alberta
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Do it!!!!!!!!! Don't second guess yourself!!!!!!!!!
John & Betty
2007 Dodge Ram 1500
2010 Keystone Bullet 246RBS
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