moving to Rural Alaska
02-13-2013, 05:30 AM
#61
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 1,964
I see many posts here referring to Alaska as 'AK'....the O.C.D. in me has to make a correction here. The abbreviation for Alaska is 'AL'......I am very excited for you - this sounds like an amazing opportunity. Please keep us up to date on your experiences there!!
02-13-2013, 05:36 AM
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: India
Posts: 519
Originally Posted by riutzelj
Guess, rural Alaska can be an oxymoron, so let me add the qualifier, moving to 110 miles northwest of Bethel, Ak. No roads in, only boat and plane. I don't have enough blankets to take what is left at home, where husband is staying for the next two years.And he says i can't take the Poppy Quilt i bought in Texas or the Wedding Ring i bought here in Oregon. That means no quilts for me 
Guess i'll have to make some quickly. Oh, well, not a lot to do when it is still frozen and you don't own the outdoor play equipment, such as snow machine, snow shoes, skis etc. yet.
Which online stores have the best deals on batting sales and shipping charges? Also does anyone know how the wool battings do for hand quilting?
Some of what i need to go up in my household goods so if i have it already i don't have to pay shipping. Got enough fabric to make a couple of quilts but no batting.
Guess i'll have to make some quickly. Oh, well, not a lot to do when it is still frozen and you don't own the outdoor play equipment, such as snow machine, snow shoes, skis etc. yet.Which online stores have the best deals on batting sales and shipping charges? Also does anyone know how the wool battings do for hand quilting?
Some of what i need to go up in my household goods so if i have it already i don't have to pay shipping. Got enough fabric to make a couple of quilts but no batting.
If you ask me, you are one of the bravest souls alive! I hope you are used to cold weather and being isolated for weeks or months at a time. I lived in Winnipeg, Canada for a while and that was city. I have no idea how I might feel w-a-y out in the boon docks when snow is up to your rooftops. You'll learn to shop in bulk and keep firewood handy.
02-13-2013, 05:46 AM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: India
Posts: 519
Originally Posted by MamaHen
Now I want to know "Does your husband know what you all are in for?" What small community are your going to be calling home for the next couple of years? All I can say is that the money better be worth it. Unless housing, fuel are included in payment it's going to cost you a small fortune. Take it from someone who lived in Alaska for over 54 years. I wouldn't have a comment if you were on a road system somewhere, but out in the boonies with only plane or boat (in the summer) all I can say is good luck.
And YES most online retailers think Alaska is another country.
And YES most online retailers think Alaska is another country.
I feel like you do about being prepared for the shock. I hope the money is worth the shift from civilization to no-man's-land. BTW, just one more downer--have you checked out medical facilities or prices of doctor's visits? A friend of ours who lives there says he has good insurance through an oil company, but there have been doctors who refused to treat him because of his age. The first visit for any doctor will be no less than $450, and at least $250 after than if you have to do follow-up. If you are on Medicare, forget seeing a doctor anywhere in AL. They do not take Medicare patients at all.
02-13-2013, 06:16 AM
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: El Lago Tx Originally from Upstate NY
Posts: 654
Will you have computer access at your new home? If so, at least you can stay in contact with the world. I take it you will limited on you items that are shipped for your use in Alaska. Take items that can have multi uses, that is what we did when my husband was in the Air Force and we were shipped to the island of Guam in the 1970's. I did take a small sewing machine for the time, and it got used quiet a bit. I also took fabric since it was cheaper in the states. Good luck, and keep in touch with us.
02-13-2013, 06:24 AM
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Finger Lakes area, NY
Posts: 320
My daughter lives in that area, Napaskiak. He is site co-ordinator (principle) and she teaches at the school. They went first to Toksook Bay, then to Napaskiak. They have lots of "fun" stories to tell. Spend their summers down here. Can't wait till they come down permanently. Good luck on your venture!
02-13-2013, 07:04 AM
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 682
I have dealt with Willow Bend Creations at Soldotna AK and think you could get supplies from them. By the way, Willow Bend Creations is having a free Webinar about lower back pain, put on by a licensed physical therapist. 8PM eastern time. Sign in a little early and get some good information.
02-13-2013, 07:35 AM
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N. Nevada
Posts: 953
suzyquilter
Originally Posted by riutzelj
Guess, rural Alaska can be an oxymoron, so let me add the qualifier, moving to 110 miles northwest of Bethel, Ak. No roads in, only boat and plane. I don't have enough blankets to take what is left at home, where husband is staying for the next two years.And he says i can't take the Poppy Quilt i bought in Texas or the Wedding Ring i bought here in Oregon. That means no quilts for me Guess i'll have to make some quickly. Oh, well, not a lot to do when it is still frozen and you don't own the outdoor play equipment, such as snow machine, snow shoes, skis etc. yet.
Which online stores have the best deals on batting sales and shipping charges? Also does anyone know how the wool battings do for hand quilting?
Some of what i need to go up in my household goods so if i have it already i don't have to pay shipping. Got enough fabric to make a couple of quilts but no batting.
Guess i'll have to make some quickly. Oh, well, not a lot to do when it is still frozen and you don't own the outdoor play equipment, such as snow machine, snow shoes, skis etc. yet.Which online stores have the best deals on batting sales and shipping charges? Also does anyone know how the wool battings do for hand quilting?
Some of what i need to go up in my household goods so if i have it already i don't have to pay shipping. Got enough fabric to make a couple of quilts but no batting.
02-13-2013, 07:54 AM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 683
Forgot to tell you about buttons. The beautiful quilts, robes, etc. I saw in Alaska were made with applique and many, many buttons. Looked like the old time pearl ones from shells and the designs were raven, totems, and often times red and black. I'll try to upload photos.
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