You won't see the sun for 10 months out of the year they said... (Seattle: 2014, how much)

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Botev1912

If you look at the sun averages, Portland averages 151 hours of sun in October. Seattle has 143 hours. November-January are the true gloomy months.

Hey, that's not bad at all if those are averages. I can live with that.

Winter I expect to be dark and gloomy. So if the sun ever does pop out, I'll enjoy it though certainly not expect it. Longer term, winter will probably be the season we take take some trips (snowbird, rainbird) for sun breaks here and there. One doesn't have to travel too far. We have family in San Diego and direct flights aren't that expensive. I think driving or flying somewhere for short durations can help break up the monotony.

Derek

[509]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

...................At least if I am maimed by injury or health, I have my application all filled out to be moved and accepted into a care home outside of PNW! Hurrah, no one ever needs to come visit me in the sunshine of a mtn state. I'll be just fine.

I moved (3) friends OUT of PNW the day they retired. They are SO happy, and I am very glad for them.

Everyone will be very different in how dreary, dark, and wet affects them. Especially jobs, health, desires....

That's good as I will need a buyer for a nice view home in PNW, if spouse kicks the bucket before me (unlikely).
I can assure you I will be GONE before the funeral (unless my own is first...)....................

I can relate.

When I lived in Vancouver, BC I hated the weather so much.......I carefully packed all my books and items from my desk at graduate school. Then piled ANOTHER graduate students books on my desk.

Wrote a note to my major professor and left it with his Secretary (nice lady). The note was post-dated a month ahead and it said I had to leave quickly and would be in touch (never called him again).

But it did get me out of the gloom and doom and MONTH EARLY. Well worth, all the planning.

Good for you for planning your escape.....it does pay dividends when the time finally comes.

[rkcarguy]

We're not "sending everyone away", just being honest. Most of my retired family, neighbors, friends Aunt and Uncle, and so on, that have the means to, pack up and head south (usually Arizona) in October and return in ~April.

[mayfair]

Originally Posted by rkcarguy

We're not "sending everyone away", just being honest. Most of my retired family, neighbors, friends Aunt and Uncle, and so on, that have the means to, pack up and head south (usually Arizona) in October and return in ~April.

Agree. When we lived in the burbs, most of my retired neighbors were snowbirders to Arizona. Many had large RVs and took off in fall, came back for summer. Those with grandchildren nearby (or limited income) stuck around in winter.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by mayfair

Agree. When we lived in the burbs, most of my retired neighbors were snowbirders to Arizona. Many had large RVs and took off in fall, came back for summer. Those with grandchildren nearby (or limited income) stuck around in winter.

Nothing wrong with that at all if one can swing it. I mean seriously, why not? It actually sounds like a good idea to me. I see lots of RVs around Vancouver. I can imagine more than a few take off for at least some time during winter months even for short trips. It's certainly not the only state where folks snowbird from.

Derek

[StealthRabbit]

2 hr drive or 2 hr flight will get you into decent weather. Several friends from SWWA have cabins near Goldendale.

I use RNO, SNF, LAS, DEN, SLC, ABQ, ELP, OAK, SJC, TUS, and SAN for quick and cheap get-aways for sun.

Kids always liked to go to Palm Desert or Lake Havasu.

The RV will probably live in Port Aransas this winter. (Makes no sense to drive RV back and forth (miles, time, fuel))

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

2 hr drive or 2 hr flight will get you into decent weather. Several friends from SWWA have cabins near Goldendale.

I use RNO, SNF, LAS, DEN, SLC, ABQ, ELP, OAK, SJC, TUS, and SAN for quick and cheap get-aways for sun.

Kids always liked to go to Palm Desert or Lake Havasu.

The RV will probably live in Port Aransas this winter. (Makes no sense to drive RV back and forth (miles, time, fuel))

Lake Havasu sounds like a good place to thaw out for the winter.

But Port Aransas, wow, that's quite a drive! Why so far? Do you have friends or family over that way or ...? Just curious.

Derek

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Lake Havasu sounds like a good place to thaw out for the winter.

But Port Aransas, wow, that's quite a drive! Why so far? Do you have friends or family over that way or ...? Just curious.

Derek

My mom bought a very inexpensive House Boat (<$5k) and kept it on Lake Havasu, so great place for kids to escape.

I can keep my RV at my TX Hill Country place (it is a farm), and take it the few hours to Port Aransas, I don't drive it back and forth to PNW (even tho it gets 20 mpg). I can fly very cheap and quickly (compared to driving).

RV ownership in WA is not very inexpensive or useful.

Renting a sailboat in Puget Sound or Canadian Gulf Islands is a great family vacation. (and cheaper than RV ownership). BC has really nice campgrounds for tent mode.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

My mom bought a very inexpensive House Boat (<$5k) and kept it on Lake Havasu, so great place for kids to escape.

I can keep my RV at my TX Hill Country place (it is a farm), and take it the few hours to Port Aransas, I don't drive it back and forth to PNW (even tho it gets 20 mpg). I can fly very cheap and quickly (compared to driving).

RV ownership in WA is not very inexpensive or useful.

Renting a sailboat in Puget Sound or Canadian Gulf Islands is a great family vacation. (and cheaper than RV ownership). BC has really nice campgrounds for tent mode.

Ok, got it. I was picturing you driving across country in an RV (long drive) headed for TX. Flying then going makes more sense unless one simply enjoys driving those long distances.

As to owning an RV in WA, I haven't looked at TCO yet. But it is something to consider as opposed to renting one, I guess.

Derek

[Hemlock140]

Our 25’ travel trailer is parked and winterized until spring. If we want to go to away in winter we fly. The trailer is for camping and exploring the NW in the spring and summer. Mostly we stay here and enjoy the winter weather.