Thursday, July 24, 2008

Decision to Move

I think this is one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. The one to leave Alaska. In some ways I'm excited and in others, dare I say it. Apprehensive, in fact very apprehensive. After residing here for 34 years. I have lived in this old mobile home on the Permafrost Ranch thirty two of those years. I had failures and successes living here. I raised two beautiful daughters who have children of their own now. I started a business and failed. I worked on one of the worlds largest construction projects, The Alaskan Pipeline. I worked to clean up one of the worlds largest environmental disasters, The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. I have made friends, lost some and I made enemies. I lost parents, relatives and friends in the passing of this time. I have passed from young to old. Now, the unknown is my biggest fear.

8 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:46 AM

    I am sorry to see your blog will be going off line. I am a big fan of backyard squirrels and have been planning a trip to Alaska for about 2 years. I am sure your little friends will miss you, but be fine on their own.

    Good luck with your new adventures.

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  2. Chad & Brandy, I'm not shutting down the blog and the cam is going to be reborn. It's just that we are just leaving Alaska and sort of retiring. We will be on the road as nomads for a while, so look forward to the Squirrel Cam showing up in your neck of the woods. You will have to buy us a hamburger and show us the local squirrels if we do. :-)

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  3. Anonymous4:05 PM

    There are black squirrels that live around Lawrence Avenue and Marine Drive in Chicago...

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  4. Anonymous4:49 PM

    Me and my wife hope that exciting new adventures await you!

    I lived in one place for 21 years and grew into the land. It can be hard to leave a place when your roots are in it.

    But it can be equally rewarding to be someplace new.

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  5. Anonymous7:13 PM

    I'm very saddened by the loss of you and your wife to our community Bob. I understand though, for the need for change at this point in your lives. I wish you all the best in life. Tonya:)

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  6. Dear Mr. Robert W Gilcrease
    I've decided to write to you because I'm deeply concerned that you are forced to sell your house and shut the web cams off. I'm from Szczecin, Poland and I've observed the squirrels for many years and now I cannot imagine that all you have been doing with passion for so long has to end. I admire your devotion and I want you to know that there are people in the world who support you. Unfortunatelly, I cannot do anything but to keep my fingers crossed and believe that everything's going to be ok.

    Sincerely yours,

    Joanna

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  7. Anonymous7:44 AM

    Mr. Gilcrease, Your Permafrost Ranch cameras and little buddies will be missed. I have come to enjoy this site since you write so cleanly and honestly about the small friends of the Ranch. Your little Friends will do well, but I am sure they will miss you too. I have been running a Cub Scout Twilight Camp BB Gun range for the past week so I missed your site for that long. Now I see this news which for me is sad. Prayers for you and your family on your new adventure. God Bless you all. Ed of Saugus, CA

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  8. Hi Bob,
    Haven't tuned in for a long time. Seems I've missed a lot. I hope the future is everything you want it to be. I'll be tuning in to find out since you're going to keep the blog. Maybe you can head on down to NJ to see Sandy and I. We'd love to meet you and your wife.
    My husband and I just read the story of One Wing. We'd never have know about it if it hadn't been posted on your site. Thanks for helping us keep track of what's important.
    Bobbie

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