Almost 50 Years and Counting
Every new year was built on the past years.
During the adventure on the Yukon Denvy and Gail experienced the general 
store in Circle. This store had a little of about every basic thing that
one might need in remote Alaska. One day there was a classified ad to
sell that general store. The idea was too intriguing to pass up. They
called about it but it had been sold. However the idea remained.
The
idea lived on was that they could operate a small business in remote
Alaska. A weekend trip led them past a remote log cabin along the remote
gravel road that served as a grocery store. It stood only steps from a
great salmon fishing site and there was a garage in the back of the lot. In front
stood a sign stating that the place was for sale. The idea was growing
and an offer was made. Further analysis showed that this was not a good
move, but the process spawned thoughts that they could start a business
from scratch based on their toy making interest.
Virtually hand in hand they walked up to
the door of another
log cabin with a for sale sign. The vacant lot next door was for sale.
In early June they contracted for a foundation and installed an experimental
wood foundation over which they built a modest house with double walls
and a wood stove. By July Gail had quit her job and Denvy officially quit
in September. They were jobless. They entered winter with plastic visqueen
over the windows and blankets over the doors. But they were home and their
professional careers and the rat race were behind them. Yet, they drove
up and down the highway gathering wood in the ditch to heat the house.
In the back room of the house they set up
the band saw. 
In
the master bedroom the sewing machine was set up. There was no phone and
for months no electricity except for a very long cord from the neighbors.
A set of shelves were set up in the living room and toys were displayed
for the neighbors who came by as a curiosity rather than in interest in
toys. The challenge of survival lay ahead of them but it was their dream.