I'm glad I ran across this thread. I have about 2 yrs until I retire from my FD job. Sounds like a long way off, but I'm researching a couple of options, one of them being SE Alaska.
What I am thinking is the Petersburg/Wrangell area as my first area of interest. Bear hunting, fishing, blacktail deer, and generally exploring and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
My plan is to either buy or preferably build a small log home for the wife and I, and then get a boat that will allow me to travel the islands hunting and fishing, or whatever else trips my trigger. I have a couple of hurdles to clear before its a solid game plan, and much research to do yet.
I have a lot of questions I'd like to ask anyone who lives in or is familiar with that area, if you wouldnt mind me buggin you fora little info.