C. Raymond Church was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL–and lived there for most of his first 69 years! Janet Richardson Church was born in Jacksonville, FL, and raised in Pensacola, FL. They were married in 1983 and have raised three children–two boys (Chris, the elder, and Josh, the younger) and one girl (Vanessa).

Sometime during the early ‘naughts (2003-2006), retirement planning seemed to be in order. In their earlier years, both Raymond and Janet had traveled (independently), really enjoying the experiences, and both had owned sailboats (independently); so, they considered travel (definitely!) by sailboat and by RV (recreational vehicle). It was obvious that neither of them were getting any younger; so, they ruled out the sailboat, since that, at times, requires vigor, stamina, and youthful strength. It was decided, then, an RV was the mode of travel and that Alaska was the primary destination for their first retirement adventure.