ANCHORAGE — Her last ride on the McCain-Palin campaign plane ended here, back home in the cold and the snow and the familiar.

"We are Alaskans!" Gov. Sarah Palin, standing with her husband Todd, told scores of cheering supporters who showed up to greet her upon her return to Alaska late Wednesday.

Standing on the icy tarmac on a subfreezing night, Ms. Palin said she had learned much about America in her time on the campaign trail with Senator John McCain. She also said she looked forward to getting back to her day job. She promised to work to expand development of Alaska's oil and gas resources and also to be a voice for families, like her own, that have children with special needs. She said she would "reach out" to Senator Barack Obama, the president-elect, on these issues and more.

"I just thank God for this opportunity that I have to be your governor," Ms. Palin said.

"You did so great out there," one woman in the crowd said. "We are so proud of you," read one sign. A chant gained volume, encouraging Ms. Palin to return to the national stage: "Two thousand twelve!"