Age 70 was just the right age for me, but many people retire earlier and some never seem to get around to it at all. Yes, I planned it. I gave my workplace one year’s notice. and when I left, I left. Sure I was invited to come back and visit, but I never did that. I had seen others do that and noticed that they were disappointed when they were not recognized by all the current staff, nor accorded any special status commensurate with that they had previously enjoyed.
So plan to retire and plan the big trip “of a lifetime”. Mine was to Alaska, a cruise of course. I traveled on large ocean liners when I was young (Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth in 1950 and 1951). That was not what I wanted for this trip. Research led me to a locally owned and operated cruise company from Sitka, Alaska, Alaskan Dream Cruises. Small ship cruising was just what I was looking for. I signed up 11 months ahead for 11 days on-board in Southeast Alaska. It was all that I wanted; 48 passengers, seafood caught by the staff for our meals, excursions by Zodiac and kayak, a plunge into the sea to join the Humpback whale club (Yes, I did that!) and great native culture and natural history guides. We also witnessed humpback whales mating right beside our ship, bears salmon fishing with their cubs in the trees watching, and sea otters relaxing in kelp beds. Oh, and glaciers calving, too.
I thought I might do a few more such trips, but I have not so far. Still, I do think I have learned that it is nice to have something to look forward to, so I plan 3-7 day adventures every couple of months with my friend and travel companion, Barbara. Researching, deciding where to go, when to go and what to do once there are all skills to keep the mind sharp and focused. It also means that I need to keep the car in shape and passport updated. Who knows what or where may call to me next?
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