Bucket List

[markiver54]

Thought I would throw this out there out of curiosity.
The highest percentage of us are older, so, I'm figuring many might have some thoughts on this issue. Maybe some have already satisfied their desires.
I don't expect a whole lot, but, there are a few things I would still like to do and places to see.
My first career transferred me across the country, so I became a career renter. Main thing on my list was to buy my own home so I had a place to leave to my son. I achieved that at a late age.
Although I have traveled the country a lot, still have not seen the Grand Canyon...hope to do so.
Anyway, I think of this topic a lot anymore, as I'm not getting any younger and a couple health issues are prompting these thoughts.
Please share if you wish to. Maybe things already realized, or things planned/hoped for.

Mark

Mark, after you visit the Grand Canyon, I strongly recommend driving through Flagstaff down into Sedona by way of Oak Creek Canyon. I loved the area around Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. It’s one of those areas I could very happily retire to someday.

Pat

Thank you for the tip PW!

[markiver54]

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Adding to PatientWolf's suggestion, Schnebly Hill Road out of Sedona. Very rough back road with beautiful views of rock formations and vistas. One of my pictures here: http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... oad#p63167

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Although I have traveled the country a lot, still have not seen the Grand Canyon...hope to do so.
...

Mark

Mark, after you visit the Grand Canyon, I strongly recommend driving through Flagstaff down into Sedona by way of Oak Creek Canyon. I loved the area around Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. It’s one of those areas I could very happily retire to someday.

Pat

WOW that's beautiful Mags!

[RanchRoper]

Now don't get all excited or anything but I actually did "inquire" about a little bucket list item of mine for maybe next year....

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A Cimarron/Pedersoli Sharps Billy Dixon rifle in......45-70. Yes, considering reloading that round specifically for this rifle. Why? Just cuz I love this firearm. Like I said, it's a long way off and still just looking into things but if I was to move to another caliber and reload it, this would be the rifle to make me do it. We'll see. ...it's a big step for me, and still on the fence but no harm in checking right?....likely a pretty pricey rifle by the time we convert it to Can$...

[markiver54]

SWEET RR!! can certainly understand your interest!
Makes me think of Quigly. You resemble that rifle.

[If1Hitu]

Now all that left on my bucket list is a Lever Action Rifle a Marlin .444

[BrokenolMarine]

Bucket List...

I had a few things on mine.

A Muscle Car for one.
Early Mustang or Firebird say, Late 60s...
or Mid 50s to Mid 60s Vette.



There are a few guns still on the list
IF I should come across one, at a good price,
or I sell a few of the training Glocks living in the safe from my Teaching days.
I am not out actively searching, or digging thru gunshows:

A Colt Diamondback in .38 (To partner with the .22 Caliber I bought in the early 80s)

A Nice Stag Gripped Single Action 38/357 with Stag Grips. Doesn't have to be a real Colt, A Ruger or Uberti will work.

Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911 45 Stainless. I borrowed one while my Springfield Match gun was being built and won two matches with it. The owner wouldn't sell it as he had promised it to his son. Not only a beautiful gun, but WAY more accurate than I.

M1 Garand National Match - Getting scarce these days, and way dear to purchase, but I shot one when shooting for the Marine Team in Hawaii and it was Killer in the High Power matches. Then we switched to the M-14s. So, I guess a Match M-1A, the civilian version of the M-14 would do.

A Thompson SubMachine Gun, but the SemiAuto version. Heavy Dog, but way cool. Stick mag, don't need the drum. Not practical, don't NEED one, just always liked them.

None of these things are priorities. Miss T and I count ourselves lucky these days.
Some advice for those of you who have Bucket Lists of things you REALLY want to do or see, want to have while you can enjoy them.

Try and make them happen now.

I had a lot of things on my original list for when I retired.

Trout Streams to fish high in the mountains.
Wading the flats and casting the 8wt fly rods at the bone fish in the keys,
Flats Boats in the Caribbean and those big boys down there.
We wanted to take the long trips we put off when the kids were living at home.
Criss cross the country and see all the sights, take a few more cruises, just the two of us, especially the Alaskan cruise...
After teaching firearms for years and attending NRA Schools and the Instructor School at Quantico, I was going to attend the shooting schools at Blackwater and Gunsite, just because I had the time.

With just five years to go to full retirement, there was an unexpected turn in my health and I retired early on medical disability. Wow, Early Retirement, with pay. Folks all got Jealous and started saying "Lucky You." "Man, it must be nice to just do what you want all the time."

Can't wade the trout streams, though I can fly fish from the kayaks.
Can't really attend the shooting schools, not really. They would make allowances for the chair, but it wouldn't be the same. I can shoot on my range.. for which I am grateful, but
We can't really criss cross the country because long drives are painful. Don't spend much time in the truck anymore.
Wow, Early Retirement...

I don't look back at all the things I can't do, although I know a lot of folks at the VA that spend all their time doing just that. I look forward to all the things I CAN do.

I included this part... so those of you who have the time can see that maybe you might want to take the time NOW to tick off a few items on your list... just in case.
You never know what tomorrow will bring.

"There's always tomorrow" they always say. Maybe not.

[markiver54]

AMEN Jim. Very well put and great advise...the bucket list can only become reality if one is ABLE to realize it.
Life is much too short. Enjoy while you still can!!!
I sure hope to.
I don't expect to fill my bucket, just put some good memories in it.

[Mags]

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I remember one item. Get rid of as much stuff as possible. My dad didn't do that and it was a mess. Don't want my kids to go through that after I'm gone.

[markiver54]

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I remember one item. Get rid of as much stuff as possible. My dad didn't do that and it was a mess. Don't want my kids to go through that after I'm gone.

VERY good point Mags!! We are already whittling away at that one.
Something everyone should think about!

[BigAl52]

Like what kind of stuff are you getting rid of.

[markiver54]

Like what kind of stuff are you getting rid of.

In our case...anything we have not used, worn or looked at in the last five years...or less even. From clothing to potential collectables and old tools that belonged to my Father in Law. Much more that we decide about as we unearth it.
That includes a vehicle or two.

[Mags]

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Top of the pile is old computers and parts. Used to build and tinker with them as a hobby. I am now so over that. How about 40 plus years of National Geographic. Bits and pieces of scraps and parts that I might use someday. Cement Mixer. BearCat Chipper. Lumber scraps. That's just a beginning.

Like what kind of stuff are you getting rid of.

[markiver54]

Oh gosh...how I so relate!
Soo many things I told myself, I'll keep this little do dad...might need it later....NOT!

[BrokenolMarine]

We call that decluttering. We go thru a room at a time and sometimes just a section at a time, and work our way thru. I got rid of a thirty year collection of gun magazines. Thirty years... Yup... American Rifleman, Guns and Ammo, Combat Handguns, etc. Six large boxes. I kept only my American Handgunner and references.

A LOT went. We go thru at least once a year, and I go thru the shop twice a year.

[markiver54]

We call that decluttering. We go thru a room at a time and sometimes just a section at a time, and work our way thru. I got rid of a thirty year collection of gun magazines. Thirty years... Yup... American Rifleman, Guns and Ammo, Combat Handguns, etc. Six large boxes. I kept only my American Handgunner and references.

A LOT went. We go thru at least once a year, and I go thru the shop twice a year.

Yes Jim, my coffee table is covered in magazines. American Handgunner is my favorite and will have to sort through those. Most others will go!
We might have to talk off grid sometime about your potential interest in some vintage woodworking tools.

[Mags]

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decluttering to the extreme as in deep deep down sizing.