Category: Bucket Lists
Some bucket list dreams take a lifetime
Fifty-three years ago I stood at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Adventurers in rubber rafts floated into view, screaming in delight as they surged through the the Colorado River’s Hermit Creek Rapids. I remember thinking, "Someday I'm going to raft that river."
This June, at age 77, I finally did.
If you've ever wondered whether a Grand Canyon rafting trip belongs on your retirement bucket list, here's a glimplse into what it's like.
It turned out to be one of the greatest adventures of my life—a combination of spectacular scenery, physical challenge, great companionship, and just enough adrenaline to make every rapid memorable.
So many ways to go
There are several ways to experience the Colorado River, from motorized rafts to private expeditions and even solo kayaking. We chose an eight-night guided trip covering the lower half of the canyon with AZRA, Arizona Raft Adventures, who we highly recommend. Twenty-one guests and eight experienced guides traveled in five inflatable rafts powered by oars and paddles. The full trip is about 15 days. You can take either the upper or lower half to reduce the trip, but either of those requires hiking up or down the demanding Bright Angel Trail.
Grand Canyon Raft Trip at a Glance
Trip Length9 days (lower canyon)Hiking Required8.5-mile Bright Angel TrailBest TimeSpring & Fall (or early summer)Fitness LevelModerate to HighReservationsOften 12 months ahead
The adventure begins…
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Published on July 6, 2026
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Category: Financial and taxes in retirement
December 3, 2025 – Maybe you have had a timeshare for a long time. Probably you got to enjoy some fun vacations with it, maybe even trading it for a different location or time. But as time goes on you used it less and less, and began to resent the…
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Published on January 3, 2026
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Category: Bucket Lists
October 7, 2025 — Although about 10% of Americans actually have some Irish heritage, it seems like almost all of us claim it – particularly when St. Patrick’s day comes around. So what better place to visit in retirement than the beautiful island called Ireland. This will cover some of…
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Published on October 6, 2025
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Category: Bucket Lists
July 16, 2025 -- Maybe you've seen the movie "The Bucket List", starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. In the movie they each have less than a year to live. The plot unfolds from there, as this odd duo goes on a road trip trying to accomplish as much as possible in the days remaining before they "kick the bucket". Its premise is so applicable to those of us who are starting out in retirement. Although we are luckier than Nicholson and Morgan in that we (hope!) we have more than 1 year to accomplish our list, that also carries the danger that we have so much time left that we feel like we don't have to get started any time soon.
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Published on July 16, 2025
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Category: Bucket Lists
May 26, 2025 -- In honor of Memorial Day we would like to pay homage to the greatest generation, those brave young men and women that gave their lives for freedom in WW2. What better place than St Malo, France, where almost 81 years ago they fought to expand the European foothold they had just won in nearby Normandy. My wife’s father, Bob Isleib, was a U.S. Army Engineer who arrived here just a few weeks after the battle. It was the most exciting event in his life, one he never forgot.
WW II Memorial to U.S. Solders
German Bunker on Dinard hit by Allied Shells
St. Malo looking towards Dinard
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Published on May 26, 2025
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Category: Travel
January 21, 2025 — A fortunate few well off and/or adventurous travelers might feel like there is nowhere else to go. Also, the places they enjoyed so much in the past, are now over run by cruise ships and package tours. Well if that is you, the NY Times list…
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Published on January 20, 2025
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Category: Travel
November 6, 2024 — Here’s a situation you’ve probably found yourself in more than once. You’ve just spent a lot of money on a dream trip, and along the way, the company urges you to buy travel insurance. You think: If I get sick, miss my plane, or face some…
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Published on November 6, 2024
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Category: Bucket Lists
Oct. 29, 2024 -- Sal Hyer is a former municipal employee who retired in early 2024. One of the dreams he and his wife Lisa had was to go on a long adventure across the country. He wanted to take his pickup truck, but Lisa did not want to stay in hotels. Compromise being the soul of marriage, they bought a camper. They started in July and plan on finishing the trip early November in Ft Myers, then live in Vermont for the winter. Theirs is definitely the adventure of a lifetime, we can barely contain our jealousy.
Wrangler and Newmar Dutch Star in camp
I wanted to drive my pickup truck but my wife did not want hotels so we have an RV. I am having more fun than I thought driving the big reg. I already have 7,000 miles training and using it. The Rv is a Newmar Dutch Star class A diesel pusher, and we towed a Jeep Wrangler, which was key. It was purchased Feb 2023. It was my wife's idea to get it a year + early and it was a good one. Sal Hyer
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Published on October 28, 2024
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Category: Travel
Sept. 24, 2024 — This is our second poll on that ever-popular retirement activity – cruises. Last week we asked you to vote on your favorite cruise line (ocean or river), this week’s is on your favorite cruise destination (where you’ve been or most want to visit). We will report…
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Published on September 24, 2024
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Category: Travel
Vote Now! September 16, 2024 — Going on a cruise is one of the most popular experiences for retirees of all ages. But there are so many cruise lines, and they go to so many places, river cruises and ocean cruises – which one is the best for you? To…
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Published on September 15, 2024
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