A few things I want to do, and soon

As those of you know who read my column a couple weeks ago, I have cancer. I had surgery, but it isn’t the end of my saga.
I’ll be going to the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah this week for a consultation with a specialist. Until then I really don’t know what my options will be.
The whole thing has made me think about mortality. Since I have cerebral vascular disease as a result of a stroke, it isn’t the first time I’ve considered my mortality. But, this has brought it to the front of my thought process. I am going to die. It may be awhile, but I am, just like everyone else, going to die.
What was it Paul Anka wrote? “Regret’s, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.” Granted, it’s just a song made popular by Frank Sinatra, but I don’t buy it. We all have regrets.
As I see it, the objective is to be on my death bed and be proud of the life I’ve lived. Not everything in life, but overall. My father is fond of saying, “We’ve (along with my mother) had a great retirement.” I’m not sure you can ask for much more than that. He’s 89.
I’ve floated most of the rivers in the Intermountain West. I’ve floated some sections many times. I regret not floating California’s rivers. I always planned to, but it just didn’t happen. I guess it wasn’t a priority.
I climbed Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the lower 48 states). I regret not climbing a few of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado and the peaks of the Grand Tetons. Those are regrets I’ll have to take to my grave.
I’ve been to Russia and Turkey. I regret not spending time in western Europe. I wish I’d spent a month in Alaska. I still may. I’m not on my death bed, yet.
I’ve been to Costa Rica — floated a couple of the awesome rivers there. I regret not going to South America . . . and Africa.
It’s interesting how my bucket list has changed since I’ve gotten older. Maybe that’s normal. After all, we never really stop evolving. Or, perhaps it’s just understanding one’s mortality.
When I was younger visiting every state was on my bucket list. That no longer seems important. I wanted to see every national park. That, also, no longer has appeal. Maybe it’s because so many of the things I’ve done have been a disappointment. Every amusement park I’ve ever been to has been a disappointment.
Apparently amusement parks aren’t my thing. Some road trips have been a disappointment. I drove to South Carolina. I’ll never do that again. I don’t like traffic or crowds. Yet, I like big cities, as long as I don’t have to drive. I found Washington, D.C. and New York fascinating. I also liked St. Petersburg and Istanbul (didn’t have a car). I didn’t like Los Angeles or Seattle (tried to drive). Phoenix is awful, with or without a car.
Skiing was a disappointment. Maybe that has something to do with my dislike of crowds. I like being alone (or with close friends) in the backcountry. I like snowshoeing.
I have a friend who goes to Mexico every year and stays in an American-style resort. I don’t get it. I have no desire to do that.
So, I suppose I need to re-evaluate my bucket list.
I’d like to see Roger Federer play tennis before he retires. Since he turned 37 last week, I better figure that one out pretty soon.
As far as traveling is concerned, I think a trip to Europe is on top of the list. A month. Perhaps a train pass. Certainly no rental cars. I think priorities would be Italy, Greece, and Switzerland. Maybe Denmark. That’s where my ancestors are from. There is a place in Copenhagen called Christensen’s Pub. I’d like to have a beer there.
Maybe just get on the train and see where it goes. The English Channel will pose a problem. Ireland has a lot of appeal. I’ve never been to western Europe, so I think it’s safe to say if I go I better do everything I can. I’m pretty sure I won’t be going a second time.
Alaska is probably number two. I thought about driving to Seattle in my motorhome and taking the ferry to Alaska, but cost for the ferry is $5,000, so I think I’ll just drive. Maybe 45 days. Ten days to drive each way and three weeks to drive around. Of course there are lots of places one can’t drive. I guess I’ll just have to figure that out.
I go to Yellowstone nearly every year. At least I have for the past several years. Went in May this year. People have asked me why I go back to the same place. I guess the only answer is, I like it there. I go in either May or September, some years both. It’s busy at those times, but not nearly as busy as it is in July or August. I won’t go during the peak of the tourist season. It’s that driving thing again. And crowds.
My medical issue will probably keep me from going in September. So it goes . . .