People

[The emperor has no clothes]

run the gamut. These past 2 weeks have been surreal, as I'm sure it has for most of us. The emotions and actions of people have surprised me in ways, and saddened me in ways. The panic hoarding has really pissed me off a few times. I have since been resigned to it though. I can't waste my meager energies on getting pissed. It has amazed me the lack of shame some people have in these trying times.
  But.....that said, I am also very surprised the kindness and caring of the majority of people. It has been very strange to have people thank us for coming to work and doing our jobs. Many people are just so grateful for something so small as a little help finding something they need. Many haven't had physical contact with friends in weeks, and are in need of talking about things. Hearing their stories has been unexpectedly soothing for me. I am usually pretty task oriented, and try to cut chit chat short. Not so much now. It's therapeutic for me as well as them.
  "What a long, strange trip it's been". Barring any cataclysmic events such as the stock market tanking any further, or finding myself in jail for beating up a panic buyer, I expect to be retiring by June 1. I guess my 48 years of chopping up dead animals was not all for naught. Somewhere along the way I learned how to build a cohesive team that could thrive and weather the storm. I never realized how proud I was of them until now. They have been planning secretly (so they thought) a retirement get together for me. I am reticent to leave them. But, I know they have everything they need to continue upward. What a way to end a career !

[_Sheffjs_]

48 years. Wow.   Please enjoy retirement and ride in cool places. 

[hubcapsc]

I hope the hoarders all get enough toilet paper soon...

We'd all be screwed if the virus ran off all the people who
work at the grocery stores!

-Mike "thanks for being there..."

[NewValker]

That’s awesome Rob!
Craig

[Valkorado]

Well done and congrats!  

[Hook#3287]

Rob, congrats on the upcoming retirement.

48 years is a long time to be at the same thing.

What's the plan, back to Alaska?  Cut up a few mooses.

Sure is a strange time to be making such a life change and I only wish good for you and Brenda.

This toilet paper thing has got me perplexed.  Who decided the thing we would need the most would be that?

There's mill in Erving, MA I understand put out a Public Notice stating, "We haven't stop production and we still operating 24/7".  Yet people are crazed.

A buddies buddy said he's stocked 9,000 rolls.  At one roll a day, it will last over 24 1/2 years.  If the mice don't ruin it.

Crazy times dude, glad you get to see some good from it.

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

The best of times and the worst of times bring out the best and worst in people... both occurring in both of those times... I see wonderful examples of selflessness, generosity, and caring in people everywhere I travel... I also see the flip-side of that coin! I look for the best traits, though, so I see more of that... and it makes me feel good to be a member of such a noble species... I get down, predictably, if I allow myself to dwell on the negative... so I don't do that any more than I can help!

I know you have seen and experienced the same... I also know that you have a fairly balanced view of humans and their behaviors... you are indeed worldly-wise! I know you will continue to maintain your objective perspective and to seek balance... so this is not intended as how-to-instruction or revelation sharing at all... Just a comment on personal observations...

I'm really happy for you and Brenda with the imminent retirement! I'm anxious to read of this new chapter in your lives, and of the surprising new observations and insights that await you!!! I'll also be most interested in learning of your conclusions and thoughts on older conclusions as they are revised and evolved through new perspectives... Best regards, my friend!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks All 

Bill, as it stands now the plan is to skip Alaska this summer and start spending our summers there next year. I thought many times of getting rid of my Standard because I just didn't ride it enough. I'm sure glad I didn't. I'll leave it up there to enjoy the few roads we have. (You should come up and I'll show you them) No more moose cutting for me. My old body is feeling it's age.

Bruce, interesting observation  I never thought about perspectives changing with a change in lifestyle. But thinking about it, I'm sure you are correct. I'll reserve us a table for next year at the Anchor River Inn. 

[DDT (12)]

I'll reserve us a table for next year at the Anchor River Inn.

Rob,

That sounds like a downright delightful idea!!! Maybe Bill could ride up with me, too... Heck, why not just call a gathering of any/all our Valk friends? As I recall, the Inn lounge could hold quite a few folks... Finding enough Yurts, however, might present a real challenge, though... 

DDT

[3fan4life]

Congratulations on your imminent retirement!  


I too am grateful to the people working in the grocery stores.

The two things that can't be found in stores around here are:

Toilet paper and ground beef.

 

[Wizzard]

Congrats Rob, I hope its all you wanted and you deserve it. You sure helped me out on my Alaska trip and I appreciated it. Now you can find more time to ride.
I decided to put mine off for 5 more years. 8 % growth is not all that bad. Wife is going to do the same. Besides, my job is no stress, easy and I like it, so why not.
Best wishes to you.

[Oss]

Rob hope Brenda's eyes have made a full recovery.  Sure that she wants to ride with you and take pics.

Put me down for 2021 Bill, I have been wanting to take 2 across the top of this country and visit my son in Seattle on the way home. And there is all of eastern Oregon and northern California I have yet to explore on the Valkyrie

Think I want at least 4 weeks to do it at my own pace as I do like to smell the roses and meet people

Although my business is stopped cold, once this covid thing runs its course I will be busier than a one armed paper hanger   I have over 100 cases waiting for court dates and still enjoy helping my clients.

Retirement sounds better every day, but it will be 2024 or 2025 before I can really start to wind
down my law office and join the vagabonds

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Sounds like there is growing interest here! I'd love to return... Hmmm, something to really ponder on!

Anchor Inn with friends...



Nearby accommodations... for those so inclined... like yours truly!



DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Congrats Rob, I hope its all you wanted and you deserve it. You sure helped me out on my Alaska trip and I appreciated it. Now you can find more time to ride.
I decided to put mine off for 5 more years. 8 % growth is not all that bad. Wife is going to do the same. Besides, my job is no stress, easy and I like it, so why not.
Best wishes to you.

Thanks, Randy  You have no idea how much I enjoyed traveling along mentally with your trip. The pleasure was all mine, I assure you. 

I'm glad you are still enjoying work. Until a couple years back I mostly did. The last couple years it gets harder to deal with petty stuff. I'm sure just knowing I was able to swing it probably didn't help my attitude either. These last weeks have made it more rewarding having stayed around. A well oiled crew can do amazing things. 

[Beardo]

Congrats Rob. Take pride in the fact you’ve helped feed a lot of families, both customers and producers’ families.

48 years doing something is a long time...3 more years than I’ve been breathing, in fact.  

Enjoy the well earned retirement.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Rob,

Sounds like there is growing interest here! I'd love to return... Hmmm, something to really ponder on!

Anchor Inn with friends...



Nearby accommodations... for those so inclined... like yours truly!



DDT

Bruce, that sure was a memorable day ! Thanks for taking the time out to visit us.  
I've never organized a ride of more than another couple for a 15k mile ride. But the prospect of showing my buddies around my home turf sure sounds enticing.

Congrats Rob. Take pride in the fact you’ve helped feed a lot of families, both customers and producers’ families.

48 years doing something is a long time...3 more years than I’ve been breathing, in fact. 

Enjoy the well earned retirement.

Sure know how to make a guy feel old.  Thanks, Jason 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Congrats Rob. Take pride in the fact you’ve helped feed a lot of families, both customers and producers’ families.

48 years doing something is a long time...3 more years than I’ve been breathing, in fact.  

Enjoy the well earned retirement.

To clarify the facts a little. There were 2 years off riding a Yamaha 750 back in '77, and then 4 in the USN. So technically, only 42 years of actually chopping up dead animals. I hate to sound like a braggart. But I've always done well. Always in the top 1-3 of net gain profit. Personally, I think just about anybody could if they put their mind to it. But these past weeks have made me very prideful.