Retirement often marks the end of a career, but for Jerry and his wife Cherie, it was the beginning of something extraordinary—a chance to turn their lifelong dreams into unforgettable experiences. From dogsledding in Norway, chasing Atlantic puffins under Iceland’s misty skies to marveling at wild bears in the heart of Mount Rainier, their adventures remind us all that retirement is not only a retreat but a launchpad.
Through their story, discover how bold aspirations, meticulous planning, and a spirit for exploration can transform life’s second act into the most thrilling chapter yet.
From Boardrooms to Puffins: Iceland Awaits
Jerry started his career as an investigator for the National Labor Relations Board. After eight years, he found a better fit in IT project and program management. He worked in that field for the rest of his career until retiring in 2019 as an IT Director for Coca-Cola North America’s Commercial Leadership and Ventures & Emerging Brands teams.
The couple’s shared passion for travel led them to Iceland, a destination long admired for its stunning natural beauty. Armed with a discount voucher from a previous cruise to Norway and Cherie’s love for photography, they were determined to make the most of their visit. Iceland’s waterfalls, wildlife, and the allure of its famous Atlantic puffins made it the perfect destination.
Puffin in flight with fish in his mouth
It was a week-long cruise, but they arrived three days early, using Viator to arrange sightseeing. They came prepared with clothing for a variety of weather conditions and detailed information to guide their off-ship excursions. The eclectic wardrobe, including covers for backpacks and cameras, indeed came in handy as rain fell on eight of the days. A week plus is a nice chunk of a trip but not long enough to waste precious days on ill-conceived forays.
Jerry and Cherie with a blue-eyed Icelandic horse.
Their favorite part of Iceland was Vigur Island. The second largest island in Ísafjörður Bay, this arctic paradise is home to just five permanent residents who have farmed the land for more than six generations. Both saw Atlantic puffins up close, and they both snapped some of those pictures they’d been dying to get. Unfortunately the last stop for puffins had inclement weather preventing them from disembarking. Mother nature has a mind of her own, but the clouds didn’t stop Jerry and Cherie from making their own sunshine.
Church in Vik, Iceland
Skogafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Godafoss Waterfall, Iceland
Expanding Horizons
Retirement can be an exciting time for those bitten by the travel bug, as there is an entire world out there to explore. In addition to Iceland, Jerry and Cherie highly recommend Banff in Alberta, Canada, or any number of national parks in Washington state, especially for nature lovers. They were amazed by the mountainous beauty and even saw a momma black bear with her cub up close in the wild at Mt. Rainier.
Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
Maple Pass Trail, North Cascades, WA
Jerry and Cherie still have a bucket list of future trips, including a European river cruise, attending a Formula 1 racing event in Europe (Italy or Belgium), and crossing hemispheres to Australia and New Zealand to verify whether toilets really do flush in the opposite direction. (Hint: sadly, it’s just a myth.) Additionally, in 2026, they plan to one-up their black bear experience with a trip to the Alaskan wilds to photograph Grizzlies.
Finding Your Happy Retirement
Those struggling to find their plan and purpose would be well-served by using Jerry and Cherie’s experience as runway lights to safely land their own happy retirement. A passion for travel, photography, and church ministries has given them the daily ambition to complement a deep love for grandkids and family.
The one-two punch of retirement and an empty nest can be challenging, but with the right mindset, it can open doors rather than close them. Figure out what you want to do and start the process of making it happen. Whether in Iceland or your hometown, a happy retirement is out there, waiting for you to find it.
Please note, Jerry and Cherie have given us permission to share their background, story and their photographs. They have not been paid or received any other compensation for making these statements. As a result, they do not receive any material incentives or benefits for providing their story. We do not endorse or have any affiliation with the companies mentioned in this content. Any references to specific companies are for informational purposes only.
