Emmett gathers his friends at his shop to ceremoniously burn the now paid mortgage to his home. He then notifies them that he is retiring to leisurely travel, read and fish. His wife Martha (Mary Lansing) is shocked and hopes it is really what he wants. The shop is cleared and Emmett hangs a sign on the door reading "Gone Fishing Forever!". Emmett and Martha travel to their longtime goal of Washington D.C., but Emmett is ready to move on to the next adventure after only a few hours. Back in Mayberry, Emmett begins jumping between activities and soon finds himself growing weary of his abundance of free time. Martha voices her concern to Sam who suggests it may take time to adjust. The time gives Emmett a chance to think through his decision.