EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Ralph Klein admitted that attending his last premier's pancake breakfast at the legislature Monday was a little tough.

Klein, who said he'll probably submit his resignation in mid-September, was stopped several times on his way to the pancake tent by people who wanted to say goodbye and pose for photos.

Klein is retiring after getting just under 55 per cent support at the Conservative party's annual convention last spring.

On Monday, one woman reached up to wrap the premier in a hearty hug and praise him for his leadership.

"You've done a very good job. We'll miss you,'' she said.

"I hope whoever replaces you has learned something,'' she added, which earned a laugh from Klein.

The premier even tolerated having his hair ruffled by a giant white mitt belonging to a mascot promoting energy efficiency.

Others in the crowd shouted "Thanks Ralph'' and "Happy Retirement.''

But as Klein picked up his pancake spatula and stood for a photo op in front of a large griddle, there was a sense that he was a little saddened by the last-minute praise.

"You know, it's too bad it didn't happen during my 14 years because you always hear what's wrong with government,'' he said. "It's only when you retire that you hear what's right.''

Even though he has flipped enough flapjacks to last a life time, Klein said he still enjoys the tradition of pancake breakfasts and will miss meeting all the people who attend such events. He was treated almost like a rock star at his Stampede breakfast in his home city of Calgary earlier this month.

Klein is preparing to attend his last premiers conference in Newfoundland later this week, where he says he's looking forward to spending time with Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams, whom he called a "good friend''. Williams scolded Alberta's Tories for their treatment of Klein earlier this year at the party's annual convention, saying Klein should have been treated with more gratitude.

Throughout his almost 14 years as premier, Klein enjoyed high public popularity, partly because many regarded him as a down-to-earth regular Joe, who never lost touch with the people.

When asked what kind of advice he would give his successor, Klein said he or she shouldn't think any issue is a crisis until thousands of pieces of mail have been received _ not one or two complaints.

"Get out from under the dome,'' Klein said, referring to the legislature. "Find out what people are thinking.''

He also urged his successor to ignore media reports, which he said could make a person jaded.