Guitpic1, yes, I intend on leaving Maryland on October 1st. Keep in mind, however, that sailboats are quite slow, about 8 MPH top speed on a good day, and most days, about 5 MPH, so 50 miles a day is the best I can expect. It's just under 1,500 miles to Marathon by water, which translates to 30 days of sailing.

Tracy, yes, sailing is probably the best example of free, well kind of. There are lots of associated costs with sailing, but for the most part, I burn very little fuel unless the wind dies, and with the engine running, I get about 9 MPG on a dead calm day with light tides. I've become friends with many, many cruisers, folks that live aboard their sailboats year round and spend their time sailing the Atlantic Coast from Canada to the Bahamas every year. For the most part, they are either retired professionals that were able to retire early in life, sold the home and cars, and moved aboard their sailboats. The vast majority of them would never move back to dry land unless their health dictates it. When I made this trip 5 years ago, I really didn't want to return to Maryland and living on land again, but I had to return to my wife who opted to stay home during my absence. This time, she may fly down to Florida and stay with me on the boat for the winter, then fly back home. Sure hope that is the case, but not sure. Both my children said they will come down for a couple weeks just to get away from the dreaded Maryland winters.

I'll probably take my music gear with me, if for nothing else, just to keep up my chops while anchored out, or maybe perform at the Tiki Hut at Marathon's City Marina, which I did for several months during the last trip. It was lots of fun, and everyone had a great time. I don't think I could do a restaurant job, though, because of my health issues.

All the best,

Gary