What the heck have I been thinking!!!

[Stu Jackson]

are they drawn to tell those stories more than the fun ones about the pot luck on the beach they went to last night, or the great cheap tacos in this or that place, because it makes them sound tougher, more heroic, more stalwart than their land-based counterparts?

I think you'll ind more of that approach on Blogs than on forums. I think the reason is that most forums tend to address "issues" or problems folks are having and are asking for help about specific topics.

For those who may have "missed it" (even though I think you've been quite clear about your backgrounds and plans) you sure have the experience and are simply waiting for your formal retirement "moment." Good luck, wherever and whenever you "go."

[sck5]

are my screws loose? yes. but i try to keep the ones on the boat tightened down

[detav007]

Wow, that picture is beautiful. Wish I was there instead of racing rats in Michigan. Color me jealous. Thanks to all for sharing.

[oldragbaggers]

Originally Posted by Irish rambler

Oldragbaggers, Just to add a pennysworth to all the good advice given by the knowledgeable people on here.
Set a date and time, work up to it and stick to it, I did 25 years ago and wouldn't change my life for all the tea in China, don't worry about the children/grandchildren, 'Money always keeps the kids in touch' !

As I stated before, we have a date. It's the date we can both start drawing our pensions (the year I turn 62) which is July 2016. Unless we hit the lottery neither one of us is interested in giving up the future financial security we have worked so hard for in order to go sooner. Until then we've got the Chesapeake Bay literally right outside our front door.

And you are so right, about that children and money thing. But for us it's more than that. We have a beautiful, hardworking, wonderful daughter who is a single mother with 2 children, a dead beat ex-husband and a sometimes disabling illness. For the moment they are a much higher priority for us than being able to go sailing, no matter how long we've had the dream.

[River Cruiser]

Originally Posted by ReMetau

That's because the majority of the ones out there having fun doing it aren't sitting around on the internet.

How true