Bruce and I were working towards a modified version of option 3) Doing an open-ended cruise in our 50s, and
working along the way. 50 is just around the corner. We're building a boat we can be comfortable on and specifically one that I can handle. We always planned on going soon and going cheap. We determined the best time to go was after Bruce's youngest graduates H.S. and it'd be just the two of us (and our dogs). Our launch date is still scheduled for some time in 2010. His daughter graduates 2011.
I thought I had a nice little nest egg to fall back on but not anymore (lost in the stock market and can't make it back)
so now we are REALLY going cheap. Timing may slip ever so slightly for putting in all of the systems we want/need -- and/or our destinations may be fewer and further between changes in scenery once we get out there. We pay cash for everything going in. And Bruce can repair or make just about anything. I'm taking a basic electronics course and hope I maintain our electronics onboard.
Hopefully, the real estate market will come back up so we can sell and have that money for savings.
The world is a bit different today versus 2006. But the dream's the same!
I can't wait.
Michele