If money was a major concern, I'd work for somebody else instead of
being self (un)employed.

As far as wandering from mud flat to mud flat, I find the mud flats to
be the most interesting places on the water. Actually, the salt marshes
are the most interesting. The open water is essentially a desert while
the salt marshes are the most food productive parts of the ocean. I
bet I can find more cool stuff in a salt marsh than you can in the open
water (Look honey, Another wave).
I have no problem with people eventually retiring whether or not they
make what they consider to be a "contribution". Giving it a good try
is what is important.
As far as using people who really do cruise for answers, isnt that why
I asked here?