I'm pretty sure that thus coming fall I will be able to cruise for several months. It seems that there is never really a good time of year for me because fo my work schedule. Anyway, October it is. Probably come back around March or April. I'm not sure if I want to go east to Florida and the Bahamas and loop back through Cayman's, Hunduras/Belize and back to Tx. OR just head south to Mex., Honduras/Belize and winter over there then head back. I have been through the Gulf Loop Current in June and that is why I was thinking of heading east and let the current work for me although it will weaken in Oct. On the other hand, this time of year has strong northerns with really rough weather possible. That is how I cam up with the idea of heading south instead. If I head south, will I be beating the whole trip there? Has anyone here ever made this trip in and around Oct? Which would be the easiest way to go? Anyone want to 'buddy boat' along with us? This is not going to be a hurried trip. If we head east, depending on weather and what kind of time we are making, we also thought of stopping in Biloxi or Pennsacola for several days to visit old friends. If we head south, I was thinking of entering the Harvest Moon Regatta (I have never raced before)from Galveston Bay to Port Aransas, in Oct. That would be a fun start of the trip. Tony B