I love the ocean, but so far I'm just a flatwater paddler.  I've never surfed!  Maybe Florida is worth checking out, though I agree that topography is a big plus.  I need a place where I can afford to rent, and find a job almost simultaneously.  I'd actually like to wind down my working days in a paddle shop, REI, or some other place that reflects what I like doing.  If not, a hospital might be my best chance.

There's a line that runs from Seattle to Portland, its called Interstate 5. I am referring to every town west of I-5 and west of Puget Sound.

The word desolate is only relative of course. I just had a great afternoon, early lunch at a favorite bar with a couple buds, and a quick 9 holes in the sunshine where I won $12 in skins off of them. I'm surfing this weekend. Life is good.

We have some family moving here from CA in the next few months. They are moving to Sequim, WA, which is a geographic anomaly. It gets an average of 16" of rain a year, due to being in the rain shadow of the Olympic mountains. Compare that with the 48" we have gotten since October. Lots of retirees in Sequim, but no REI. However the mountains (hiking, mountain biking, fishing) are there, the water is all around you, and surf is also available within easy drives.

Might be a consideration.

There's a line that runs from Seattle to Portland, its called Interstate 5. I am referring to every town west of I-5 and west of Puget Sound.

The word desolate is only relative of course. I just had a great afternoon, early lunch at a favorite bar with a couple buds, and a quick 9 holes in the sunshine where I won $12 in skins off of them. I'm surfing this weekend. Life is good.

We have some family moving here from CA in the next few months. They are moving to Sequim, WA, which is a geographic anomaly. It gets an average of 16" of rain a year, due to being in the rain shadow of the Olympic mountains. Compare that with the 48" we have gotten since October. Lots of retirees in Sequim, but no REI. However the mountains (hiking, mountain biking, fishing) are there, the water is all around you, and surf is also available within easy drives.

Might be a consideration.

I think the odds are better than 50/50 that I'll end back in the Seattle area.  It's no fun hearing that you broke the record for rainfall, though!  And the previous record was just last year!  Yuck.

I saw Night Wing recommended Corpus Christi. I believe Exxon is going to be expanding and adding THOUSANDS of jobs very soon. Inexpensive place to live and even though it's basically an industrial town it has a very laid back vibe. I've always liked Corpus and enjoy going there to surf. And you're reasonably close to a lot of stuff. San Antonio, Austin, S. Padre, Mexico.

I was going to suggest north Florida too. Not only does it have surfing, but there are some amazing freshwater paddles. Those inland springs are gorgeous. I visit Jacksonville about every year to see my mother. I love how easy it is to get in the water. Plus, there's year-round paddling!

Spirit.... I like the name... and with spirit, you have all you need, to live anywhere you want.

I have never considered what living costs, that's for regular people.... I just decide where I want to go and I go there. Usually completely broke, with no peeps to rely on.
That makes me creative.

I simply look directly at the place I want to live and walk straight towards it. Things have always worked out.

I have rolled into many seaside towns penniless and that is exactly what provided the motivation to make something happen.

Your medical background is perfect to trade for free living.
Millions of wealthy older folks who have large properties with private guest quarters that would be thrilled to have a skilled medic on the property to help with some life challenges.

Free living means you don't have bills.

That means any income will afford you the free wheeling life you have earned!

Don't look at the obstacles...

Just go. You will make it happen.

I left home 2 weeks ago with $60 and a half a tank of gas. Been having a blast surfing everyday, meeting new people. I am 1795 miles into my trip so far.

Creek, you are a braver soul than I am!  If I rolled up to Cape Cod, would I find a way to live there?  I don't know---maybe!  One of my favorite places is the larger Boston area.
I need to find a way to connect with the rich old folks who need some help.  That will require creative googling!
The thing is, I'm brave enough to leave where I am, but perhaps not brave enough to go to a new place knowing no one, with my tiny cash supply.  But maybe, just maybe, I WILL find the spark it takes to do what you did.  You're courageous!

Spirit,I'll share my favorite rationalization: we all (in theory at least) have many years left on this earth, so whatever your next step is, it need not be permanent. Try north Florida for a while.....  try Seattle for a while...

Right on!  I'm not really young, though----maybe I have 15 good years left, physically.   

I've been thinking I have 15 good years left for most of my life. I'm 70 now, and I think I have 15 good years left.

Creek is right about lack of money being a great motivator. I showed up in Santa Clara in 1982 with a $250 VW station wagon, a toolbox, a BMW motorcycle disassembled in the back, three changes of clothes,  39 bucks and the promise of a job at a motorcycle dealership. I was paying a pretty hefty child support payment that I never missed. Fortunately the dealership had a huge backlog of repair work, so I worked 14 hours a day, six days a week. Had fun too, but I worked like a madman to rebuild the financial cushion that evaporated when I got divorced. When I finally came up for air months later I discovered I had about $20K in my checking account and a fistful of paychecks that I hadn't taken the time to deposit.

I've done well with businesses I've started, ran, and sold. But the most reassuring thing for me is not that I have money. It's that I know I can start from nothing and be comfortable and successful. Doesn't take much--I like beans and cornbread just as well as steak. I've lived in my van, I've lived at Ponohouse. Had a fine time in both places.