Free floating lifestyle sounds like fun

While sitting at the dentist office and thumbing through a magazine I was struck with probably one of the most "original" ideas for a home or vacation condo in all the years I have been living near the water. I was so fascinated with the concept that I called the company for permission to use in this week's article.
What's it about? Try living on a floating condominium that moves and never stays in one place.
It's almost a small town floating along the river. The plan as shown on the brochure and Internet site is to cruise the entire river system east of the great divide, then steam down the Intercoastal along the Gulf Coast. One would find his apartment/condo going north in the hot summer and floating south on the winter.
Should you need to go to the grocery while underway you walk, because it's located on the barge, as are a putting green, pool, library, fitness center, spa and walking track. Want to dine out? There will be a restaurant, lounge and deli. Want a pet? Small pets will be also allowed.
When the "Marquette" arrives at a city or town, you'll get around by scooter, bike or a rental car. You can even form a tour from the boat, or go golfing. They also plan to tie up along a lonely riverbank just to enjoy the quiet of river nature and put in boats to go fishing.
A captain and crew come with the whole package. 
Contact with the outside world is by satellite TV, and ship to shore phones or cell phones. Mail can, however, be somewhat slow as you have to plan on the next town.
The idea of cruising 6,600 miles of inland rivers and intercoastal waterways sounds fascinating and various packages of ownership can be purchased. The condo arrangements vary from studio size to one- to three-bedrooms, plus six penthouses. All units have private balconies.
Is a city having a special festival or museum exhibition? Lift the anchor, or drop the ropes and go arrive with your house on a barge. If I'm not mistaken they'll have a committee or some type of voting system as to where to head the floating "ark."
Doesn't all that sound wild and free? I just can't quite see that enormous thing floating down the Choctawhatchee Bay, but I suppose it will happen because the float plan goes to Apalachicola and Carrabelle, which is where the Gulf Intercoastal comes to an end.
For more information visit www.RiverCitiesCondos.com.
Fair winds to ye mates!

Chick Huettel is a long-time Walton County resident and former owner of Bayou Antiques. He is a member of a number of local organizations including the Emerald Coast Archeological Society.