Heat Relief

Ok, so today started like any day in the past three weeks.  It was a windless hot day from the start.  Now, things have changed a bit, and we think it is for the better, that is of course if we do not get a tornado or lightening.  A few minutes ago, nature gave us a break: the Florida afternoon thunderstorm.  This one is a bit different and promises to get someone very wet. 

All boats entering the US from foreign ports must "clear in" at a Customs facility or, if properly equipped, it can be done via telephone.  US Flagged boats can acquire a Customs decal after providing certain information to the US Government.  That stamp, if referenced on the telephone, might just keep one from having to bundle up all the crew passports and crew and waltzing down to the actual facility.  In some cases it might be a very long cab ride.  Another item available from Customs at heavily entered ports is what is called a "Local Boaters Card"  which enables local boats to whip over to the Bahamas and back without the hassle of the formalities of "entering" port.  We were told to whip by the Customs office at the Ft. Pierce airport to obtain these documents/decals.  We got there at 0900 the day Keeling Time had to return their rental car.  Sign  on the door said no deal until 1000.  We did some local shopping, including another trip to West Marine, then returned at 1000, just two hours before the rental car return.  We stood in line for half an hour then noticed a "Ring bell for service".  A push of that button brought a uniformed, humorless young Customs officer to the bullet proof banker's window.  He promptly informed us that neighter of those two items were available at this location.  He further informed us that we had to take our carcasses to Miami or one of two other places, with ship's papers, passports, and actual everyone on board, to get the Local Boaters Cards.  We could, of course, get the sticker with the all important number on line.  Imagine doing that on foot.