On the MOVE again

We really enjoyed a "rest stop" at Old Port Cove marina but it was time to be moving on. Partly because it was about $100 a day there! We can stay at Vero for $17 a day..

We cleared customs this morning and what a NIGHTMARE that was... You would think this was their first day on the job.

There were ten folks there ahead of us at 9am. The office says ring bell for service and I asked the waiting folks if they had rung it or if we needed to sign in a sheet or what. They said they had rung it repeatedly since 8am and no one came to the window -- no sheet to recognize the order of arrivals.

Finally a Hispanic male comes and starts querying the people. About half he send to immigration in another office -- he was very rude. He takes our information but does not ask for a name and says he will get back to us -- HOW!! Then he helps the first person at the window. The crowd is overflowing from the office to the hall. Well after 30 minutes I just go and stand behind the next person in line. He takes 25 minutes to process that persons info at a site other than a window. Then another officer comes and asks for those of us who only need our passports stamped to come forward. He gathers our passports, looks at the pictures then disappears for 20 minutes. Then he returns and gives us back our passports and says we can leave. What a cluster. This is my third time here in 10 years and this has been the worst experience. Who you going to call? What a waste of taxpayers money... and our time..

Sorry but had to vent. Once back at the marina we checked out then were on our way to Hobe Sound to anchor. It is only 15 miles away but through 6 bridges of which 4 are on schedules. Fortunately after having to wait 20 minutes for the first one we hit the others within a couple of minutes thank you tide and wind.

Once passed Jupiter Inlet the incoming tide had us doing more than 7 kts towards Hobe sound with the engine running just above idle.

We anchored easily since no other boats were there yet and hey tonight at 7:15pm we are still all alone here. No problem -- beautiful location and great weather/wind protection.

We should make Vero Beach and moor on a ball for a few days there while we do some laundry and effect some minor repairs and Karen buys some clothes that fit -- she has lost so much weight due to diet and exercise on this trip. She should write a how to book!!