It's 39 degrees right now.
The local weatherman says it 'feels like 32.' But he's wrong. It FEELS LIKE -12. I'm so cold. I have on 2 pair of long pajama bottoms, 3 layers of shirts, a warm fleece pull over and a heavy jacket. Plus a hat. For warmth i am cooking a pie in the oven. 8am and i'm up thawing a frozen pie and now cooking it. Oh, did i tell you i also put on socks, shoes and have a stadium blanket wrapped around my legs? i was wearing gloves earlier but cant type with them on. (darn) You can see your breath down here in the salon of the boat.
It's hard to get motivated when you are freezing. I got my Bahama re-entry decal online this morning. (I dont actually - yet - have the decal, but i filled out the application) I read that you first need your re-entry form before you leave the US so that when you return you can give the info to the US Customs folks. So I got up to listen to the weather from Chris Parker via my SSB radio @ 6:30a, wrapped my hands around a steaming cup of coffee and did some decal research. I found out i also need a CBP form 1300 prior to return. (Custom Border Patrol) Form 1300 is the Homeland Security vessel entrance statement. i glanced at the form and copied it to a file for later. (later when i'm not freezing) it's my understanding you give Customs the filled out form upon your return. "The Master of the vessel must turn in the form within 48 hours of arrival."
I think I'll go now into the galley and put my hands on the stove for awhile. If they thaw, i'll maybe call the 800 number shown and talk forms with a Customs agent. It's a big day in boat planning central. * i can smell pie. :-)
-Frosty the Pirate Skip
PS. it's been about an hour and half since i started all this. it's still cold. (44) But i finished both the PIE and the forms. (cooking. i'll hold off till lunch for the pie) I went to the website for the Homeland Security and filled out the form for SVRS. (small vessel reporting system) I also got an appointment to go meet in person with the Customs and Border Patrol for 'my interview.' To get an SVRS, you have to qualify and pass an interview. "Mr. Williams, please report for your interview and bring your Passport and boat paperwork." I'm pretty pumped about this. Tuesday afternoon. *I hope you hear from me on Wednesday!
