My last post was pretty optimistic about leaving in 24 hours if we had to.
Maybe we could?
There are so many things popping up I’m glad we have more time. Getting the title from the Feds has been a long process. No hiccups or problems, just a dismal backlog putting them months behind. The good news there is it looks like we’ll get it late next week. I had to send the radio to California to have it’s MMSI reset. Again, fingers crossed, next week. FCC station license? Same. West Marine rewards points? You guessed it, next week. One thing floating out there that won’t hold us up but is definitely a big deal is our Nexus applications. Still waiting for them to be reviewed. Once that is done we have to schedule interviews in Blain, WA. Nexus is a joint ‘trusted traveler’ program between Canada and the US. Don’t roll your eyes, we know a border agent who used words like “YES”, “ABSOLUTELY” and “DO IT NOW”. Border agents like Nexus pass holders.
I’m still trying to decipher what food can be taken back and forth between the two countries. A simple list would be nice, but it seems things change more often then you would think. I did find out the United States is currently allowing the importation of Shamrock leaves without roots or soil. Good to know. Both countries make liberal allowances for candy, a fact I can respect them for.
There has been countless other details that are slowly getting checked off while others are added to the list, like how to deal with mail. When you plan a one way trip the details get pretty important. If you’re not renting a storage unit or keeping a car, everything has to be considered. You just don’t throw things in a big pile and say “I’ll worry about it later”.
As difficult as this sounds, at some point the big scary stuff gets checked off and what’s left is just detail. We are there right now and it’s a good feeling. I’m sure some things will be forgotten, but whatever doesn’t get done will be taken care of from Washington. Whatever doesn’t show up in time our friends will forward to us.
An expedition like this takes on a life of it’s own. Everything we’ve done to get to this point has developed a momentum that we couldn’t stop it if we tried. But of course, why would we? There are, after all, winds to sail, candy to nibble and Shamrocks to be collected.
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