The cruising world is becoming more complicated, more hostile and more expensive for cruisers. Now we have to report out arrival in advance. We have to visit more offices and pay more fees than ever before. Show up in Oz without announcing your arrival in advance and pay a $5000 fine, Not to mention $300 for a visit from Quarantine. If they choose to search your boat you pay an hourly rate to them - they make a profit by being suspicious.

How much do the Bahamas now charge to check in? Last I heard it was $300 and it seems few boaters choose to boycott them.

When I made a comment about Michael H's post about fees, he responded that they are broke. To me that is no excuse for charging me a fee for which I receive NOTHING in return. No inspection and no service, other than a piece of paper that allows me to clear out of the county.

It's time to swallow the anchor.

We close on our new dirt dwelling a week from Monday.