Dawn brought several small "visitors" to the boat - suddenly we became the local “avery” as tired fledglings of all colours hithced a lift to the shore! They settled on the ropes, in sheltered corners and even went into the cabin! They wouldn't accept any food or water - just a free ride! High rise hotels and apartments came into view as we entered Lake Worth inlet - a busy harbour as small craft fishing boats, Sunday afternoon cruisers, cargo ships and cruise liners jostled for lines of entry and exit. Unable to raise customs and clear in we elected to find a quiet corner, drop anchor and take a much needed rest ready for the final leg tomorrow to Fort Pierce - before the weather closes in and thunderstorms strike from the north. Well, not quite rested – a call to the u.S. customs and Border Patrol to clear into the U.S. – a long conversation, every piece of data exchanged - we get an arrival number (18 digits long) – we now have 24 hours to present ourselves to a customs building – so it looks like not quite such an early leave for Fort Pierce in the morning (Customs in Lake Worth open at 08:00) – we will see! Swinging on the hook - as evening approached we watched private parties on yachts nearby, enjoyed the view of lakeside mansions and the sun setting over a more industrial sight than the Bahamas - no doubt we were back in the United States!

Phil and Di