The weather is calming down a bit and the seas are dropping from the 12 foot prediction to 5 foot. It is time to leave the marina and head out to the Bight of Cape Lookout.

I want to spend a moment and talk about the new way of "checking in" to the United States after visiting a foreign country. I was nervous as most boaters are about the Border and Customs issues but this year we were told it would be easier.

Two years ago we did as instructed and called when we reached our port and were tole "no.....you cannot do it this way. I will have someone call you." From that point on I have felt a little uneasy with this entire process. We were part of the Small Vessel Reporting System that allowed you to have an interview in Norfolk with customs and border folks. Once that interview was complete you would take you trip and then call when you returned and they would clear you over the phone or tell you to come into the nearest office.

This year there is a new CBPRoam App. You simply must have been a part of a prior trusted traveler program to get registered with this application. Wishing moments we were registered (before we left for the Bahamas) and we have been (or more so I have been) nervous about using it.

Well I am here to tell you that we opened the application on the iPad and answered a few prompts and within two minutes it processed our clearing into the states and emailed us our confirmation. AMAZING. If we had needed to speak with the Customs folks they would simply ask for a video chat with us and it would be done via our iPad or smart phone. Again, it was a piece of cake and we are so happy to report that as we know others have their doubts of whether this new system would be better. Well.....I think it is super and I hope this is their last program change for travelers.

On to the Bight!