May 29-31, 2023

 Monday I did some more shopping.  After getting back I realized I needed to get my food storage organized before buying any more.  I figured out where items could go, then started a list so I could keep track of each item and where it was stored.

I used the pilot berths on each side of the cabin for storage.  Some was food and some equipment I wanted to have handy.  Both berths have lee cloths, so it was an easy way to secure items so they don't go tumbling around when the boat heels over.

At the end of the day, I applied teak oil to the stern locker hatch.  It is in pretty bad shape, but will make it home where I can build a new one at my leisure.  

Tuesday morning Harry helped me put the genoa sail back on and raise it.  This went smoothly and the repaired sail is not hoisted, furled away and ready to go.

I unpacked the fridge, cleaned it out and repacked it in prep for more food storage.  I also repaired a nice insulated mug whose handle had come loose.

Later in the morning I rode the bus downtown to visit the immigration office and the port captain's office.  I need to process paperwork and pay some fees to leave Mexico and these are the two agencies involved with that process.

After a two hour wait in an empty reception area, I was told I needed a different form in triplicate.  No, they could not print the form for me to fill out there, I had to bring it myself...

Then I went to the port captain's office just down the street.  They were closed at 2:00 even though the sign says open until 3:30...

Wednesday I got up and prepared for a second run at immigration.  After returning yesterday, I had the marina office print out the forms I needed, so I had everything in hand.  After a 20 minute bus ride, I was at immigration a half hour before they open.  Another couple from the US was there as well, so we visited.

The office opened at 9.  I took my seat and waited.  After a little while my number was called and I presented my paperwork to the person at the window.  He seemed to understand what I was doing, but it is not something he handles, so he took the paperwork and asked me to sit down again.  Some time later the immigration office who helped me yesterday showed up.  He took my paperwork and came back later with everything signed!  Off to the port office!

Again, I got into the queue.  This office was much busier, so waiting was fine.  I was helped by a woman who was very nice.  She went through my paperwork and had me fill out some forms.  I did not have entry papers for the boat when it came to MX (long story), but she was able to get it all sorted out and, after about 3 hours, Pierless and I were in the system!  I needed to pay a $25 exit fee.  No problem, I had cash and a card.  Unfortunately, they only accept payment through a direct wire transfer from a bank!  She said it needed to be my bank.  I didn't think that would be an easy thing to do from MX...

I took the payment form and went back to the marina.  I spoke with Ghiah at the office.  We agreed that I probably just needed to go to any bank, pay the bank the fee and have them wire it to the port account.  Turns out this is how it works.  A little convoluted, but not hard once you figure it out.  I wired the fee and they emailed back my exit papers.  Pierless is set to go!

Worked on provisioning again for a bit, then called it a day.