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Well we have absolutely been slackers since checking into Hilo Harbor early on Monday morning, April 25th.  After gleefully testing and telephoning most friends and relatives we could reach—we have been virtually silent on this blog site since.

Checking In Process

We cannot say enough about the ease of the customs process here in Hilo.  The customs officer worked with us via e-mail prior to our arrival and sent us specific instructions to facilitate the process.  At his direction—we jettisoned all fresh produce left on boat-leaving a trail of Mexican limes-heading back to Puerto Vallarta.

Our second step was to complete the 5-day or less quarantine process to get Jordy officially checked into Hawaii—and cleared to go to shore.  Jan had begun the arduous process approximately 6 months ago by having blood drawn and sent to the lab to verify  that Jordy’s titers showed her to be rabies free.  For anyone trying to duplicate this process the instructions can be found on www.rabiesfree.hawaii.gov .

Next part of this process was to hire a private veterarian to come to the habor and perform a health exam and provide us with a clean health certificate.  Jan discovered Dr. Skip Pease while reading another sailing blog written by some folks who had travelled with a cat aboard.  Once we landed he was able to come to the harbor within the hour and declare Jordy pest-free!  Next a livestock inspector from the Department of Agriculture came and collected the health certificate-verified Jordy’s Microchip number—and handed us the paperwork for Jordy to go ashore.  By 2:00 p.m. we were all three riding in the back of the truck catching a ride to our first meal out in over three weeks.  Cheese burgers in Paradise!