To start our project, having transportation that enabled us to haul building supplies was a must. We had purchased a used Ford Ranger with a funky cap from NJ and had it shipped down to St. Thomas. The process of actually picking up the truck was, in itself, to say the least, a red-tape experience. We hired a local guy named Arliss to help us through the process. He was very helpful. In fact, if it wasn't for him, I'm sure the process would have been much longer and more painful. The first step was to go to Crowley to pick up the paperwork and pay shipping fees. From there we had to go over and pay customs fees on the other side of town. Before we could move the vehicle over to get tags and plates, we had to purchase insurance at yet a different place. Next we had to go to the title and registration office, which is not part of DMV, in order to get temporary plates to move the vehicle to the actual DMV. Finally, we moved the vehicle to the DMV and got squared away. After being finally finished, in what Arliss told me was mock speed for this process, I arrived at the car ferry dock in Red Hook to a sea of waiting vehicles. It appeared that the Coast Guard had shut down two of the three car ferries traveling to St. John. I sat waiting with many frustrated drivers for about three hours. Phew! The local paper photographer actually asked me if they could stand on top of my "funky" cap to get a picture for the paper of all the vehicles waiting for transportation across the pond. Of course, I obliged. It's not the truck that's bad, it's the cap!! What a day! However....now we had OUR OWN vehicle on the rock. After going through all this trouble, I think I'll keep this vehicle on St. John FOREVER. p.s. - I'm sure I missed a few other pieces of red tape we had to cut. It's all over now....or......is it?
