Not What We Expected

Day147

Sleep was fleeting for us last night with anticipation on how our border crossing will go in the morning. Last night we reviewed our documents, reviewed a few additional websites on the items you are not allowed to take across. We made a conscious effort in the days prior of our crossing to eat any questionable food in the Rv. As far as our paperwork, we had proof of insurance, people and dog vaccinations, an itinerary of our travel plans for the first month, a list of the food we were carrying and a few other pieces of information and items that they might ask about. 

We were up early and on the road at eight. During the drive the weather was throwing us a farewell parting gift of high wind all the way to the border. We had a few good gusts that blew me well into the other lane, but still nothing like our tourney to St. John’s, in Newfoundland. When we approached the border crossing, I was concerned of what line I was supposed to be in; am I considered a truck, or do I stay in the regular lanes? We came into view of the crossing and expecting to see multiple long long lines of vehicles waiting to get through. Much to my surprise there was only one gate open with a single vehicle waiting, I pulled in behind the car and put the Rv into park. 

As we waited, I noticed another Rv was pulled over, and watched two border patrol guards enter the Rv; I figured that’s where they will ask us to go. The wait took no longer than ten minutes before I was waved forward. I removed my sunglasses and handed our passports to the guard. He took the passports and asked where we were from? I responded. He then asked if we drove across Canada? I said yes. His next question I was fretting about; how long do you plan on staying? I responded with as little detailed as I could by saying for the winter, and expected a raised eyebrow from the guard, followed by a barrage of more in-depth questions, surprisingly he just casually turned around and disappeared into his booth with our passports.  

When he came back out he said, “I will assume you’re vaccinated if you came across Canada?” And proceed to walk past me and down to the back of the Rv to the truck. He returned back to my window and asked what kind of food items we were carrying, I looked at Lori and she began to read the list of items we had onboard. He acknowledged Lori when she finished and informed us he would like to come in. As he came around to the door, my mind was on how Sophie was going to act. Lori had put her and Gizmos leashes on before we entered the gate and was holding them close to keep them quiet. With him entering the Rv, I knew Sophie was going to bark her brains out. He entered the Rv, and Sophie did not disappoint! She began to bark. The guard surprisingly took a little time and aquatinted himself with Sophie and she calmed down. Once Sophie was content the guard walked to the back of the Rv, peered into the bedroom and retuned to the door, giving Sophie a scratch on Her head before exiting the Rv. The guard returned to his booth and came back out with our passports and informed us to have a safe trip! What just happened?Both Lori and I were stunned as we drove away.  

We drove to Houlton for a puppy bathroom break and set our GPS for our next campground. Still in shock from the quick border crossing, we entered the I95 highway for Bangor and happily began the second leg of our journey. Within a half hour on the highway, we approached a roadblock. Signs entering the roadblock informed us to restrain any pets as there are working K9’s present. Lori quickly put the pups on their leashes, as I approached an officer standing on the road waving me to stop. I came to a stop at the officer wearing a border patrol uniform. He asked us where we were from? I responded and he then asked when did we cross? I said just now. He peered into the Rv and asked how many people were traveling in the Rv, I responded two. While he has questioning me, another guard crossed in front of the Rv with a patrol dog. Of course Sophie and Gizmo saw the dog and went into full bark-athon, just as our dogs started barking the guard thanked me and said we were good to go. After that it was a beautiful drive to The Pumpkin Patch Rv Campground were we would be spending the next three days.