We departed Pumpkin Patch in Hermon ME about 9:00AM on a cool dreary and rainy day. Rain is forecast for the next 3-4 days with temps in the mid 40s. The drive along ME was uneventful in spite of the wind and rain. Shortly before crossing the border into Canada, we topped off our fuel tank. This is our last chance to buy diesel by the gallon (vs liters) and in US dollars. It was also my last opportunity to use my discount fuel card.
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| Check out the "Feels Like" temperature |
We arrived at the Calais/St. Stephens border crossing where only one lane was open. We waited in the queue for about 15 minutes before we spoke to a border agent at the window. We were a little nervous because most of caravan members had already crossed and most of them had been boarded for a thorough inspection. Many, that had been boarded, had concealed carry permits, so we thought that might be a factor. I was not carrying a firearm and own no registered firearms. So maybe we would get a pass. Au contraire!
The official asked all the usual questions, and we thought we were home free until she asked about alcoholic beverages. Below are the limits for alcohol transported from the US into Canada. Note that the limit applies to only one of the following categories, not the sum of all three.
When the agent asked about alcoholic beverages I read from a written inventory Dorcas had previously prepared. The agent's jaw dropped, and she asked if I knew what the allowable limit was. I responded to the effect that I wasn't sure, but I suspected we were pushing it. Not exactly the whole truth, but not exactly an outright lie either.
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| Our spirits inventory |
As you can see, we were OK with the wine and beer, individually, but way over on liquor. In my mind I tried to blame Dorcas, but I knew that was simply a delusion. The agent handed us a slip of paper with our spirits inventory and directed us to pull off into lane 8 for an inspection where we would be advised of our options. CRAP!!! I'm guessing she thought we were high on drugs and trying to cross with drugs too, since we were so stupid as to cross with so much liquor. Two agents came to our coach and asked us to open all the slide outs, unlock the storage bays, open the safe and unlock the car. Then they directed us to wait in the lobby until they finished. CRAP!!! After about an hour they returned to the office and said we could leave. What??? I had expected to at least have to pay a hefty duty on the excess alcohol, but I bit my tongue and didn't ask any questions. My tongue is still bleeding. The agents were very courteous and did a pretty good job of returning things in the coach to the way they had found them. It could have been worse. As we were leaving the customs lobby and returning to our coach we passed a van conversion being inspected. I overheard an agent say "I found another case of beer." I suspect they had not declared their haul of booze and beer and were fixin' to pay the price.
While we were still in the lobby another member of our caravan group arrived and they were inspected as well. He was carrying a shotgun, which he had declared, and had prepared the proper paperwork for a long gun. We left before his inspection was finished, but we learned later that his gun was denied entry, so he returned to Calais and placed it is storage. According to him, the gun was legally allowed, and he had carried it through Canada to Alaska. But the agent said something about not being necessary in New Brunswick because the black bears are not dangerous like the brown bears are out west, and technically, he was not just passing through Canada like he did when he drove to Alaska. It didn't make much sense to me. I think I would have just left the gun at home.
Shortly after crossing the border, we saw thick black smoke ahead. That's not good! It turns out a flatbed truck was on fire. The fire department was on the scene and spraying water, but I could not tell exactly why it was burning. The southbound lanes were blocked. Thankfully, our lanes were not affected
The rest of the trip to St. John NB was uneventful, except for the circuitous route through the narrow streets of downtown New Brunswick. We checked in at Rockwood Park Campground, part of a somewhat large city park. We set up on site #61, while dodging rain spells and puddles. We were finished in time for happy hour and enjoyed some of our illegal, but well deserved, spirits.
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| Our dreary camp at Rockwood park |
Later that evening we enjoyed a complimentary dinner at Lily Lake Pavilion with other members of our caravan. Due to the favorable currency exchange rate, the caravan has not spent as many $$$ as they had budgeted. Consequently, our hosts paid for this meal and announced that a few more future meals will be covered as well. Thanks Jamie and Beth!!!
On Saturday the caravan officially kicks off with activities in and around New Brunswick. Stay tuned. Don't touch that dial!
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