Re: [Paddlewise] FW: Crossing the Border

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 11:07:46 -0700
"John Fereira" <jaf30_at_cornell.edu> wrote:

> I've traveled between the U.S. and Canada a few times since 9/11 and every 
> time the security screening was stricter traveling into Canada than 
> returning to the U.S.

Same here.  In July 2000, the couple traveling behind us in a caravan of sea 
kayakers (boats atop) got grilled, asked to show proof of solvency (bucks and 
valid credit card), and their ID scrutinized carefully.  Finally, they were 
asked if they had "ever been asked to leave Canada and never come back ..."

The apparent basis for this special treatment was the guy's close similarity 
in appearance to someone on their list of folks to reject.

In 1997, traveling alone in my pickup, full of camping gear, and yak atop, 
got tossed for weapons ... never knew why, but I suspected it was just a 
random search.  the goofy thing was they never looked in any of the bags or 
boxes in the bed.  They only looked in out-of-the-way spots which someone 
attempting to conceal might have used.

In contrast, every time I come back into the US, the principal concern seems 
to be illicit fruit, which we always fully acknowledge when they ask.  Mind 
you, I have not made many transits since 9/11.

I am scrupulously clean on crossing the US/Canada border, and never waver on 
anything.  Just don't need the hassle.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Fri Apr 22 2005 - 11:07:59 PDT

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