We’re off… with a mid-morning departure headed across NS & NB to the Houlton Border crossing. The Rav4 (packed with winter duds, an array of iGear, and a couple of bottles of the local) was outfitted with a tank of gas, jug of washer fluid and four new studded winters for safety all the way around. The driving was relaxed, with mild temperatures and motorists in a laid back, holiday groove! Only real stop in Canada was for fuel, Tim’s and washrooms in Salisbury, NB at the Big Stop.
We crossed into the US at about 3:00 PM AST. It was a new feel crossing at US Customs this time through, as the officer posed some questions that felt a bit different. Along with the where are you from, destination, any gifts, business or pleasure travel questions, we were asked if we were going to be with friends or hotel, if we had been in trouble with the law in “any country” and a specific reminder that our passports (Janie and I) were soon to expire (end of January). Maybe the close-to-expiry passports prompted the extra inquiries and an important reminder that visiting is a privilege, and access can easily be denied. Regardless… we entered with thanks and have since heeded the impending lapse of passport validity by applying for renewals! US Customs and Border Protection website has a “Know Before You Go” link that supports what to expect at crossings.
Then down the chute on the I-95 to Bangor on great roads (clear and in great condition). We settled there for the night at the Hampton after getting a quick stint of shopping in, a few grocery items/drinks for the cooler and pizza pie from “Papa John’s” to hold everyone over. The evening saw us rally to catch the latest “Star Wars” offering (Rogue One) at Bangor Mall Cinemas, movie visits becoming a bit of a Christmas tradition for us. Good time… with all hands enjoying a relaxed crowd and theatre treats. Perfect travel day!