Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2015 09:33:43 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Crossing the Canadian border...
In-Reply-To: <CAHtJhYP+nUHfAJHARiZ5Tg_XaqFuVMZkO25aGqobHTVYqLUbCQ@mail.gmail.com>
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I have flown back and forth acroos US and Canadian borders in small planes
many times. always a cordial interview with customs, a few questions, a
cursory look into the airplane cockpit and I was on my way. Sometimes
getting across the Canadian border back into Alaska was problematic, mostly
because of the time it took. US Customs at the TOK airport was a little
slow, mostly because there were oter things they has to as well as customs
work, but there ws never any real problems.
Dick Rutan, brother to BURT RUTAN, designer of the first plane to fly
around the world, flew one of their planes from down in the states (can't
remember where he started - mid-west somewhere) across Canada into ALASKA
nonstop all the way to ANCHORAGE.. Customs was really upset on both sides
of the border for a while, but since he didn't land in Canada there was no
rule that he had to clear with customs. Eventually the argument went
silent. There are probably rules about that now. Dick and Burt changed the
fuel tank out in that plane, and then Dick flew it non-stop from ANCHORAGE
to BERMUDA. The final goal was the VIRGIN ISLANDS if he could make it but I
don't remember if he got there or not. He DID make it as far as BERMUDA,
however.
John
On Jul 22, 2015 1:44 AM, "Mark Tuovinen" <aksyncronaut@gmail.com> wrote:
> The only time we were ever searched was entering Canada from Idaho, I
> figured it had to do with a guy with a ponytail driving a VW van and even
> then they only did a half hearted job, went through our luggage but did not
> even attempt to search the van. Its a different world on the Border
> between Alaska and Canada, not much smuggling going on there which makes
> for more relaxed crossing. We have never been searched there in either
> direction or asked about food items, sometimes alcohol though often they
> don't mention it either. We are always asked about weapons, Alaskans and
> their guns you know, but don't usually have any, they don't want you to
> bring bear spray unless you are backpacking the Chilkoot Trail, etc, then
> its ok. Unlike other travelers Alaskans with pets don't have to provide
> proof of the animals health this is due to the fact that to get to or from
> some parts of the state to others we have to go through Canada.
>
> The biggest question crossing the Border is which guard do you get the one
> that follows the letter of the law and has the time to ask and search or
> the one that asks the basics and makes a judgment call, plan for the first
> one and you are ok. Each one will find something different to challenge
> you on, last time through I crossed six times going from Anchorage to
> Skagway and back, four by road, once hiking the Chilkoot Trail, and once on
> the train back to Skagway. A Border Guard at Beaver Creek entering Canada
> questioned me regarding my stepdaughter Julia whom was traveling with me,
> our names are different but she was 18 and he had her passport showing that
> in his hand. He said nothing about Brandon a friends 14yr old son whom was
> with us and did not ask for documents proving I had permission to take a
> unrelated minor out of the USA. A few hundred miles later entering back
> into Alaska on our way to Skagway the US guard said nothing about Julia but
> did about Brandon. In Skagway you get your Chilkoot Trail pass and they
> check ID there but once on the trail the Rangers never checked us and on
> the train that takes you from Lake Bennett back to Skagway they stopped us
> short of town walked through the cars and had us hold our passports up and
> open so they could match the photos but that was all. Crossing back into
> Canada at Fraser on our way home the Canadian guards took Julia into their
> office and grilled her about me and how we were all related but probably
> got tired of the story as knowing her she started at the beginning when her
> grandparents met Brandon's grandparents back in the early 60's or how her
> mom, my wife, was my sisters roommate in college about 1980. The final
> crossing at Beaver Creek back into the US was our typical there," where are
> you headed?", "home", and away we went.
>
> Mark in AK - wishing I was on a road trip!
>
> On Tue, Jul 21, 2015 at 7:44 AM, bernie <1234bjs@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > A friend from Vancouver was recently fined
> > 200 dollars at US border because she had some foods in her westy that she
> > was not aware were not allowed. I bring nothing across to US but some
> > tinned food and oatmeal. It's your responsibility to know what you have
> on
> > board.
> > They are becoming more sticky in this regards and very intolerant of
> people
> > "forgetting" what they have aboard. The link below addresses what you can
> > bring into Canada. I have never been asked about my prescription meds but
> > they are in original container. In general coming into Canada is less
> > restrictive in the food area than returning to the US. Presently Canada
> > doesn't want uncooked chicken because of bird flu. See the list below.
> > Coming back to US if agent asks about food indicate that you
> > have no meat no fruit and no vegetables (Make very sure you do not!!!)
> > Stating that right off the bat is big positive in their view. In one
> > statement you are showing
> > you know what you have on board and you don't have
> > any restricted foods. There is little reason to bring food
> > back from Canada anyway as it cheaper in the US.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990
> >
>
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