The Ambassador bridge between Windsor and Detroit. Why are most of our international bridges in such poor state of repair? And they are toll bridges. Seems to me that the money never gets spent on repairs.
When we got to the other side of the bridge, we got in the line for "Cars, RV's, Buses". Waited there for a few minutes when a traffic guy came over and said all the RV's have to go through the truck customs. So we pulled out and went through that line. The border guard asked all the typical questions, then says "you will have to go through the x-ray machine, but there's no lineup, so then you can be on your way".
But he was totally wrong. There was a lineup of about 5 or 6 trucks and each one took about 10 minutes. Plus, they twice held up the line to let some other truck butt his way in. Oh well.
So we finally get through that and head for the exit when we are stopped one more time and told that "your licence plate hasn't cleared" whatever that means. So we had to go all the way back around and park...then inside the building to wait our turn. Then, when we finally get up there, they ask what we're doing there, they check all of our paperwork again, they don't mention anything about the licence plate, and then send us on our way again.
Finally got out of Detroit and south on the I-75. Now stopped for a late lunch in Monroe, Michigan and then headed to the Cabelas in Dundee for the night.
Here's today's drive...
225 km's (140 miles)
I'm confused was that the Canadian or American side of the border.Last time I went into Canada at Windsor and left at Niagara Falls there was no hold up at either point even pulling an RV, of course that was before Passports and all the additional requirements.Hope after all that you have a great stay in our country. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.
ReplyDeleteHi Sam, yes that was the American side. Sometimes we cross with no problem at all, and other times it seems to take forever. No worries...we're here now!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the USA - you sure never know what to expect when crossing the border. We got pulled to the side (Canada) for an inspection by a very unfriendly person who told us (twice) that we would be in trouble if we had a gun onboard (we didn't). Maybe they spotted our Tennessee license plate and assumed all Tennesseans are hillbillies toting a gun.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a rough time, but you are most welcome here, and I hope the rest of your stay is more pleasant. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHope we have better luck on Tuesday at the border.Have a safe trip and may see ya at Dega.
ReplyDeleteWhew... glad you made it across! Welcome to the USA, even if you are just passing through. LOL
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Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
A lot of stuff at the border just seems to be the luck of the draw as to which agent you get. So far, we've been very lucky as we've never had a problem either way.
ReplyDeleteThank you again everyone for the wonderful welcome to the USA. We are happy to be here.
ReplyDeleteMargie and Roger...Doesn't everyone in the USA carry a gun! Lol, just kidding, but then every country seems to have their perceptions of the other country wrong sometimes.
Pidge...Didn't really have a rough time at the border, the guards there were friendly enough, just that we were singled us out and had to go through more than other RV's. We knew we wouldn't have a problem, its just the time it took to do it.
Mike...Good luck on Tuesday.
Karen and Steve...Thanks, we are looking forward to our trip through your great country.
Rick and Paulette...Sometimes I would rather deal with the American border guys than the Canadian ones. I don't think I've seen a Canadian one smile yet. Welcome to Canada!