I needed to reapply for my U.S. entry visa. Due to a minor indiscretion while hanging around with the wrong crowd 30 years ago, I am technically inadmissable to the U.S. and have to apply for a waiver every few years. It's always approved, but they soak me for $70 for the application, and another $585 to actually review and process it. It's a huge waste of time and money, but that's my lot in life, and there's nothing I can do about it, so I just do it.
So we parked the motorhome up at a grocery store just past the airport, and I drove the car back. My appointment was at 10:00am and they were surprisingly efficient. This is my third time doing this, and each time before has taken at least two to three hours. But this time I was out of there an hour later and with my pocket $585 U.S. lighter. Oh, and another $6 for parking.
So with that done, I drove the car back to Ruth, we had a quick lunch and then hit the highway to Truro.
As we entered Truro, we went to the shopping mall. Remember I had said we were going to buy those little hand held radios so that Ruth and I can talk to each other while she's driving the little car? Well they never did arrive at The Source store in New Minas, so they arranged for us to pick them up at the store in Truro. Sure enough, they were there waiting for us. Neat little walkie talkies!
And on sale for only $29.95 (plus 15% tax!) they will surely come in handy.
We left Sherman parked at the mall, and took the little car to explore Truro and look for an overnight spot. I have to admit, we are not used to the flexibility of having the car with us when travelling with the motorhome. I still don't think it's worth the aggravation of towing it behind us though. Anyhow, we went to Victoria Park here in Truro. Have to recommend this place for a walk or a bike ride to anybody passing through Truro. It's a pretty little spot.
A pretty little waterfall in Victoria Park
A pretty dragonfly!
We like dragonflies because they eat mosquitoes!
We saw a large parking lot for a soccer field that would have been a good overnight spot, but then closer to the mall we came across a large open field that looked like it may have been an industrial use land at some point. vacant and empty, we both looked at each other and said "yep, we'll be fine there for the night".
The little car and Sherman, boondocking at GPS 45.37281 -63.29058
Today. we're headed through Moncton, New Brunswick and towards Fundy National Park.
Yesterday's drive...173 kms (107 miles)
And finally, a note of thanks to everyone who helped us out with somewhere to park Sherman during our long stay in Nova Scotia...you know who you are! Thank you!
Glad you got the paper work out of the way quickly and the walkie talkies in hand, they do come in handy. Having the little car sure is handy, does cost a few dollars to set up and restricts our movements somewhat, but guess we are spoiled, could not do without it.
ReplyDeleteWow that does sound like a little bit of a hassel... you'd think once they did it you'd be good forever! Oh well at least it is behind you and done! I have really loved all your boondocking places and next year when we come up there I'll probably be bugging you about those locations again!
ReplyDeleteHave fun
Donna
We all have our "Due to a minor indiscretion while hanging around with the wrong crowd 30 years ago". Some of us (me included) have yet to grow up. Good luck, and I expect to be out there with you, soon.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think there would be a statute of limitations on minor indiscretions. Too bad they soak you for such a large fee. Enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteLife happens..I'm sure that your son won't be having any minor indiscretions...he learnt from his Dad! Glad you are enjoying your car. We have always towed. I like the convenience of using the car to put extra stuff in. What do you find aggravating about towing? It can be a problem in Mexico re finding a spot to stay but we have always managed, even driving thru some 'Centro's' although that was nightmarish! Once we had a major mechanical breakdown in the middle of nowhere (south of Huatulco) and had to unhook and use the car to get help. If it weren't for the car we might still be there!!
ReplyDeleteWell I guess I'm lucky. Or something.
ReplyDeleteDid that "pardon" thing as soon as I was able after my "little indiscretion" of some 34 years ago. (had to do some arithmetic there)
I didn't have a lot of faith in that, but I guess it must have "stuck", since I'm free to wander. There's probably a file somewhere, but I have no ambitions of joining the ranks of the politicos, so I guess it will stay buried. I can only hope.
A Statute of Limitations would be nice though.
statute of limitations, please. they are going to milk it for everything they can get. visa apps are 180 dollars. they try to reject as many as possible for all the wrong reasons. i think it's just money in the bank.
ReplyDeletei'll never be able to shake that relationship. btw, sherman looks great! Chris
www.livingboondockingmexico.blogspot.com
George and Suzie...The walkie talkies work great, sure nice to have them. It's handy having the car, but we seem to do just fine without it.
ReplyDeleteDonna...You would think, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Now we have to sit and wait for the letter telling us that he has been OK'd again which could take as long as 6 months. This is why we want to cross into Mexico by the end of September which is when the old one runs out.
Don't worry about bugging us about any of our locations. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us, we are more than willing to help.
Michael...Thanks, we are finding out that this is the case for a number of people. Hope to see you out there.
Kevin and Evelyn...It would be nice, but then they wouldn't have all that extra money each and every time someone applies. As Kevin says, it is our lot in life so we just deal with it.
Contessa...Yep, Alex has learnt a lesson from all of this, and you can be certain he won't have problems. We perfer to not tow for all the added expense. Even after paying for all the tow stuff you still have extra costs with gas, new tires, insurance, extra fees and paperwork at the Mexican border. We don't want all that and are quite happy taking city transport, our using our bikes or just walking. If we really need a car for something we can always rent one and we rarely do that but it is a whole lot cheaper for us than townig.
Bob...You were smart to get the pardon, Kevin has it now but once the border knows about it, it is too late, even now he has the pardon.
Chris...You are so right! Sherman says thanks!
Kevin, Ruth and Whiskey