Our first task of the day was to go through our food storage, fridge and freezer, and supply tote in the truck. We had to make sure we were free of restricted food items before crossing the border.
After careful planning, all we had left we’re a few beers in the fridge, two unopened bottles of wine, a small 1/4 bottle of Screech, and 1/8 bottle of Vodka. All raw meat products were cooked and in the freezer. We didn’t have any fruit or vegetables. We were good to go so long as we are honest.
During our drive from Saint Andrews, Susan attempted to contact her cell phone provider to reduce her plan until our return to Canada. What a customer service nightmare. To make matters more frustrating, we had to pull off the road a few times to avoid dropping the call…and then it happened…her customer service representative hung up on her.
Have you ever seen anyone’s veins bulging out of their neck before they blow up…I have and it’s not a pretty sight.
I retreated to the safest place I could find…on the trailer roof. My excuse…I needed some photos of the pretty autumn colours.
When it was safe to return, we completed the last 500 meters of the drive towards the border, wondering what our crossing would be like, and if we would get pulled aside for secondary inspection.
We only had a few vehicles in front of us, and when it was our turn, the officer said something…Chloe as usual…full of piss and vinegar…started barking frantically.
With me and Susan yelling at Chloe to shut up…the border agent repeated his instruction. With the conflicting noise, I asked him to repeat himself…for the third time…he yelled in a very authoritative voice that was unmistakably annoyed…SHUT THE CAR OFF. Everyone within 100 meters could hear him. That was the second time that day when I saw bulging veins.
In my humble opinion, the border crossing from New Brunswick, Canada into Maine, USA went well. Despite an annoyed border agent, we weren’t flagged for secondary screening and were waved through. Woohoo, we were officially on the second stage of our adventure.
After Susan’s back surgery, we gradually reduced our non-travel rest days. Her recovery progressed well, and once she found a comfortable position, it wasn’t long until the warm sunshine pulled her into a restful slumber. Her version – she was “resting her eyes.”
We drove through Bangor to fill up with gas and we’re pleasantly surprised by the historical down town core.
While I was filling the gas tank, Susan left her phone and wallet in the truck, then took Chloe for a walk. I drove past her after filling up and she suggested I drive around the block to the restaurant and she would meet me there.
Unfortunately, the road I headed down came to a dead end. Now it was my turn for bulging veins. The trailer backup camera had stopped working a few weeks before, and I had to turn a 47 foot rig around on a very narrow street.
Eventually, I managed to extricate myself from the tight spot without any damage to the trailer, then headed to the restaurant. Susan was waiting for me In the parking lot with a worried look on her face.
Later that day, she confessed to me she thought I had left her stranded in the USA without her credit cards and cell phone. We all had a good laugh because I had missed my chance.
We continued south and drove through Saco towards Biddeford – again, the historical buildings were amazing. We boondocked at the Biddeford Walmart, and made plans to visit Saco the next morning.