POST # 461
I have lost track of just how many times I have crossed the border back into Canada from the USA at this border crossing in Blaine WA. However, I can state unequivocally, that I have never seen such a deserted looking border crossing in my entire life.
About an hour and a half prior to the above photo being taken, I hopped in the car with Mary and Dora-dog, and we drove the short distance to Blaine. Upon arrival, we parked at the Peace Arch park. The park was packed with people, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather, and we walked around for a while, taking it all in. RCMP were on patrol on 0 Avenue in Surrey, keeping an eye on things, making sure that we all remained on the south side of the border. At one point I went up to a couple of them to inquire about walking up this road (shown above) to the border crossing. They had no problem with that, so shortly afterwards we began our journey. Mary wanted to walk as far as possible before turning back, and I was more than happy to have her and Dora-dog come along. I decided to take a few more photos along the way.
We stopped for a while in the shade of the Peace Arch, knowing that very soon we would have to finally go our separate ways.
By now, it was around 3pm, and with my journey far from over, it was time to say goodbye. I found that difficult. As Mary and Dora-dog turned and walked away, I watched them go. Every now and again Dora-dog would turn around with a look on her face, as if to say, "hey, why aren't you coming with us?" Soon they were both out of sight, and so I turned around and continued my solo journey to the border crossing, not knowing exactly how it would all go. I was about to find out.
After going through the usual conversation with the border guard about anything to declare, I was then asked to show proof of a negative Covid test, which unfortunately for me, I didn't have. I told her that I had read on the government of Canada website, that I could take a test here at the border. In fact, that was true, however that didn't negate the fact that I should have taken a test back in the USA prior to my arrival. She sent me inside the building, where I would have to wait my turn and talk to a health Canada person. And so the wait began.
Eventually it was my turn to plead my case, however the man behind the counter wasn't buying my story. He told me that he could write me a ticket right then and there, and I could be on my way, or, if I wanted to, I could try to re-enter the USA, go to a place and get tested, and then return for a second attempt. This would involve a trip to a testing centre at Bellingham airport, probably an overnight stay, and then a return to the border the next day. So, one choice was to accept the ticket, and be on my way, in which case I wouldn't need to do that test, or I could try and return to the USA and get tested. From his point of view, that test was a necessity, yet if I paid the fine, it wasn't. Where on earth was the logic in that? I had zero success in trying to convey this to him.
What to do? It was now about 5pm and so with nothing to lose, I grabbed my luggage, and started the walk back south to attempt to cross back into the USA.
Upon my arrival, I was asked to enter the building on the left and wait for someone to attend to me. I was the only traveller in the entire building. There were about a half a dozen border patrol agents. My passport was handed around from one agent to the other while I just sat there. Eventually, after almost an hour, I was questioned about my desire to cross the border. I went into the entire explanation about getting a test, etc., however I was unsuccessful in my attempt. It's a good thing that I wasn't playing baseball that day, as I would have been 0 for 2 at this point. I was escorted part-way back to the Canadian border crossing, given a piece of paper to hand to the Canadians upon my arrival, and then I was on my way, once again.
I crossed back into Canada for the second time and returned to the building that I had spent part of the afternoon. The health Canada person had gone home for the day, but I was put in contact with another person via the phone, and we talked about my situation. She told me that perhaps they would waive the fine, seeing as I had at least made the attempt to get back to the USA, but only time would tell on that situation. From here, the plan was to deliver me to a quarantine facility where I would have to remain isolated for the next 14 days. It was about 8:30pm before I was picked up, and delivered to where I now sit, typing these words. I have been here since Saturday.
Right up until yesterday, I was thinking that I was off the hook regarding the fine, and then around noon, there was a knock at my door, and it wasn't my lunch delivery. It was another government agent, arriving to write me out a ticket. Naturally, I tried to have him see my side of the story, however I may as well have been talking to the wall. The ticket was issued and he was on his merry way.
If one looks closely at the lower right hand corner, the fine can be seen. Ticketed amount $CDN 5750.00. This is certainly the largest fine that I have ever received, and needless to say, I am none too happy about it. However, it is what it is. Life goes on.
I am stuck here in this hotel room until July 17th. It could be worse. At least I have a pleasant view. I couldn't imagine what it would have been like if I were to have been placed in a windowless room. The room is approximately 15 x 25 including the bathroom. One can only imagine how difficult it is to be a prisoner in solitary confinement. In comparison, this place is a grand palace.
And if I get tired of the view out of the window, I can always amuse myself by looking through the little peep hole in the door. Occasionally I catch a glimpse of a fully suited and masked staff member wandering down the hallway.
I have been through much worse along my journey in life, and so I will take this in stride. What else is a Thoughtful Wanderer to do? No opportunity at the moment to wander, but plenty of time to think.
grateful for every breath,
Paul
The Thoughtful Wanderer
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