Day One!

DAY ONE (yesterday.. I imagine I will be a day behind for most posts)

Started out nice and early. We successfully played trailer tetris and got all of our stuff in the trailer, 3 tents, bedding, pillows, chairs, coolers, tubs of food and clothing. In the car was my sample stuff, electronic stuff, the 3 dogs, and 3 people.

The border crossing fellow was extremely cranky. I wish I had the luxury of saying what was in my head.

Me: (*hands over passports and the notarized letter from Mark stating that Darien is allowed to cross the border with us.)

Cranky: So have any of you been arrested? (*hands back the notarized letter, and scrutinizes the passports)

Me:No.

Cranky: Alcohol or tobacco?

Me: No

Cranky: Where are you from

Me: *motioning to Darien and I. Indian River
Laura: Whitby.

A few more random questions about where we live and what we do. The fact we are students seems weird to him.

Cranky: Have any of you ever been arrested?

Me: No (umm Not since the last time you asked...)

Cranky: Do you have a letter stating its fine for (points at Darien) to go with you.

Me: Yes, its that letter I handed you with the passports that you handed back (Gee are you dumb?)

Cranky then wanted to see the letter from Professor White stating what I was doing sample wise. I had figured I would need the letter if Canada customs found them weird. Nope this guy hadn't found the sample kits, he just thought anyone travelling for academic research was suspect.

Cranky (*looking suspiciously at the letter) Where is Trent University? (said with utter disdain)

Me: Peterborough.

Cranky: Have any of you ever been arrested?

Me: No (seriously, is the stress of your job getting to you? Do you need to go sit down?)

Cranky: Alcohol or tobacco?

Me: No. (pretty sure you asked that one too, haven't been anywhere to buy any since you asked 5 min ago)

etc etc...

He finally let us go through and we could relax and get on with our trip. We made excellent time and arrived at Thompson Lake State park in NY by about 2. Darien has found a friend who is up from Florida. They fast became 'like bros' and were running around the camp ground together. Most of the campers are seasonal and are quite friendly. MANY dogs at this camp ground.

The shower facilities (even with the suspected risk of impetigo) get 8.5 stars out of 10. The water is hot, almost hot enough for me. High pressure and free.

Its been a long day and we are in bed, seems we get to look forward to shrieking kids at 5am and a peanut buttered tree (not sure, will post tomorrow)

Almost ready to go!

Getting ready to go, this time next week I will be in a tent in another country. Whoot. I hope everything fits in the trailer, I have been messing with the rubbermaid tubs and calling it trailer tetris with tubs. It has a nice alliteration to it :)

Still have to get a form signed by a notary public to prove I am not trying to abscond with my child. Also have to get the car fixed up. Most things are packed. Entries to the JRTCA trial we are hitting have been sent off.

I also need to clean my house (CLEAN ALL THE THINGS.. wait no its clean all the things?) as I am having a house sitter come and watch the beasties whilst I am gone.

EPIC thesis trip!

Its starting to come together.

I have the samples kits (at twice the price I had planned on)
I have whippet breeders/owners lined up to visit.
I have passports and travel insurance.
I have a tent (and this one stays up.. bonus) see pic
Dogs have proof of rabies.
Still need a trailer hitch put on the car. Yes I am towing a trailer with my kia rio.

we leave 2 weeks tomorrow!