Travel from BC to the USA.

[Iowa Dave]

Hi Loren
Our campfire is an orphan so it's inconsequential what make it is ( campfire in a can) and we like it. Campfires (propane, wood, or Buffalo chips) do not photograph very well so photos of people's favorites don't do much good. I know a lot of folks don't attend rallies, not their style or not convenient etc. however a possible activity for a rally with people who have these devices might be a propane campfire and libation tour held about 0 dark 30. Sorry I worked around recreation programmers for 32 years and have a degree in outdoor fun.
Dave

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My point is, in the thrust and parry of negotiation, rules are used to enforce a position. Has nothing to do with the resulting agreement. It's all about the process.

Good point - there's a lot of interpretation and discretion involved, and the people working the borders can be pawns in these games, leading to inconsistency for travelers.

[Ray B.]

I crossed the border this past weekend at Rainy River/Baudette. After the usual questions and passport examination the officer asked if the camper was unlocked. I said no but easily opened. He invited me to open it and then went inside right in the inspection lane. The ensuing conversation was then about where it was built, how much it cost and how it will never leak and last a lifetime. He was really impressed!

[StarvingHyena]

Returning from the 2016 Rally, I crossed the border near Oroville. The agent also asked if he could have a look inside so I got out and unlocked my door. He went straight for my refer and noticed a small selection of craft beers. For the next 1/2 hour we had a discussion on the merits of craft beers.... with even a recommendation to visit a microbrewery about a 190 miles away on highway 20 for their exceptional IPA. I did and it was.

That was the best border crossing I have ever had.

Birdsview Brewing Company - near Rasar State Park ... a good campground - right on the Skagit River. Both are worthy of a stop.

Tom

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by StarvingHyena

That was the best border crossing I have ever had.

Tom

Lucky you, it's the second worst border crossing that I've ever had.

Ron

[maurerl]

Originally Posted by Cascadian

Travel medical insurance that will cover you in case you're injured while mountain biking.

Make absolutely sure you get the RIGHT out-of-BC medical insurance. Read the fine print carefully.

We've been to Utah/Moab twice, we mountain-bike, and we discovered, thanks to our insurance agent, that participation in dangerous activities will void the medical insurance -- and most insurers consider mountain biking a dangerous activity!

[Kevinc]

No problems traveling is US with Canada license. There are some food restrictions crossing the border. Mostly prohibit fresh fruit and alcohol. While in Utah, you should should also ride in Park City, and the Hurricane area trails. Have fun.

[Ljswany]

I’ve looked at the border crossing websites but I just want to confirm something with those that have experience with this. We’ll soon be heading up to Chilliwack to pick up our new trailer. While I’m perfectly happy with visiting a grocery store and liquor store after we’re back in the states for our food items, I would like to carry a couple jars of my home-canned tomatoes which can’t be bought at a store and even little spice jars so I won’t have to spend alot of money on them for such small quantities needed for the trip. From what I see, these items would be permitted, right? Complicated!

[gbaglo]

Go to the source:

What Can I Bring Into Canada in Terms Of Food, Plant, Animal and Related Products? - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Things can change with a moment's notice.

[cpaharley2008]

You can always ask a business in Sumas to hold your tomatoes if they are prohibited, and then pick them up on the return trip. I did that with a case of wine to/from Osoyoos this May, worked out fine. All they wanted was a purchase at their business as a "reward" which I gladly did.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You can always ask a business in Sumas to hold your tomatoes if they are prohibited, and then pick them up on the return trip. I did that with a case of wine to/from Osoyoos this May, worked out fine. All they wanted was a purchase at their business as a "reward" which I gladly did.

You know that we do sell tomatoes in Canadian grocery stores?

[cpaharley2008]

True and they are probably from the US but we can not bring them there nor bring them back, at least fresh wise. Canned or jar maybe ok.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

You know that we do sell tomatoes in Canadian grocery stores?

Really? Which igloo would you find them at?

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Really? Which igloo would you find them at?

Actually, the best tomatoes we can get in Oswego, NY (other than from my garden) are heirloom tomatoes from Canada. I suspect they are greenhouse grown since they are available all winter...

[Ljswany]

Okay, guys, ‘nuff fun with me now...
Thanks for all your input (and smart remarks too!). Glenn, I had already looked at your link and from what I see there, we should be allowed canned (not fresh!) tomatoes, albeit home-canned rather than commercial. Would really like to be able to fix some chili and spaghetti sauce while on our virgin trip with the Escape; there’s nothing like them when you’re camping in cold weather!
FYI all you tomato guys... I’m a midwestern girl and love big, red, juicy tomatoes fresh-picked from the garden but Colorado tomatoes (where we currently live) are a pretty poor substitute IMHO. They can okay though. I know... 1st world problem, eh?

[cpaharley2008]

Maryland tomatoes are the best (we use those metal cages, the rust helps) when sliced on top of a Maryland crab cake sandwich with mayo and McCormick OleBay spice.

[gbaglo]

I like spaghetti, but not that much.

[Fox hunt]

I've never had an issue with canned goods

[Greg A]

I started having gout attacks in my big toes several years ago and discovered tomatoes are a big trigger food for high Uric acid levels and gout. I eliminated them, which is no easy task since they are in everything we eat. No attacks since eliminating tomatoes
So for me, transporting tomatoes over the border or having them anywhere in my trailer is a not happening. That Gout stuff hurts!

[Ljswany]

Jim; Ahhh, that sandwich sounds like it would be to die for! Gimme, gimme!!!
Glenn: What?! You don’t like spaghetti? Well, actually, it’s the sauce I love! I practically DROWN the pasta with it.
Ooh, gout! Would hate the pain, but living without tomatoes would NOT be fun either.