Canadian border closing

[cpaharley2008]

We stayed at Motel 6 on our both our trips to Chilliwack and Best Western once there, both are pet friendly. No reservations, just calling on the road. that way you can drive until tired vs having a schedule. On the way home, no reservations just drive until you start getting tired and then if no cg is open, your room behind awaits you. Only reservation was Best Western next to Escape.

[daniel108]

We've decided it's not worth the risk to cross into Canada at this time (pick up is the 23rd) so we've cancelled our reservations there. I'll be asking Escape to just deliver to us in Sumas. This had been our spring break getaway so we will look for some extra campgrounds on the way home...looking forward to getting out of the house and camping seems like it should be a relatively safe activity. Unfortunately I feel our summer plans are at risk now as well (travel through Canada to Alaska).

[EdColorado]

https://604now.com/canada-closing-national-parks/

Canada closing all national parks.

https://www.freshdaily.ca/news/2020/...ational-parks/

[Hawkeye Ed]

I spoke today with Sharon at Escape Trailers about my scheduled pickup on April 2 in Sumas, WA, just south across the border where ETI delivers US-bound trailers. I already had my orientation in Chilliwack but delayed delivery in Sumas for a few weeks until my storage space is available.

As you can imagine with all the worldwide upset caused by the corona virus, ETI is having to work overtime to maintain their usual great customer service for folks trying to arrange final orientation and delivery. We both agreed to be flexible and keep in touch so that if an early delivery time opens up I'll be ready to pick up the trailer then.

I suggest that anyone with concerns about the timing of their orientation just send an email to <info@escapetrailer.com> and explain the situation. Be sure to include your phone number. They've been having trouble with outgoing messages from their email server and may need to call you, not send you an email.

Since I live in Bellingham, the county seat of Whatcom County where Sumas is located, I'd be happy to help with questions you may have about Washington state. Send me a private message (I'm not comfortable communicating through the regular forum) and I'll do what I can to help.

Ed

[Artlady]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeEZ

I spoke today with Sharon at Escape Trailers about my scheduled pickup on April 2 in Sumas, WA, just south across the border where ETI delivers US-bound trailers. I already had my orientation in Chilliwack but delayed delivery in Sumas for a few weeks until my storage space is available.

As you can imagine with all the worldwide upset caused by the corona virus, ETI is having to work overtime to maintain their usual great customer service for folks trying to arrange final orientation and delivery. We both agreed to be flexible and keep in touch so that if an early delivery time opens up I'll be ready to pick up the trailer then.

I suggest that anyone with concerns about the timing of their orientation just send an email to <info@escapetrailer.com> and explain the situation. Be sure to include your phone number. They've been having trouble with outgoing messages from their email server and may need to call you, not send you an email.

Since I live in Bellingham, the county seat of Whatcom County where Sumas is located, I'd be happy to help with questions you may have about Washington state. Send me a private message (I'm not comfortable communicating through the regular forum) and I'll do what I can to help.

Ed

Thanks for the update and news from ETI.
The concern that I and many others have, is becoming “stuck“ on the way to Sumas, and maybe to a lesser extent, on the way back home.

We have a little bit further distance to go than you do. We just don’t want to be in a situation where suddenly travel is prohibited, or something else as extreme, similar to that of Italy and France.

Was there a specific reason you want to move up your pick up date? Not meaning to be nosy, I meant if it had anything to do with the virus that’s going around? April 2 Is not that far into the future...

Aside from that, we are all in this together!

Flexibility, a good attitude, and kindness will make the time passage much more tolerable, and the burden of our shared difficulties seem much lighter!

[cpaharley2008]

With 2 people driving, you could almost drive straight thru from anywhere, using shifts. Once you have your Escape, your bedroom is in tow and any rest stop, Walmart, Crackerbarrel, Cabelas, becomes your destination for the night. Good luck....

[UncleTim]

Jim, is it really that easy to find quick overnight stays like you suggest?

I don't have any experience at trying this. I usually find a ditch to crawl into with my sleeping bag and rack out. Do you use software apps to locate likely places to crash?

Please help me to understand this a little better.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

Jim, is it really that easy to find quick overnight stays like you suggest?

I don't have any experience at trying this. I usually find a ditch to crawl into with my sleeping bag and rack out. Do you use software apps to locate likely places to crash?

Please help me to understand this a little better.

freecampsites.net is one good source of places for nightly stopovers. I have found some nice places to stop for the night, many off the road as well as the store type lots.

[fudge_brownie]

There are a number of variations to Jim’s method. I like to at least sit down with Google Maps and consider how long I can go without a break, then find potential cities for a stay. I might even look into motels. Note: For a trip such as going to BC, l search for inexpensive non chain motels. Mom and Pop places often owned by Indian or Pakistani families, very good innkeepers. Using Trip Advisor I am always surprised what rises to the top. I recall a place in Nebraska that had sterling reviews, when walking into check in I was offered a glass of local wine and fresh sliced fruit.

Booking ahead is sometime done, we always call ahead when enroute, just to save time and aggravation. I like a plan but am willing to modify it on the fly.

[cpaharley2008]

Tim,
Alf here on the forum turned me on to Crackerbarrel, they have bus parking so your Escape is no issue, stop in the evening near closing time, go in order a meal to go, inquire about staying for breakfast, use their facilities and return to your trailer for dinner. In am, repeat for breakfast. The other places like Camping World and Cabelas all allow parking. I have downloaded their app's for location purposes, even Walmart. I also check out the Interstates rest stops in case nothing else is within range, do not forget truck stops for fuel and rest. Worse comes to worse, there is always KOA usually nearby the road. There is a book "Next Exit" we carry in addition to the app's on the phone.
https://www.amazon.com/Next-EXIT-202...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[steve dunham]

Just a question ; with shelter in place , many states/ counties closing State Park and county campgrounds , the Federal government closing public facilities and the possibility of travel restrictions do we really believe that federal , state and local governments are not going to restrict or ban Walmarts Cracker barrels , truck stops , rest areas from being turned into large unregulated transient campgrounds ?

[cpaharley2008]

These are all non governmental commercial business that are not under the state/federal bureaucrats. In fact Walmart as well as CVS, Walgreens, gas and food stores, have been encouraged to remain open. Trucks and other commercial activities are needed and encouraged to supply our needs and keep the economy operating.

[UncleTim]

Just for me, I am looking past this crisis. I do not mean to downplay it what-so-ever, but in my usual optimistic ways, I want to be ready for the first opportunity to safely pick up "Zen".

Might as well get used to calling her that now.

Shelter in place, bide your time, use common sense and then go camping. When the time is right, not before. Otherwise you just become part of the mess.


Thanks on the book Jim!

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

These are all non governmental commercial business that are not under the state/federal bureaucrats. In fact Walmart as well as CVS, Walgreens, gas and food stores, have been encouraged to remain open. Trucks and other commercial activities are needed and encouraged to supply our needs and keep the economy operating.

Jim , no one is talking about limiting or stopping commercial traffic but about limiting unnecessary pleasure travel
Our local campgrounds has been closed due to covid 19
Our local bars and restaurants have been closed due to covid 19
Our local schools are closed due to covid 19
Our local Walmart is closed to overnight camping
Our local senior center is closed due to covid 19
Our local churches have canceled services due to covid 19
Our local Native American Casino is limiting the number of occupants and cutting their hours

Walmart selling goods is one thing but turning their parking lot into a campgrounds is not being condoned or encouraged by anyone
My Escape is parked in my pole barn and will remain there until this ordeal is under control
Sometimes my wants and desires have to take a back seat to the common good

[barry]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51949243

[UncleTim]

Another consideration is Escape Industries seems to allow the drivers to have a say in the delivery process. I talked to them Yesterday and it seems like they do take the driver's consideration into whether it feels safe for them.

I think they have the right to deliver or not.

Of course I applaud this, and I am kind of inferring this since it was not a well stated point. We went over it fast. I guess the point is don't overlook the idea it is possible there is no one willing to deliver it.

I am totally guessing here, just trying to make a point in this quickly developing story line.

I am wondering if I should have my Anderson hitch put on in Colorado rather than TradeMasters in BC. That way I don't have to cross the border at all.

[oldwave]

What he said

[cpaharley2008]

excerpt:
Canada relies on the US for approximately 75% of its exports.
The shutdown will affect tourists and shoppers, but goods will continue to be moved across the border.

[cpaharley2008]

It would seem that you should be prepared to take delivery in Sumas, Wa and your tow vehicle be already prepared/set up for towing if you want delivery there. Otherwise you may have to wait....?

[barry]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

excerpt:
Canada relies on the US for approximately 75% of its exports.
The shutdown will affect tourists and shoppers, but goods will continue to be moved across the border.

Yes I realise that but the POTUS's statement (tweet linked in the article) said that it would close to, "non essential traffic", and that leaves the door wide open. Is a trailer essential? Does buying a trailer class you as a shopper? I guess time will tell.
Barry