Call us crazy, but after the Pandemic began more than two years ago, Bill and I would occasionally drive up to the Canadian border at either Eastport or Porthill.
We would park and look at Canada, and I'd take some pictures.
Some day, we both thought, we'll be able to drive across that border again.
For 72-plus years, for me, going to Canada was no big deal. When Bill moved here in the early '70s, it was kind of a big deal to him because he had grown up in the Southern United States, where taking a day trip to Canada was hardly an option.
Over the years, we've taken our share of day trips and even camping trips to Canada, usually taking the opportunity for granted---until the Pandemic.
That was the first time in my life that I could ever remember the border being closed.
At long last, yesterday we realized our Pandemic-inspired dream. We crossed the border at Porthill aka Rykarts and spent about three hours in Canada.
First, we drove through downtown Creston, remembering places we'd stopped on previous trips, like the Columbia Brewery which creates Kokanee beer or various parks or the Prince Charles Secondary School where years ago my students would visit on field-trip days.
Then, we took a jaunt on up the highway and visited Kuskanook Harbour on Kootenay Lake. The last time we were there, we took Olivia, Emma's mom from Berlin.
It was winter, 2019, and we had a great day with Olivia, including lunch at Jimmy's Pub in Creston. Yesterday we returned to Jimmy's and sat on the deck, soaking up wonderful spring sunshine.
Bill remembered one of our trips when we stopped at Jimmy's to have a Kokanee beer. At the time, if you had the Kokanee, you had to order food with it. We were poor, so when we looked at the menu and saw a grilled cheese sandwich, we decided to split it.
Well, the electricity had gone out, so we enjoyed our beer with uncooked grilled cheese sandwich halves.
Yesterday we notched it up a step with cooked burgers/chicken and fries and a beer. It was delightful, relaxing and invigorating to know that we had achieved our long sought goal of some day making it back to Canada.
As we drove through town on our way back, Bill spotted a street musician playing his according in the sunshine. Taras was his name. He showed little emotion except for an occasional smile and quick responses to my questions.
Bill had some Canadian coins so after they went in his box, he played us an Elvis Presley tune, which those of our era may recognize.
Our trip yesterday was filled with many memories of past visits to Canada and the Creston area.
Happily, with the sights and sounds, we created some more to add to the ever-wonderful long-lastingrewards that come with travel, especially when it's International and just up the road.
So, what did we do to get to Canada AND back?
No need for Covid tests either going or coming.
Over the weekend, we filled out the online Arrive Canada form, which requires your passport number, visual proof of vaccinations and a plan, should you have to quarantine. We listed a hotel in Creston and answered all the questions regarding health concerns.
Once the basic information goes into the form, it remains. Each trip to Canada, however, requires an update, stating when you'll arrive and where you'll stay, if you come down with Covid.
As far as crossing the border back into the USA, we showed our passports, vaccination cards and our faces and answered the usual questions asked at Border Crossings, e.g., what's your purpose, how long did you stay, do you have fruit or alcohol or firearms?
The form at first is somewhat mind boggling, but having filled out forms last fall for Ireland, I saw enough similarities to wade through the obstacles.
And, so, Mission Accomplished and plans to add Canada on our list of "things to do" when we want to go somewhere.
It was a wonderful day, and many thanks to Willie and Debbie for taking care of our evening chores.
BTW: it's good to check times that border crossings are open. Porthill closes at 5 p.m., while Eastport is open for 24 hours.
Happy Monday.
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