Day 39 – Back in the USA!

The Smitanic exited the Moonshadows RV park by 8:30 AM one of the earliest departures to date! The mountain valley scenery continued to be breath taking as the route followed a mountain river with curves and twists. The roads were mostly smooth with one or 2 construction sites to pass thru. At one point there was a slowdown due to a very bad accident on the northbound site of the highway. The back up on that side was miles long with police diverting traffic back across the median onto southbound side of the highway. Kevin and Theresa were reminded, as they are daily, that the unexpected can happen in an instant.

After passing the city of Hope, BC the USA border was within 30 miles. Signs announced that delays at the border were 20 min. Not too bad. Following the signs for the proper lanes for RVs, Kevin guided the Smitanic into the right most lane and stopped shy of the railroad tracks . He waited until there was enough room to progress forward so that the 70ft length of the RV and Toad with bikes would clear the tracks. The lanes were not RV friendly, there was a tight turn to the left followed immediately to the right.i Kevin had already recognized the challenge that would be presented. In anticipation he made as wide a turns as was provided to properly line up the Smitanic and toad to slide past the steel posts, the posts barely cleared the RV mirrors! At the booth Kevin handed over the two occupant's passports with a sincere smile. There was a few questions about where was home and then the officer asked why are there 3 bikes. Kevin gleefully responded “There are 4, 2 mountain and 2 road bikes! Got to have your toys!” Guess the guy understood or maybe he thought well this guy is harmless. The Smitanic was granted passage as the boarder crossing guard said “Welcome back Home”. 

As the exit was made Kevin and Theresa noticed another 5th wheeler RV that was being searched... humm wonder what provoked that?

From the border crossing, a narrow 2 lane road with several 25 mph curves/turnes was the route to I-5 and then on into the destination of Mount Vernon, WA. The 2 lane road was 'scenic' meaning lots of twists and turns crossing blueberry and raspberry farms as well as small towns that supported the local agriculture. What was a bit odd was the intersections were roundabouts! This made it a bit more challenging for the lengthy RV but Kevin persevered with a few expletives. A construction detour altered the path to even more narrow roads and at least one more roundabout. What's with those ?,in what seemed to be in the middle of podunk-nowhere! Someone's bright idea!

At last the I-5 south entrance was made and the traffic picked up and the roads were riddled with potholes, bumps and debris. A flashback to I-40 suddenly entered Kevin's head as he dodged obstacles and maneuvered thru traffic like Hans Solo in the Millennium Falcon out witting the Storm Troopers, and unable to accelerate the ship to light speed.

At the Mount Vernon exit, Nora announced each turn as if it was gospel to reach the target RV park.

As instructed Kevin turned right off the main road into a residential area, there were no signs for an RV park, however there were signs saying Dead End and No turnaround. Ut OH! Theresa called the RV park to ask directions. “Oh I dont know why the GPS took you there, you have to turn around and go further on the main street.” The RV with the tow is not allowed to back up, there was no way to turnaround with out disconnecting the Toad. The team worked quickly to detatch the toad, and perform a perfect Y turn in the 40 ft Smitanic. Theresa led the way to the RV park in the detached toad.

Relieved to have found the park the road weary warriors quickly set up the systems and had a chance to relax for a few moments before the task of groceries and dinner were discussed.

Theresa had spotted a CoOp grocery store not far from the park, surely that would have the essentials that they needed mainly wine and coffee cream. The area of town had a variety of eclectic stores including some cafes and a vintage record shop. The CoOp market had a nice wine selection so Kevin selected a few unknown reds that were reasonably priced. Theresa found some of the other items on the list then meant Kevin at the check out. There was a membership required for the CoOp unless you were a Senior (over 62) ! Sometimes age does have advantages! Check out complete and the goodies boxed up the two then walked back to the toad. 

Not wanting the mess of the grill for the one night stay, the Mexican Cafe across the street, that was recommended by the Park manager, was the dinner destination. 

More blog posts and picture uploads were done post dinner and then slumber in prep for a long day of driving!