I was all prepared for a hassle at the border, but when you have all your papers in order, it's pretty easy.

We went up I-81 through the Thousand Island region of NY (quite beautiful) to Canada.

Presented our tattoos - I mean papers - answered a few questions, and was passed through.

Oh well, better duckbite next time. *sigh*

Well, since we had a "visa" in Canada that expired, we zipped down to NH to pick up enough paperwork to satisfy the bureaucrats in Canadian immigration. We ended up spending a week in NH, at a cost of about $1,000. Thank you very much, butthead bureaucrats!

Going through Lancaster, Littleton, Bethlehem, Concord ("CONcud"), Portsmouth, Manchester ("MANchestuh"), and Keene; the overwhelming impression is how difficult it will be for us to decide where to land.

While in Keene, we met with Dada_Orwell, Kat, and her husband. All FSP members. After spending 3 hours in their home, Jean and I left invigorated and recharged. It's amazing how much you get reinforced by like minded people.

Tomorrow, we get to face Canadian customs and immigration again. We have all our papers in order, but will our 2 day tardiness in leaving last time hurt us? Why is it such a hassle for us to go there?

It's not 9/11. We're clearly NOT terrorists. They're simply 1)afraid we're going to use some of their government services, or 2) irritated that we didn't tug our forelocks, and actually leave Canada precisely on time.

Currently, we're in Watertown, NY. Looks like a decaying city, quite depressing downtown. The hotel we're staying in has many pictures of about 100 years ago when this was a happening place.

Lots of those buildings are still here, looking much the worse for wear. Lots of lower-end housing near Fort Drum. Lots of camouflaged soldiers walking around.

Well, with luck, we'll be in Canada tomorrow. If not. WTF?