After leaving Hammond, IN we drove to Holly, Michigan not far from Flint (and, No, we didn't drink the water). We stayed in a KOA Kampground which was barely open for the season. OK, but nothing to write home about. Today we drove to Niagara Falls, New York through southern Ontario, Canada. We plan to spend the day tomorrow exploring the Falls and surrounding areas.
Now to the point of "Voyage Home, Phase 1.5" I didn't plan to post again until we reached home but I have to report on an incident today that was nearly the unraveling of Vanessa. When we reached Canadian customs in Port Huron, Ontario, I was asked if I had any weapons, including tasers, mace or pepper spray. Always telling the truth, I admitted to having pepper spray. We were quickly escorted to the inspection area where we were told to vacate Vanessa and stand well to the side and front. She was then subjected to a full cavity search by two male agents for over 20 minutes. After confiscating the pepper spray, we were told we could leave. But the damage was done! She had a distinct air of humiliation on the way here today having suffered such an indignity. All seems better tonight, but I doubt she will ever venture into Canada again.
Odometer passed 11,100 miles today with Sedgwick, Maine only 712 miles away. We should touch down in 3 or 4 days.
It is so sad to hear of Vanessa being violated this way. But this must be in the Border Agents Handbook. My son returning from Mexico declared the 'ham sandwich' that his wife had obtained in the airport before their departure. They were also hurried to a holding area and read the riot act on bring 'pork' into the country by the US Customs Agent at the St Louis Airport. We were all happy that they didn't 'pump' her stomach to retrieve what she had already consumed. It may be necessary for you to get Vanessa some help from the medical community to deal with this. Christine is still in therapy.
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