Monday, June 28, 2010

Holland, MI

Yeegads - Google Maps said it would take 4 hours to get to Holland from Strathroy, but it took 9! That didn't include the 2 h wait at the border, including a very friendly yet overly thorough border guard, or a 30 minute detour because we missed a key turnoff. But still, we are clearly not going to 'make time' on this trip.

So about the border. It was fine, but the wait was long. On top of that, we picked the wrong line (isn't that always the way?) For every two cars that go through other lines, our line advanced by one. The border guard was very friendly and took his job very seriously. For example, he inspected our fruit. Then we had a very long conversation about dog food - how much did we have, was it in its original packaging, did it contain lamb? Then he talked to us about how real birth certificates were better than photocopied (no matter what the homeland security website states). He was very interested in our dog, and spent a bit of time talking to him. He was concerned about how long the lineup was and encouraged us to use the Welcome Centre to give the dog some water and a pee break. I could feel ire of the people in line behind us. 15 minutes later we were on our way - the wrong way as it turned out but we fixed that alright.

Arrived at 8 pm in Holland and had an awesome pork kebob supper with my dear university friend and her family. Spent all day yesterday along the Michigan shore and enjoyed the sandy dunes. Last night we had a cook out and DD1 and my friends 6 year old enjoyed playing the waves while DD2 and my friends' 3 year old played in the sand. Picturesque and very relaxing.

For the first time in 5 years, DH and I both got to sleep in as all 3 kids slept past 8. I don't think I have ever felt so refreshed in the morning!

More beach time today. Got groceries to stock up on the trailer as we leave tomorrow to camp our way to Regina.

Having trouble loading pics but will try again later.

2 comments:

  1. We're flying out today. We will have a long day ahead of us, too. 5 and half hour flight, 2 1/2 hour stop over, then another hour flight to Nanaimo. We get there at 5:45 BC time, but by the time we get our luggage and to the inn, it will be about 9:30 our time, so a late first night for the kiddies. We'll try and convince them to sleep on the plane.

    Sorry the border crossing was so long. Hope things pick up speed a bit for you!

    Laura

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  2. Wow, at the rate you're going, you will only make it to WInnipeg! HOpefully the travel time will drops somewhat so you hit your destinations when planned! DO you have a breast pump? When we travelled with our first born to NOva Scotia...my plan was to plug the pump into the lighter with the adapter we bought, and then immediately feed the baby from a bottle while still driving. Unfortunately, as you know, the bay would NOT drink from a bottle so it didn't work, but if we had a baby that would take a bottle, it would have worked brilliantly to keep on schedule and not have to stop for feed!
    By the way, this is grad school friend...calcanius was one of my favorite words in medical school so I used it for my livejournal username when I used to check my med school friend's blog!

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