Crossed calm waters
Our first attempt at boondocking went without woe. We didn’t bother with the “raise shields” routine; the fog from three sentient beings blocked the view from the outside. Actually, by morning there were a number of other campers in the parking lot, which provided added anonymity. No visit from the local constabulary.
We were packed and parked in the ferry compound before the security deadline, as a small team of customs officials verified the bonafides of all assembled. Simple questions, meant to catch the interlopers out. We passed, and entered the ferry via a side loading door.
The MV Coho was launched in ‘59, according to the plaque and engraved bell. We stayed outdoors for the required ninety minutes, as pets are second-class. Warm, though. I believe the temperatures were up to 80F, as an unwritten requirement for Memorial Day weekend. We docked and were offloaded efficiently, leaving us to face round two of interviews with customs officials. Those people are certainly interested in visitors: “where are you from?”, “where are you going?”, how long will you be staying?”, “do you have any rice?”. Asked that last question, twice. Our only seized contraband was a bag of seedless grapes, and we received a reprimand about not bringing the emptied dog food bag along.
That holiday weekend thing meant that every site we contacted was already full. Sometimes, just showing up and being Canadian-friendly can reveal room, as it did with us at the KOA in Astoria, OR. The wifi is marginal, in terms of field strength, but we’re here and hooked up. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
