Nat,

You should have checked the Vanagon.com or Karl Bloss' recommended service
places for BC.  There are some good ones in there.  What part of BC did you
visit?

Sorry you had so much trouble.  Your experience with the US border
officials (Customs and Immigration) is not unusual.  They run a tough show
there.  When I went across this summer, lade with camping gear, they were
very suspicious because it was late at night and we had 2 sleeping kids.  I
stuck to my policy of being overly polite and friendly and it all worked
out.  In fairness to the officials, they have a very tough and important
job to do.

Kelly Bauman
Delta, BC
'91 Westy

At 13:45 16-11-98 -0800, Nathaniel Merrill wrote:
>My girlfriend and I took a trip into BC this weekend.  Had a good time
despite the downpour all day and night Sat and half of Sunday.   Also
despite losing the alternator  and being stranded on the highway, getting
towed (with dollies not a flat bed) which was a traumatic experience, and
paying retail for a new alt. ($240 Canadian).  The good part was being
towed to a service place (selected randomly) which was across the street
from a FLAPS which was open Sunday and had the alt in stock!  So we made it
out of Canada on Sunday as planned only to be stopped a the boarder by
customs.  As soon as we were close to the  booths I noticed them bring out
the Dog which they walked by us THREE times.  And only a few other cars on
the passes.  The last time the dog apparently paused and we were summarily
directed into the search bays.  Out of the vehicle, identification please,
open the doors to allow the dog to jump right  in (clean feet no doubt) on
top of all our stuff (sleeping bags, backpacks, clothes etc.)  As the dog
nosed around they looked underneath the westy.  They found nothing (because
there was nothing) and we were given our id's after a complete background
check no doubt.   So what are your rights at the boarder anyway?  None I
presume.  The dogs pause is all the cause they need to "check your Papers"
I am sure it was the Camper they targeted.
>Nat
>Seattle
>91 syncro westy
>
>