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Subject:Canadian border/was police searches
From:Nathaniel Merrill
Date:Mon, 16 Nov 1998 13:45:41 -0800

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

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