Road trip to Quebec musings

[JMAC]

We went into the old city of Quebec for 2 days of the Summer Festival. Driving up Route 201 in Maine I noticed that the 2 towns that looked like tough times were Jackman, the last town before the border, and the 1st Quebec town. This one I remembered as having a large lumber mill that on previous visits was real busy. The buildings were deserted and scavenged over.

The rest of Quebec, the small towns and then the city and old city, seemed to speak of good times. Lots of hustle bustle, big cranes over big new construction, and just about all the houses and businesses very well kept. I just saw a small slice, but it seems like things are going well up there. True?

...and it's harder to get back into the US than it is to get out of it....We were halfheartedly searched....had me open the trunk. Asked us all lots of questions...gave us the Clint Eastwood eye.... and let us in.

[Willin']

I believe winter (snow machines) is the big season in Jackman. Summertime, the main draw is rafting the Kennebec, which may not be that big a draw these days.

I was struck by the very cold reception we got at the US border after our last trip to Montreal 2 years back. The border patrol agents seemed to have lost any spark of warmth or humanity, not a very welcoming reception, even if they didn't search us. Used to be they'd act friendly in hopes of trying to trip you up and get you to admit you were carrying illicit susbstances/ weapons.

Now it's just scowls and frowns, as if that will deter Al Quaida.

[Garret]

Actually, my experience is that they are too busy being tough guys to be pleasant. Remember, they are protecting the vital interests of the US from those evil Canuckistan folks. Of course, anyone who'd think of visiting there is also suspect (they might be smuggling pate) & should be treated as guilty until proven innocent.

I know a guy who lives in Quebec & works in VT - thus commuting across the border 5 days/week. There used to be a windshield sticker that identified such people, but no longer. He has to get in the same line as everyone else & even though the agents all know him, he still has to show passport & get asked all the questions. Going back to Canada, the agents wave as he drives by.

[JMAC]

I considered buying Quail pate at the market in the lower city....jail time?

[Paul Pless]

Kat and I crossed both ways last week and despite the long lines the agents were kind, courteous and quick in both instances. Although the Canadian one wanted to know about Hell in some detail. . .

[Paul Pless]

I considered buying Quail pate at the market in the lower city....jail time?

It was duty free Cuban cigars for us.

[Garret]

I considered buying Quail pate at the market in the lower city....jail time?

Montreal is the closest real city for us (1/2 the time to Boston & 1/3 the time to NY) - so we go there often. The Atwater & Jean Talon markets have dozens of mouth-watering pates available & somehow (not sure how) some always seems to find its way into the bottom of our cooler as we head back.

Jail time? I doubt it - but hours of not-fun & probably a fine.

@ Paul: I'm not saying the US agents were unprofessional, just that they were unnecessarily aggressive in their attitude, especially when compared to the relaxed & friendly demeanor of the Canadian agents.

[Garret]

It was duty free Cuban cigars for us.

Not only duty-free, but illegal!

[Paul Pless]

doesn't that go without saying

[Garret]

doesn't that go without saying

Not to residents of countries that have a more sane foreign policy......

[Paul Pless]

I agree its a ridiculous state of affairs. I blame Obama.

You know what though, Cubans aren't cheaper than other cigars in Canada, and I can't taste any superior difference in them over my favorite non Cuban brands. . .

[Garret]

I agree its a ridiculous state of affairs. I blame Obama.

You know what though, Cubans aren't cheaper than other cigars in Canada, and I can't taste any superior difference in them over my favorite non Cuban brands. . .

I knew you would & doing so is only fair after all. I mean why not blame him for something Kennedy started?

I know I can't tell the difference between Cuban & other quality ceegars - but I'm no connoisseur.

[TomF]

.... Although the Canadian one wanted to know about Hell in some detail. . .

Closest thing he's had to a near death experience?

[Paul Pless]

Actually it was a she, and she was kinda hot in her bullet proof combat gear.

She was very sweet and saw our bikes and suggested some trails not near the touristy stuff.