I was trying to economize on the price paid for diesel fuel, which I believe in much lower in the US than Canada, despite the current exchange rate, so I only partially filled my tank prior to heading to the border.
Traffic was light at the crossing I used, which was built only about 5 years ago. The guard I got was quite friendly, asked the usual questions and then said he had to have a look inside the trailer. I gave him the keys and he went to do his thing. He wasn't very long before he came back and said, "have a nice day." He didn't say anything about the expired NEXUS card I had passed him, along with my passport. I had been a little nervous about the process of crossing with the trailer, but it went smoothly.
Immediately after the border there was a gas station, but it was very busy, and not wanting to waste time waiting, I carried on, figuring there would be another one coming up pretty soon. Unfortunately that was not the case and my tank was getting rather empty. The next station I came across didn't sell diesel, but they told me about 15 miles further up the road there was one that did. It was a good thing it wasn't any further because I arrived there almost on fumes. Note to self, check on Gas Buddy where the gas stations are. In addition to running low on fuel, I was getting a warning that the diesel exhaust fluid was also running low. That was the first time for that warning with about 7,000 km on the truck. It is supposed to last between oil changes, but I guess towing makes it use more, or it wasn't totally filled up in the assembly line or pre-delivery inspection. The same station had DEF for sale, but I was uncertain exactly what I needed, so decided to wait until I could find a Ford dealer to get it from.
My first campground in the US was to be Cedar Haven Family Campground near Freeport, Maine. I had only reserved it the day before. I was told that the office would be closed because they were 7th Day Adventists, so I would find an envelope on the bulletin board outside the office door, which would have a map to my site and a receipt for my payment. Everything was in order as advised when I arrived. The trouble was this was a back in site, the road was a little narrow, the sites across from and next to mine were full, so there was not that much room to maneuver. Thankfully the park manager was around and offered to help me back in. He did so very excellently and I got parked on the first try, backing in at a 90 degree angle. The park is very nice, not too big, well treed and with a small pond. They have lots of sports equipment for the campers to use, unlike any place I have been previously, including pool tables, air hockey, horseshoes, tether ball, soccer and basket balls, paddle boats and kayaks, all included in the campsite fee. I enjoyed some kayaking and would have liked to play air hockey, but couldn't find a willing opponent.
Originally I was only going to be at this campground for one night but having not made sufficient bookings in advance, my plan to spend two nights in New York City fell through, so I stayed put for three nights. The second day I played a nearby golf course and went for a lobster dinner.
I have determined that PEI lobsters are better than Maine Lobsters, at least at this time of year, partly because as you can see the claw is not very full of meat. The following day I looked after getting the DEF for the truck (it took 5 gallons and cost about $20) and a few other shopping items as well as a fish sandwich for lunch on the pier in Freeport.
I've learned that it is important to make reservations well in advance during the busy summer season, in order to avoid being disappointed.
No comments:
Post a Comment