Another crisp morning. This morning was much earlier. With Tim Horton’s coffee we went in search of a train station. We arrived where GPS had instructed us to go and we found the train and a whole lot of tracks. We were in the wrong place. Heather the brains of our operation was ready with new directions. As I was driving out a train operator was ready to answer my questions. I claimed the lost American making the wrong turn in Albuquerque again. He said many people ended up where we were. He was so friendly and helpful with easy to follow directions. He said this was our train and he would meet us at the station.

Today’s adventure Agawa Canyon Tour Train. It is a 112 miles one way, then they move the engines and take us back another 112 miles.

When the train first started in this area the train conductors would use the train’s horn. They quickly found out that the moose 🫎 were attracted to the sound. The train’s conductors once seeing the moose on the tracks would attempt and stop if at all possible. The moose found the train to be a formidable opponent and stood his ground. Many different horn sounds were tried until settling upon a non attractive horn. During one train with an experimental horn sound, the train encountered a moose 🫎 who seemed entirely combative with the train. The moose would not move with the train’s crew trying to make as much noise as possible. They had to eventually use the train to gently as they could push the moose until he ran off. That experimental sound was immediately scrapped. Occasionally at certain mile markers, passengers have seen moose 🫎. Fortunately for the train’s occupants and the moose 🫎 it is not a common problem fighting the wildlife on the tracks.

We made it. It’s a pretty full train. Heather and I moved to accommodate two college age students who are sisters. Their parents found other available seats. One of sisters was attending college working on her PHD in physics. We talked for a while and thankfully their parents found a different car where they could sit all together. Now Heather and I can sprawl out. We did enjoy the conversation and they were excited for us in having fun in our travels.

The train ride was smooth and very scenic. The announcements on upcoming picturesque views were very much appreciated.

We made it to the Agawa Park where we had a clear hour and a half to do whatever just be back on time or it’s a 112 mile walk back. Heather was le chef 🧑‍🍳 and had prepared a feast consisting of three peanut butter sandwiches made with her new favorite Kraft smooth peanut butter. She packed us two bottles of H2O and some Cheese Its. A partial bag of oatmeal cookies and we called it lunch. Our table was set in great weather and le chef dined with me. Ohh the goobers tasted even better with the clean air and the ambiance of our amazing surroundings. God has blessed us and touched our hearts over and over on this wonderful journey.

We took a brief stroll around the park. Captured some great photos and returned to our rail car in plenty of time. The warning horn sounded (luckily no moose 🫎 came a running) and off we went. We hope everyone made it back safely cause no headcount was made. An announcement was made someone found an Epee Pen in the park. Then, thirty minutes later they were looking for Mary. Another hour passed, still looking for Mary. A little while later a train steward came through our car asking if there was a Mary here. Nope, no Mary. I think Mary was either left at the park or possibly had her name on the Epee Pen and lost it on a different day. Poor Mary, she is now famous for the mystery.

It’s another four and a half hours back. We are excited to see new views of the same scenery with the sun hitting different spots on the backdrops.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the cabins located in remote areas along the railroad path. Some built on the many lakes in seemingly impossible places. It was to everyone’s amazement when we passed a large lake with a single small boat on it. There was a man standing in his boat holding a sign that said “HI.” Simple but effective communication. Our whole car discussed his preparation and commitment to this welcome gesture. There were several others in this secluded path standing proudly and waving as we passed through their viewpoints. I found this to be very uplifting, adding to the value of this experience. Thank you to all who have shared your time enhancing our day and may you continue to blessed in yours. Keep waving especially the man on his porch giving us the international sign of Peace.

Sorry to Blog this Event. I feel it necessary. We made it back to Sault Ste Marie Canada just before 6 p.m. Heather and I decided to cross the International Bridge to the American side. We were heading into Michigan to eat dinner at Applebees. We crossed the bridge and had our passports ready. We pulled up to the Border Patrol and he asked for our passports. I handed both of them to the Border Guard and he asked if we were now living in Canada. I said no we were traveling across after our cruise ship docked in Quebec City. He scanned my passport and all sorts of alarms went off! He looked at me and started talking in code and instructions over his radio. He asked about the car being a rental and I said yes it was. All sorts of guards came hurriedly out and one had a tire stop stick.

It was getting real way too quick. I kept my hands up and the guards told me to follow them around to a parking area and exit the car. I gave them the keys and we were instructed to go into a certain door and have a seat. I could hear them talking about my name being common and I wasn’t the person they were looking for. Wrong race.

I informed them of our travel plans and where we were going. He told me how lucky I was they didn’t pull me out of the car and slam me to the ground. I said thank you for not hurting this old man. I told them I was a veteran and a corrections supervisor retired from the State of Texas. I haven’t done anything wrong and am glad nothing serious happened! They told me my passport will be flagged for a while due to me having a common name. I asked how do I proceed now. I was told to inform any Border Agent that I have a common name before handing the Border Agent my passport. I asked about entering by train from Vancouver when we do return to the U.S. and he said he was unfamiliar with that procedure. The car was searched. They let us go and I am still shocked and shaken from this ordeal.

Heather and I went on and ate. We then returned to Canada via the same bridge. We waited 30+ minutes to get to the Border Agent on the Canadian side. Now worried about what was next. The Officer asked appropriate questions for entry and wished us safe travels. Wow! The world has changed and I pray that when Heather and I do cross back into our Citizenship Country we can do so without threat, aggression, or intimidation. The words this Agent used will stick with me forever. I am grateful the original Agent proceeded with restraint and did not assault anyone.