Almost a catastrophe

We left Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway to Calgary where we picked up Highway 2 to go into the US and to Glacier National Park.  At the international border it is a small crossing with very little traffic.  When we arrived they had 1 of 3 lanes open.  Only one of the lanes did not go under the building and it was closed.  From the picture below you can see the lanes off to the left and in the upper portion of the picture.  This picture shows 2 lanes with vehicles in them.  The height posted on the overhang was 13 feet 1 inch, which is right around the measurement I did when we first got the trailer.  Before entering the overhang I waved towards the US officials to get their attention and they seemed to acknowledge me but did not indicate I could go to the outside lane, AND THEY DO NOT WANT YOU TO EXIT YOUR VEHICLE!  I moved slowly towards the window and when I got within speaking distance I told them of my concern.  They checked their cameras and looked up and finally decided I should not proceed forward.  I started to get out to make my own check and was told to STAY IN THE VEHICLE.

OK, so they clear our passports, but we have to do an agriculture inspection of the trailer, and I have to back up to move on.  An official comes out and clears all the vehicles behind me.  Now I have to back my trailer and truck through an opening that is just a hair wider than the mirrors on the truck, using only my mirrors.  From the picture you may see there are structures about 20 feet back from the overhang.  These have the signs on them to stop there, etc.  This is what I had to clear in my backing.  Fortunately the wheels were straight on the truck and I slowly reversed trying to keep them straight while watching sides and back.  I almost lost my mirrors but quickly noticed and retracted them to clear the signs.  Fortunately I was able to accomplish the task and gained significant confidence in my backing ability.

 

After I cleared the structure I proceeded to the outside lane, which they now had opened, and over to the Inspector.  I was asked questions about food we had in the trailer and was told an inspection would be needed.  Again I was told to REMAIN IN THE VEHICLE and she asked Fran to accompany her.  I guess I just have a criminal look.