Goodbye to Smith Rock Oregon but not to friends made …. And a little rant on US Customs.

So I am headed out of Smith Rock and up to Mt Rainier to make reservations for our high camp and get climbing permits for our team.

Smith Rock has been great not so much for the climbing, which is stiff, but for the friends I made. I met up with a great crew that ranges from James (Calgary, AB), Julia (Vancouver, BC) and Joleen (Vancouver, BC) to Ryan (Waco, TX). James, Ryan and I are all on extended road trips while Julia and Joleen are long weekend warriors.

I had to put in this parting shot of the crew after our departure dinner, courtesy f Julia. Luckily we all have plans to hook up in Squamish in June. Good Times!!

A brief rant – Legally you only need a valid photo ID to drive or walk across the US/Canadian border until 2007. I know this because I mistakenly left my passport at home. Armed with only my driver’s license, I have crossed the border twice now. Both sides get frustrated with me for not having my passport but I explain and remain patient while I go through the process. My observation is this; the Canadian officials are thorough and concerned but polite and consistent vs. the US officials who are not as thorough or concerned and very arrogant and rude.

I do not like that visitors to my country are belittled upon entry. We can maintain safe borders and still be polite and welcoming. After all we are a country of visitors just ask the reservations full of natives that I passed in Utah and Arizona.

These are my own personal observations and some comments from others.