BIRD TALK

Dear Bird Talk,
We crossed the border at Sarnia/Port Huron recently and encountered a very unusual procedure.
At the U.S. CBP station, we were asked a few questions and then allowed to proceed. However, before we drove more than two car lengths, we were stopped by a very large white pickup truck which blocked our way. The driver indicated that we should follow him. The same thing occurred at the other six stations, including the NEXUS lane. We fell into a line, were led to a large parking area and told that our vehicles were to be X-rayed. We were asked to park bumper-to-bumper, turn off our vehicles, leave the keys in the ignition and our cellphones and other personal items in the car. We walked about 200 feet and stood and watched as a very large white truck moved slowly along the line of vehicles. After standing in the cold and wind for about 10 minutes, we were allowed to return to our vehicles and continue on our journey to Florida.
The experience was never threatening, but it was unnerving. And, given the weather and the lack of shelter, we felt that the procedure could have been more comfortable.
Don’t be surprised if you see a large white pickup truck in your future.
Marilyn and Gary H.,
Ontario

Response:
Ed.: This is a new procedure to us. My guess is that the border was on high alert and looking for something specific. Don’t be nervous when these things happen; it is just part of the everyday issues of crossing into a foreign country.