Accidental Tourist

[kelpie]

No, not the book. Me. I accidentally went to Canada today. You may wonder how this could be. I am in Port Huron MI and wanted to go downtown to look around. Area attractions book listed some sights down near the Blue Water Bridge. Couldn't find the listed names in my GPS so accepted Blue Water Bridge, reasoning that I could park, then find what I wanted. Followed directions on hwy to bridge, assuming it was road leading TOWARD bridge not directly TO it. Get to top, can't turn around. Ask customs guys, they say I have to cross to turn around. $3 each way. Get to Canadian side and explain that I'm there by accident. Have to pull into immigrations and go inside to get some form. Asked lots of questions but then Canadian officer (who looked younger than my children) told me that this happens all the time. Spent almost an hour waiting in lines and crossing bridge both ways. Of course, it's very stinking high also and I hate high bridges. If anyone is worried about terrorists sneaking into the country through Canada, rest assured that it will NOT be thru this point of entry. I'm quite certain no one is sneaking in or out at Port Huron MI. Rest of the day was great though and ended with s'mores and you all. Pics later.

[Bethers]

Kellie, I've crossed that bridge - know exactly what it's like. I'm sitting here laughing out loud. Love it. I did cross it intending to, but certainly understand how it could be done unintentionally.

Can't wait for your pictures. It's been awhile since I was there - actually haven't been there since I've had an rv. Going to have to rectify that one day (which my g/f up there keeps telling me!)

[HorizonSeeker]

I just called my traveling buddy Brenda and read her your story. We both had a great laugh! Only because we know if I had been there it would have certainly happened to me. My nickname is "turn around queen" because I get so focused on the road ahead I'm always having to turn around and go back to my missed turn. I must admit I've never accidentally crossed a border - yet. I did get on the wrong bus in Vientianne one time and had a strange and yet delightful overnight experience crossing the mountians of upper Laos. My defense is that if you only take the planned routes your whole life you die early and BORED!

[BarbaraRose]

When I was in Florida once to visit my girlfriend, I borrowed her car to go to Busch Gardens for the day. On the way back to Tampa, it started raining and as I was trying to find the wipers and headlight switch on her car, I missed the Tampa turnoff and ended up going all the way across the very loooonnng bridge to St Petersburg where I could finally turn around and go back over the very looooonng bridge back!

Another time, my mom and I were going up to Bayfield Wisconsin from Mpls and while chatting and not paying much attention to where I was, I was finally alerted to a sign that said "Welcome to Michigan"! Guess I missed a turnoff somewhere! We were only 2 hours off course! We just laughed about it and turned around. I told my mom that now she can say she's been to Michigan!

[Bethers]

One of the great things about rving full-time, is I don't often have to claim I went the wrong way - just changed my mind about where I wanted to go

Love all the stories of turning around. Great.

[avalen]

One of the great things about rving full-time, is I don't often have to claim I went the wrong way - just changed my mind about where I wanted to go

Love all the stories of turning around. Great.

hey, remember, women are allowed to change their mind, its almost expected

[BarbaraRose]

I just tell people I took the scenic route!

[bluepinecones]

Love the turn around stories too.
Barbie - That giant bridge across Tampa Bay is called the Sunshine something or other and was almost cause for divorce at one time because there was no way to turn around before you get to other side.

[BarbaraRose]

The first thing I did when I realized I couldn't turn around, was to look at the gas guage! Don't want to run out of gas on that bridge!