Border Patrol, Moose and Bears, OH MY!

Border Patrol, Moose and Bears, OH MY! The title of this post gives away the wildlife we saw today, just not in that order. Starting at the end, we saw a lovely black bear somewhere in the middle of the Yukon Territory. He was sitting along the side of the road. So, I asked Mike to pull over and let me take a few pictures. The bear behaved perfectly. He posed nicely behind a tuft of tall grass. He peered over the tips looking at me. I snapped several shots before the bear decided to move. He slowly meandered down the hillside towards the car. I was able to snap many pictures as he came closer and closer. He got as close as the end of the U-Haul trailer before Mike decided he was a little too close. Personally, I think he could have gotten as close as the passenger’s door before it was too close.

Later down the road, we spotted several of moose grazing along the side of the road. Moose are amazingly conniving animals. They may want you to think that they are slow and awkward animals. Boy, do they have us fooled! You see this is how it goes. They see you several yards before you ever get to them. Then, just as you get close and you least expect it; they dart in front of your car. This is their wicked attempt to make you swerve and run off the road into a frozen pond or into a large spruce tree. Of course, you can outsmart them, as Mike did. You slow down before you get to them and then come to a complete stop to take pictures. This completely confuses the moose. They don’t know what to do. Do they stay on the side of the road? Do they run? Well, these moose decided to stand in the middle of the road so that you can’t go around them. So, in reality, even when faced with a challenge, the moose will come up with a devious plan to throw you into confusion.

After seeing one bear and four moose, we encountered our last of the wildlife for the day. It was a Border Patrol Agent. In these terroristic times, Border Patrol Agents have become increasingly cantankerous. So, the advice to anyone entering into the United States from a foreign country is the following:
ONLY get out of your vehicle if you are asked.
NEVER take pictures of Border Patrol Agents. I’m not sure why this is a rule. They must be camera shy.
Be as concise as possible when answering their questions. Questions can consist of:
* What brings you to the United States?
* Is this your car? How much did you pay for it?
* Are you carrying any firearms or explosives? If so, what do you intend to do with the gun? Do you have any plans for murder or assassination?
* When is the last time you had a shower? If it’s been more than 24 hours, they give you a bar of soap and a towel.
* What did you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner on March 14th? If you can’t remember, please pull off to the side so that they can inspect your vehicle, trailer and pets.
Don’t look suspicious. This includes:
*No smiling.
*Speak with a southern accent. No one from the south is dangerous.
*Don’t look like you are having a good time.

Mike and I passed the border crossing test with flying colors and we were in Alaska! We have arrived in Tok for the night. We will drive 200 miles to Fairbanks tomorrow. I will keep the blog going as we experience new things in our new home.

We thank God for all He has done to bring us here. We are honored that He would give us this opportunity. Thank you for your prayers during this trip. We truly cherish you.

God bless!
Mike and Kristie

Welcome to Alaska!!!! We made it!!!!

Black bear in Yukon Territory.

The bear hides behind some grass.

The black bear comes to see the Calvin's.

A black bear looks at the Calvin's

Moose looking innocent

Sneaky, Conniving Moose