Day #20: Hello USA

Just down the Richilieu River is the US/Canada border. Thanks to the Seven Years' War (1756-1763)--aka the French and Indian War--the boundary between New York, Vermont and Quebec is set at the 45th parallel. In the above picture Nellie's GPS reports our lattitude as 45° 16'. Since 1' equals 1 nautical mile (nm), we're 16 nm north of the border. However, there's always a "however", all signatories to the peace treaty agreed to abide by the survey markers which are close, but not exactly on, the 45th parallel.

US Customs and Border Patrol encourages boaters to use its ROAM app to expedite the check-in process. An hour before crossing the border I fired up the app, answered the usual questions and then crossed my fingers. I received a pre-clearance number quickly but then waited for a CBP agent's review. About 15 minutes later the app instructed us to stop at Rouses Point and check-in. Oh well. What piqued CBP's interest was my answering "yes" to the app's question about there being any meats, vegetables or fruits aboard. Face to face we copped to having all three. The nice, young agent said it wasn't a problem and sent us on our way. In the end, it took longer to dock the boat than to clear-in.

Tonight we're on a mooring in Point Au Roche State Park, NY. The GPS says 44°46', which is 14nm, give or take, south of the border.

43 miles today, 489 miles in 2019 and 8728 from Naples. DBH