What am I missing?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

We are going to need to go to Calgary sometime soon, maybe within the next month or so. TD's dad has lung cancer, and it has metastasized. Only problem is that the border is closed. He still has a Canadian passport, and I can go with him as his wife (according to Canada's web site). We would plan on driving, as we can get there in a day and minimize exposures to other people. Flying, we'd be exposed and many more people would be exposed to us.  We are going to be following Canada's law to the letter.   

There apparently is a list of hotels in Calgary that are set up where you can quarantine for the required 2 weeks. I figure if we get a suite, he could bring his laptop and monitor and still work. The hotel has a fridge and a microwave. Between these, we can probably make do with take out and some groceries. Laundry might be an issue, we'll figure that out later. My concern is our car, which will have WA plates on it. There have been reports of US cars getting vandalized. What we could possibly do is give the car to his brother to take to his home and put in his garage to protect it, as we'd have no need for it while we are waiting out our time at the hotel.

Our window of opportunity is short as we probably do not want to do this trip much later than mid September, as we'd be driving through the Canadian Rockies when the weather is starting to turn.  This trip is probably going to be about 3 weeks.  Canada is supposed to revisit the border closing on 8/21, so maybe things will change - but I'm thinking not.

We can board the problem children, that won't be an issue. Our vet's pretty good about the brats.

Am I missing anything?

[TheOtherMe]

Nephew had groceries and take out delivered.  

Some hotels have laundry facilities.  

I don't think the border will be open in the foreseeable future.  I hope I am wrong as I'd make a trip to Toronto.

[Deleted]

Park at the hotel and pull off the plates? 

[tskeeter]

Aug 12, 2020 16:56:56 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

We are going to need to go to Calgary sometime soon, maybe within the next month or so. TD's dad has lung cancer, and it has metastasized. Only problem is that the border is closed. He still has a Canadian passport, and I can go with him as his wife (according to Canada's web site). We would plan on driving, as we can get there in a day and minimize exposures to other people. Flying, we'd be exposed and many more people would be exposed to us.  We are going to be following Canada's law to the letter.   

There apparently is a list of hotels in Calgary that are set up where you can quarantine for the required 2 weeks. I figure if we get a suite, he could bring his laptop and monitor and still work. The hotel has a fridge and a microwave. Between these, we can probably make do with take out and some groceries. Laundry might be an issue, we'll figure that out later. My concern is our car, which will have WA plates on it. There have been reports of US cars getting vandalized. What we could possibly do is give the car to his brother to take to his home and put in his garage to protect it, as we'd have no need for it while we are waiting out our time at the hotel.

Our window of opportunity is short as we probably do not want to do this trip much later than mid September, as we'd be driving through the Canadian Rockies when the weather is starting to turn.  This trip is probably going to be about 3 weeks.  Canada is supposed to revisit the border closing on 8/21, so maybe things will change - but I'm thinking not.

We can board the problem children, that won't be an issue. Our vet's pretty good about the brats.

Am I missing anything?

When we have traveled for an extended period of time, we have used a variety of laundry strategies.  Some of which are not suitable for a quarantine situation.  

We’ve used laundromats in the neighborhoods where our hotel is located.

We’ve dropped off bags of laundry at the local laundry service.

We’ve had our hotel handle laundry for us.  (I assume that they outsourced the service to the local laundry).  Many larger hotels offer this service.  Even if your hotel doesn’t normally offer this service, your hotel may help you make similar arrangements.

We’ve even found that some hotels, especially those catering to folks needing longer term accommodations, have self service laundry facilities on site.

[haapai]

Tape something in every window and right next to the plate explaining that you are dutifully quarantining and exactly why you are making this trip? 

Get over the border ASAP because this isn't gonna get any easier?

Enter Canada because you can, drop him off at quarantine, and take the car back over the border?  Repeat when he returns? 

Agonizing over the lousiness of your options is not going to help.  Almost any plan that you make, as opposed to what you are forced to do, is going to be better than no plan at all. 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Aug 12, 2020 17:48:05 GMT -5 haapai said:

Tape something in every window and right next to the plate explaining that you are dutifully quarantining and exactly why you are making this trip? 

Get over the border ASAP because this isn't gonna get any easier?

Enter Canada because you can, drop him off at quarantine, and take the car back over the border?  Repeat when he returns? 

Agonizing over the lousiness of your options is not going to help.  Almost any plan that you make, as opposed to what you are forced to do, is going to be better than no plan at all. 

I'm not sure how I'm agonizing over the lousiness of our options.  I would like to make this as painless as possible for TD by covering all the bases as much as I can.  It's bad enough that he's looking at losing his dad (which IS lousy), I want to make sure that this is one of the things he does not have to worry about.

And FWIW.....I do NOT blame Canada in the least for imposing a quarantine.  


Enter Canada because you can, drop him off at quarantine, and take the car back over the border? Repeat when he returns?  Calgary is 600 miles, I can't drive 1200 miles without stopping.  I think that the most I have ever driven in a day is 800 miles.  

[CCL]

Aug 12, 2020 17:19:19 GMT -5 @shastasnewlife said:

Park at the hotel and pull off the plates? 

Wouldn't that get your car towed? It would around here and any place I've ever stayed.

[CCL]

What about when you come back? Surely you would be allowed, but I'd make sure I was prepared for any likely scenarios.

[ajmom]

I know a couple who are doing this in Canada very soon.  They aren't really going to be exactly  following the rules as you are doing, though, so kudos to you.  It sounds like a good. plan.  I would see if I could stash the car at the person's house so you don't have to worry about it. 

Just a gut feeling -- but if it were I -- I would do it asap as you don't know what the future will bring.  I'm so sorry about your relative's (?) cancer.  Best wishes on your trip.  Yes, safer to drive than to fly.

[giramomma]

Check with car insurance to see if your car gets vandalized...if that will be covered or not?

Maybe be prepared with a list of garages that will take your car and fix it in short notice in case your car gets vandalized and needs repairs?

[NastyWoman]

I would contact the hotel(s) directly and ask them about these things. Specifically whether stores nearby are willing to deliver groceries, what the options are for laundry since laundromats will be out and the hotel may not allow you to come out of your room to use their machines. And lastly I would ask about security. Maybe they have covered parking. 

I don't know but I am very much in the habit of just flat out asking what I need to know.

[TheOtherMe]

Nephew had to present a quarantine plan at border patrol.  They were only allowed to be in their building.  Laundry is in the basement and they were allowed to go there.

They could not leave their building.  They could leave the apartment.

[thyme4change]

Most hotels have a little room with a washer and dryer. You have to pay, but bring some detergent pods with you, and it should be easy. They are usually pretty small machines, but you won't be doing towels or sheets.

If you stay at a place like a Residence Inn or other places designed for longer-term stays, they will either have a laundry room for public use, or will have a suggestion for you. It is not unusual for people to stay at those things for a month - so they thought it through. I don't always check, but I have seen a room at just about every Courtyard I have stayed at.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

The problem is that if we are truly quarantined, going to the laundry room in a hotel should be out of the question.  Some laundry can be done in the sink, but some stuff just needs a washer.  When TD chooses a date and I find a hotel, I will hav3 to ask about the options.

I have heard about needing to present a quarantine plan at the border.  At that point, I will try to have as much set up as I can.  I am trying to get as close to FIL’s cancer center, so that if we need something we will have some help.  

I have no idea if we are even allowed outside if we remain at a distance.  The absolute last thing I would want to do is expose his family to something.....even not COVID.  

[thyme4change]

You can have it sent out.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Aug 13, 2020 10:13:49 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

You can have it sent out.

That’s what I’m thinking.  

[thyme4change]

I'm not sure where you are staying, but it looks like there are several places that will pick up your laundry, and bring it back to you all tidy. Of course, if you aren't leaving the hotel room, you could probably pack a bag with enough stuff to make it two weeks. 14 pairs of underpants, socks, etc. But you could probably get away with 7 t-shirts. You won't get that dirty. And that really isn't a lot to pack when you are driving.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I suspect the hotel will have either suggestions or services available.  There is a listing of hotels on a web site that you can choose from, so they are not unprepared.  Laundry services and take out/groceries are just basic services.  

I do want to find a suite hotel though, as TD will likely take his laptop, monitor and mountain of papers and books and work those 2 weeks.  I haven’t seen the dining room table since March!

[TheOtherMe]

Mich, nephew was allowed to be out of their apartment as long as they stayed in the building.  They did laundry at the laundry room in the basement of their building because washer and dryer could not be delivered until they were out of quarantine.

Food was left with concierge and they went to pick it up.

They were allowed to unpack their van full of all things baby and their work things, like computer and some books, before going in to quarantine.

They have not discussed the van, but they park overnight in an underground garage.  Now they can mostly walk to the things they need.

[mcsangel2]

To be clear, you are planning on doing the complete quarantine period first, properly? Because you literally would not be able to leave the premises during that period, not even to go see your FIL. 

I would also be very concerned about getting over the border in the first place. Your DH may have a Canadian passport, but they're going to question you when they see the WA plates. I have heard, generally speaking, it's easier to fly in than drive. I guess airport agents haven't been as strict as border control agents.

[Bonny]

The Walk of the Penguin Mich,

I've really got nothing to add other than I think you're over thinking the vandalizing threat. I know Calgary might be a little more "red" than other parts of Canada but you'll probably be fine. See if you can park somewhere at the hotel/motel that is near a camera if possible.

If the low risk of vandalism occurs, that's what your insurance is for.

Best of luck to you and my condolences to you and TD.

[weltschmerz]

Aug 12, 2020 21:37:07 GMT -5 ajmom said:

I know a couple who are doing this in Canada very soon.  They aren't really going to be exactly  following the rules as you are doing, though, so kudos to you.  It sounds like a good. plan.  I would see if I could stash the car at the person's house so you don't have to worry about it. 

Just a gut feeling -- but if it were I -- I would do it asap as you don't know what the future will bring.  I'm so sorry about your relative's (?) cancer.  Best wishes on your trip.  Yes, safer to drive than to fly.

I hope they get caught and heavily fined. Who do they think they are?

[NoNamePerson]

I am stunned into a complete catatonic stupor to read that Canadians would vandalize a vehicle. WTF is this world coming to?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Aug 13, 2020 13:30:52 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I am stunned into a complete catatonic stupor to read that Canadians would vandalize a vehicle. WTF is this world coming to?

Because some idiot Americans think that they do not need to comply with the rules.  

I’m not saying it is right, but they have Covid under control, we do not and this is how Canada has chosen to handle this.  It pisses me off that Americans cannot respect other country’s laws.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Aug 13, 2020 12:23:05 GMT -5 mcsangel2 said:

To be clear, you are planning on doing the complete quarantine period first, properly? Because you literally would not be able to leave the premises during that period, not even to go see your FIL. 

I would also be very concerned about getting over the border in the first place. Your DH may have a Canadian passport, but they're going to question you when they see the WA plates. I have heard, generally speaking, it's easier to fly in than drive. I guess airport agents haven't been as strict as border control agents.

Yes, we know this.  This is why I am trying to get input on what might be needed that I missed.  Quarantine for 2 weeks first, then see FIL.  That is why I said this would likely be a 3 week trip.
    
I have been reading everything out of Canada that I can get my hands on.  This is a humanitarian cause, we will have quarantine arrangements set up, and hospital info.....if necessary.  Canadian citizens can cross the border and so can their spouses.  

[anciana]

It sounds like you have thought through all the major stuff. Does TD's brother live close enough to help with laundry or groceries/food in case you get in a bind? Any other family close by? That would help if you can't get things organized at the hotel.

My condolences to TD and you, what a sad reason to be planning this trip and at such times.

[weltschmerz]

Aug 13, 2020 13:30:52 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I am stunned into a complete catatonic stupor to read that Canadians would vandalize a vehicle. WTF is this world coming to?

Canadians are vandalising cars with US plates in anger over border crossings to escape coronavirus

www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/coronavirus-us-canada-border-cars-covid-19-a9663516.html

[thyme4change]

Aug 13, 2020 13:30:52 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

I am stunned into a complete catatonic stupor to read that Canadians would vandalize a vehicle. WTF is this world coming to?

They spray paint the car with "Sorry - but you stink."

[mollyc]

Were you planning on travelling through BC to Alberta or straight up through AB?

I would guess BC to Calgary is shorter but I don't bother to know anything about travel between states so I could be wrong.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Aug 15, 2020 13:28:18 GMT -5 mollyc said:

Were you planning on travelling through BC to Alberta or straight up through AB?

I would guess BC to Calgary is shorter but I don't bother to know anything about travel between states so I could be wrong.

We'd go through BC since we would be coming from west of the Cascades.  We could go east and then shoot up north, but that's longer, adding about 200 miles to the trip but we would spend a shorter time driving through Canada.  We are only about 20 miles from Peace Arch.