The international borderline between the US and Canada
meanders through Estcourt Station, Maine. Sometimes the border is on one side
of the street, and sometimes the other. Homes are cut in half by it. And
properties. Bedroom on one side of the border, and vegetable garden, the other.
What is life like in Estcourt Station, Maine?
For starters, let's say that you wish to go somewhere.
Somewhere besides the Great North Woods. You need hardware or groceries.
They have those things. In Pohenegamook, on the Canadian
side. So, you check in with the Canadian border guard booth nearby. Then you do
your bit of shopping. Hopefully you speak French. And have Canadian money.
After shopping, you check back in at the US crossing station
about a half mile down the other way, toward the North Woods. A little
annoying, but doable.
However, these are not 24/7 crossings. Not by a long shot.
They are open from approximately 9 AM to 5PM on weekdays. That's it.
So, what is one to do on an evening? Stay home? Watch
movies? That's about it. You can fish or hike in the woods, of course. Go
hunting when that is in season.
But not leave the USA. Not until 9 am on a week day that's
not a French Canadian or American holiday.