U.S. Border Agents Took Our Drone… Here’s What Happened

Border crossing lead-up (food + van routine)

• They are about 5 miles from the US border after traveling 10,000+ miles through Canada and Alaska.
• They clean up the van, handle nerves, and prep for inspection.
• Before crossing, they discuss:
  • keeping the car organized
  • having food ready for declaration
• While waiting in line, they mention: turn engine off.

What they had to declare (and what agents asked about)

They were asked specifically about produce/meat items, including:

• Lettuce, onions
• Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
• Carrots
• Eggs
• Frozen chicken
• Potatoes
• Homemade granola bars

They also indicate they have:

• No dogs / no live animals

Travel/queue realities + gas stress

• They wait in a slow, backed-up line.
• They almost run out of gas after misjudging timing and choosing not to fill right away.
• They rely on having a gas can (they cite 5 gallons as backup), but ultimately they make it to a station.
• Gas is expensive (about $4.59/gal).

Secondary inspection + drone confiscation

• Agents perform agriculture checks and discuss searching/sniffing procedures.
• The biggest complication: they are questioned about having a drone.
• They have a DJI Air2S drone.
• They’re told to take the drone inside with them so an officer can assess it.
• During secondary inspection:
  • they leave the key on the dash
  • they receive instructions regarding windows/van access
  • the drone is taken and held for a while (they estimate ~20–30 minutes, plus additional waiting time)
  • the officer asks for their phone number and email to check DJI account/registration details (they’re not sure why)
  • they eventually receive a stamp / clearance

They note the experience felt unusual because it was the first time they’d been asked about a drone at a border crossing.

After clearing the border

• They celebrate getting through and drive on once the drone is returned and the paperwork/stamp is complete.
• They quickly push toward Seattle.

Seattle highlights (parking + food + attractions)

• They arrive in Seattle and struggle to find parking for their larger van.
• They park for a 2-hour max spot and spend time walking around.

Bucket list stop: the original Starbucks

As described in the video, they learn:

• Reservations are required (not available online)
• they are booked out for the day
• there is a standby line, but it’s expected to be a long wait (at least ~2 hours)

Waterfront/market area

They explore the waterfront/market-style area and enjoy snacks and coffee, trying items such as:

• brownie bites
• cookie dough with pistachio milk

They also mention briefly losing track of the van location.

Boondocking plan + “quiet evening”

• They decide to leave Seattle due to traffic and cultural-shock intensity.
• They find a boondocking spot with a nearby trailhead.
• They use an America the Beautiful pass and hang it in the window (so they don’t pay).
• For dinner, they keep it simple:
  • salad and tuna salad
  • they note they didn’t really plan ahead

Morning routine: “egg in a basket / egg in a hole” + induction notes

• The next morning, they cook egg in a basket / egg in a hole (with multiple names mentioned).
• They comment on cooking with an induction cooktop:
  • heats very fast
  • is initially challenging because they’re not used to it

Final travel note: smoke / fires + continuing toward Idaho

• They encounter significant wildfire smoke in Washington, with air quality described as very poor.
• They mention fires across the broader region (around Spokane / Oregon area, as referenced).
• They pass through/arrive in Idaho and look forward to getting Mr. Lemon next week.

Notable locations, products, and people (as mentioned)

Locations

• US border (Peace Arch area), Port of entry
• Seattle
• Pike Place Market (mentioned)
• Washington
• Oregon
• Idaho
• Boondocking area with a trailhead

Travel/parks

• America the Beautiful pass

Drone/product

• DJI Air2S

Food items

• Fruits/vegetables: lettuce, onions, berries, carrots, potatoes
• Eggs
• Frozen chicken
• Homemade granola bars

Other key characters

• Mr. Lemon (to be picked up in Idaho)
• Craig & Victoria (named in a “show” mention)