[AZ-Observing] Re: Fun at Vekol

My encounter with the border patrol the same morning was not quite as 
exciting, but illustrates another facet of our relationship with the 
other inhabitants of southern Arizona's nocturnal landscape...

Upon leaving Las Cienegas around 5:00am I quickly came upon a Border 
Patrol checkpoint on highway 83.  As you would expect it was quiet at 
that time in the morning and I was somewhat worried that this experience 
would mirror a previous encounter when bored agents used my appearance 
to break their boredom with a complete vehicle search.

This time went a little more smoothly, the answers are well rehearsed 
"US Citizen, no passengers".  But to the question of  "Where are you 
coming from?"  I truthfully answered I had been out in the NCA for the 
night with a telescope.  At this point the line of questioning 
changed...  "A couple nights ago there was a flash in the sky that lit 
up the ground..."  I guess it should be no surprise that while manning a 
checkpoint all night these guys would get to see some of the strange 
things nature has to offer.  As an old hand of public presentation these 
answers are also well rehearsed, I explained about a meteor flash and 
that these were not that unusual and I had experienced several. I agreed 
with the agent that these things can catch you by surprise and startle 
anyone, if you know about them or not.  Satisfied with my answers, 
immigration and astronomical he waved me through as another vehicle 
pulled up.

Andrew

Andrew Cooper
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.siowl.com


Jon Christensen wrote:
> Three guys with automatic weapons jump out dressed in full combat camouflage 
> and helmets and they fan out before they start walking towards me.  Of course 
> I know they're patrolling the border but it is an interesting sight when you 
> know they're coming to visit YOU. 
>   




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