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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I packed my backpack in a large duffle bag. Checked
it. When I got to my destination (the beginning of my
pilgrimage), I removed my backpack and mailed the duffle bag ahead to
the Post at Santiago for use on my return trip. The duffle bag was large enough
to handle the additional items that I gathered along the way (little gifts etc.
that I purchased fro my grandchildren et.al.) </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV>I was searched re-entering the States last time because my pack smelled
like fruit to the cute little produce-sniffing dog!</DIV>
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<DIV>Deanna<BR><BR><B><I>"Jilek, Glenn"
<Glenn.JilekaFHWA.DOT.GOV></I></B> wrote:</DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=133482912-30082004>That's an interesting idea. I too was worried
about all the dangly things hanging from my backpack that might get caught
in some conveyer belt or other machine, but thought I had to check it
because of some sharp or suspicious things in it.
</SPAN></FONT><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=133482912-30082004>I was concerned with stuff that wouldn't pass
security (I recently had my fingernail clippers taken away at O Hare in
Chicago). I guess any thing that might not pass security (cork screw,
knife, scissors, etc.), you could package along with your trekking poles and
check them.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=133482912-30082004></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN class=133482912-30082004>I
have never flown into London, but have traveled to Amsterdam, Paris, and
often into Frankfurt....customs checks were very light to almost none
existent at those airports. There was not even anyone there to check
customs this spring in Frankfurt Rhein/Main after the Pass Control.
Entering the US is quite another story however...A couple of years ago we
flew back into Cincinnati. My partner and I were asked if we bought
any chocolate--simultaneously I said no and she said yes. That
discrepancy was enough to have us sent into another line for a complete
check of our baggage. Yes we did have chocolate, which I had forgotten
that we bought. They didn't confiscate it, but the search caused
stress and delay.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
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