I've heard the best bit of advice crossing the Kal ifornia border, besides having the obvious hidden under a pile of jackets, is when they ask how far or where are you coming from, or what's the furthest point east your coming from, just answer Phoenix, and so far 100% of the time they simply say ok, have a nice day. The main purpose of the inspection stations are protecting their very large cash crops, fruits & veges. They want to catch anyone having plants on them that can carry little bugs that wreak havock on this industry. A couple of years ago they were spraying whole towns with Malithion (sp.) to kill the Medfly. Even people's cars were getting slimed in the process. Good luck, stay cool... a good a/c system & don't turn off the car ever if they're inside & it's warm outside. Carry 3 sets of keys, one in the ignition, 1 in your pocket, 1 in the pocket of a friend traveling with you. Gary [Posted in FML issue 1275]