Woodworking vacation #2: Off to a rough start

Well day one of my grand adventure did not go so well. Just got past Hope, Arkansas (for those not in know—that’s President Bill Clinton’s hometown)——going along nicely making good time. Then WHAMO – I got hit from behind. Mind you I was going just at 70 on cruise control! Guy behind me fell asleep (noon) and I guess he hit the gas and ran right into me – I saw him at the very last second in my mirror but had no time to do any evasive actions. Pushed the rear bumper into both tires, blew out the back window, buckled the two back doors (one does not open), buckled the quarter panels, the back hatch opens—- but does not close properly, the trim inside is way out of whack, the inside storage compartment is whopper jawed now. I don’t know if they will total it out, but I’m guessing they will.

I think the bumper rubbing against the tires actually acted like a brake to help me slow down. I did not loose control of the car – but was able to steer it onto the shoulder. The tires did not blow out so that was a blessing.

I am quite sore and stiff already and have a headache. I’m not sure if that is from the impact or the tension and being scared. I didn’t know I could shake that much. The young man that hit me was not hurt although his car doesn’t look so good. He was a very nice young man, clean cut, college kid on his way to a summer internship. I feel bad for him = he also got a ticket for wreckless driving – that will hurt.

I managed to remember that I had my camera and did snap a few pictures of the damage. I can’t post them here because most show license plate numbers and I don’t know how to shadow them out.

I had to have the car towed and then the tow truck driver was nice enough to drive me back to Texarkansas to rent a car. I’m driving on toward Kentucky – but have obviously stopped for the night. I’ll have to decide in the morning if I’m up to going forward or if I should go back home or stay put in the hotel. I’ve got another 500 miles to go that seems like a lot right now. I must admit that I’m concerned about the standing and other activities the class will entail, but we’ll see how I do in the morning. I’ve got a lot invested in the class and sure don’t want to have to back out of it.

All in all not the best start to a vacation. But cars can be replaced (although that one was paid off!) and while I’m sure I’ll be sore and stiff for a few days – I think I’ll be okay. Just pray that I avoid back spasms from the ordeal. My back is not in great shape to start with and back spasms would not help one bit. I guess I’m a bit of a delicate flower as well—- standing in the sun after the accident – I got a sunburn!

I’m trying to a have a good attitude about all this—- but I’m sure I’ll probably be mad tomorrow – especially if I can’t go on the rest of the trip. Wish me well.

-- Betsy - There is no strength where there is no struggle