Normally, i am a big believer in the concept that the trip there can be as much or more fun than the actually destination, but here's how this one went...
So, took the day off of work on Friday, had reservations at the Huntsville, AL Space and Rocket Museum for the traveling Star Wars Exhibit.
Last minute emergency, the woman my mother does animal rescue with was put in the hospital, had to have a kidney taken out. The dog was going to stay with her, but she was suddenly overwhelmed by what she had, no place to keep her. Change of plans, headed over to Amanda's brother's to drop off the dog, running late.... plus the girls left some stuff at home.. had to detour back to the house, get their stuff, finally on the road. An hour late....
About 35-40 mins. from home, exit I-24, South Pittsburgh/ Kimball exit, coming up to speed, left hand lane, alongside an 18 wheeler on the right.... I noticed what appeared to be a piece of debris, coming up from the wheels of the tractor portion, spinning FAST in the air. In a fraction of a second, my brain realized it was A BIG ASS ROCK that was aimed right at the driver's side of the windshield. I swerved quickly to the left, the rock nailed the passenger side, powdering the entire right side of the windshield. If it hadn't been for the tint strip Amanda had installed on the windshield, which was tweeked, and splintered on the lower edge, we think it would have come through.
Pulled off, collected thoughts, contacted insurance company (Had just upgraded the insurance on the Jetta a little over a week ago... including free windshield replacement)... Allstate said to park the car at home, and that they would have it replaced at the house. Turned around, drove home, called the space museum, bumped our tickets to a later time. Got home, transferred all the crap to the tighter fit of the Golf, Left out, now almost noon.
Got to the museum, had a great time, the Star Wars exhibit had a lot of cool stuff from all 6 of the movies on display, moved quickly so we could see the whole thing, left out right at five, stuck in traffic forever in Huntsville Rush Hour. Girls are hungry, wanted to stop for dinner, got off the freeway, making a u-turn to get in the parking lot, heard something scuff at the rear. Dismissed it as a high spot (The golf is about 2" lowered, plus three girls and stuff crammed in the trunk).
Ate dinner, left for the gas station, turning into the parking lot, drug bottom again, Amanda laughed, said "We probably have a damned flat tire",,,ha ha ha....
We did.
Change the tire, two large, self-tapping screws.... only in the right rear tire .....in a light rain.... now, maybe the white linen shirt wasn't the best idea... Back on the road, got to Nashville late, hid out at her mom's house for the day Saturday, patched a tire, holding my breath for the trip back, hope that will turn out a little better.....
