After two days of chillin’ in Naples, we hit the road this morning heading North along the Florida West coast. A lovely day, the sun was shining and the Journey purred along the highway.
Then it happened! Out of nowhere, we were attacked by a vicious “Gator”.
The truck in front of us ran over a large piece of a truck’s tire laying on the road, throwing it right in front of us. It was a split second and there was no where to maneuver even though I tired to move as far to the right as I could, but the Journey’s left front wheel hit it.
As we ran over the about six foot long piece of rubber, I heard it bounce underneath the Journey and then saw it being thrown out the side as the rear wheels ran over it. I slowed down and kept scanning the gauges looking for any signs of damage to the radiator like happened to Bill and Nancy's motorhome, but everything stayed in the normal range.
A little further down the road I pulled in to a Flying J to look over the Journey to see if there was any damage. There was a bit, a scuff mark on the compartment door behind the rear wheels,
a bent mud flap,
and a further scuff mark on the front left bumper of our toad.
I bent the mud flap back as best as I could, I’ll have to take it off to straighten it perfectly, a job for a later time. The scuff marks will buff out, so all in all, the gator attack left us with some superficial wounds.
It could have been worse, like we saw today as we traveled. At an RV dealership near the highway, there was a motorhome fully engulfed in flames on the lot, with motorhomes on each side of it burning as well. It was a reminder that even when some unexpected problem strikes you, it could have been worse.
We’ve stopped for two days in Cedar Key, Florida, we’ve had this place on our bucket list for a long time. We’re looking forward to enjoying this quant little town and getting a wee bit of rest. :c)
Thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment.
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You got lucky that the attack wasn't more severe. Like you said they just pop up out of nowhere.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
You guys were lucky! Knock on wood, we've never encountered a gator "yet". Have fun in Cedar Key!
ReplyDeleteLuck was with you. Motorhomes on fire make me cringe!
ReplyDeleteSay hello to the CKRV folks for us (Rod, Tammy, Lesa and Joey)! If it's not too hot, check on lots 75 and 76 for us and Dan and Tricia. CK is indeed a laid back little town. Enjoy!
Syl
You were lucky. Thank goodness nothing else happened and you are safe.
ReplyDeleteYou got lucky too, we hit one a few years ago right under the coach and cracked the air dam on the front of our towed, but was an easy fix too.
ReplyDeleteThose Road Gators can really cause some damage. So glad it wasn't worse, no one was hurt and it can all be repaired. I know it scare the dickens out of you...those gators are fast;o)) Enjoy Cedar Key and Safe Travels!!
ReplyDeletejust be glad it didn't have teeth...
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly had some experiences since leaving the Keys. Glad the damage wasn't any worse than it was. Enjoy Cedar Key and let us know what you think. Everyone seems to love it, except us. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the 'gator's bite wasn't worse.
ReplyDeleteSomeone in the left lane hit a gator and threw it up in the air. It bounced off the roof of our truck and hit the front of the fifth wheel and landed in the truck. We both tucked when we saw it coming at us. Nothing like taking the gator with you. It was as wide as the bed of the truck.
ReplyDeleteScary, for sure!
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'm the only one that has never heard a truck tread referred to as a gator. I was worried when I read this that it was an alligator but then I thought, Paul and Marti would never be kayaking with alligators. Only David and I do that. Glad you got away with such minor consequences.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you staying in Cedar Key, we too loved it there!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you are safe and minimal damage was inflicted on your baby.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're both safe and the damage wasn't too extensive...
ReplyDeleteMinor damage is cause for rejoicing cause you are so right - it could be so much worse.
ReplyDeleteJunk on the road is a real pain! We had a truck throw a piece of plywood our way a few weeks ago. It make a loud bang as we collided and later we found pieces of it jammed into the motorhome door retractable step. Except for a few scratches, we also lucked out.
ReplyDeletevery lucky! could have been much worse other than a few dents!
ReplyDeleteGlad there was no more damage. The best advice I ever had was Watch your following distance, Watch your following distance, Watch your following distance, Watch your following distance.
ReplyDeleteGlad the gator didn't take a bigger bite. Once we ran over a block of wood and got two flat tires on the car.
ReplyDeleteYikes! Glad you and your vehicles are in mostly good condition. (I've never heard a tire called a "gator" either.
ReplyDelete