Kayak Hits Our Motorhome on I-84 (Grants Pass, OR)

NO INJURIES: It's been a long time since I have had an auto accident, but this is the first time I have had a 'boating' accident with our coach on I-84 just 9 miles out from our new destination in Viento State Park.  Jokes aside this is turning into a  major mess.

Damage to compartment's door and latch

Due to the kayaks NOT being properly secured to the car's front and back the two came flying off the passing Durango with the rack still attached. The kayaks dropped into the left lane and were hit by the car behind them which caused the biggest kayak to slide right in front of the coach. I tried to miss it but did not have enough room or time. By the time I had stopped, the kayak was wedged up against our front tire. We had to use our Air leveler to raise the front and pull out the kayak.

Generator's muffler torn off - cannot dry camp until fixed

There was damage done to the fiberglass on one compartment door and tore off our generator's muffler. We were lucky that no damage was done to the coach's front wheel or to our Honda. I am also happy that the Tesla driver was keeping a good following distance. They could have had a kayak going through their windshield. We have video from three different angles thanks to the Tesla cams and our dashcam.

Quick response from the State Trooper and the Deputy Sheriff. They did a great job of helping us, but they did not cite the kayak owner.  Within a few days, this whole incident had become a nightmare for us and for the Tesla owners.   Along with damage to our home, we will need coverage for hotel and food while the coach is in the shop.  

The coach is fine for traveling, but we will not be able to use our air conditioner while driving on hot days until the generator's muffler has been repaired.  You are probably thinking we should travel during the cool early mornings.  That would be great except we are booked with quite a few parks with 1pm check-outs and 4pm check-ins  Since we are only a couple of hours away from our new locations, we have to find a rest area to wait out the differences.  Such fun on these hot days.  

Because the kayak owner is now claiming the kayak rack was defective and is in the process of filing claims against the company, his insurance is dragging out our claim for damages to our home and to the Tesla. Dan and the Tesla owner have sent instructions from the rack company showing that they specifically instruct rack owners to secure all items to their cars with straps and not just to the rack so he doesn't have any grounds to make such a claim when we have video of no straps securing the kayaks to the front or back of his car.

Almost two hours later, we finally made it to Viento State Park and were able to destress with these wonderful views of the Columbia River.

We also took a walk to a nearby fall, but I'm going to save the photos for the next posting.

I promised a friend that I would post more photos of our cats this time.  So here are a few mugshots that they allowed me to take of them.

Hitch surveying his surroundings

Dusty being a big quilt helper.
Dusty told me: "your lines are crooked."

Caught cuddling - Dusty and Max

It was your idea. 
Now, she thinks we look cute and keeps snapping pictures of us!

Time to backtrack to Sturgis, SD.  

While I was waiting to get my license renewed, Dan's sister invited me to the Black Hills Quilt Show.  The link will take you to the Winner's Gallery if you would like to see more quilts.

Unique Giraffe quilt

Since I did not take my camera, I limited my photos to the quilts that really inspired me and I really needed the inspiration.  For a couple of months, I have not felt like quilting just embroidering or reading.  Spending time talking and shopping quilts with my sister-in-law was also a major push to my quilting recovery.  Whew! that was a close one.

Since I love the more unique appliqué work.....well as you can see...that is about the only photos I took.

Love this Harry Potter's Bookshelf!!

This is my favorite quilt because it has three of my favorite pastimes: Harry Potter/Hogwarts along with lots of books all appliquéd into a quilt.

Crabapple Hills quilt

Speaking of witches, I love the Crabapple Hills designs.  I just can't see me spending all that time coloring fabric when I would rather be embroidering or sewing the design.  I might try some of their new blocks without coloring and see how it looks when I am done.  Have you seen their latest designs?  Check out the Witches and their vintage campers in Autumn & Halloween

Okay, here's a few more appliqué quilts that I would like to make...

....someday.

I have the Art Deco pattern for the quilt on the left in the above photo.  I started one block and now it is a UFO.  If I'm going to make a floral quilt, I should probably start with that one, right?

I added this commentary from The Quiltfolk website.  Michael really caught our spirit and passion for quilting or any other hobbyist.  I can't imagine life without some kind of hobby.  The Quiltfolk "Quilt & Time" by MICHAEL MCCORMICK

On The Cutting Board

With my new found inspiration, I started working on my last, yes definitely my very last large quilt (not written in stone)😌 before we left South Dakota.  I have been wanting a Southwest theme quilt for our bed for a couple of years, but I don't have the energy to work on a large quilt in a hoop.  

I have decided to try 'quilt-as-you-go'.  This is my first time trying this technique.  I will need to applique 12 blocks altered with patchwork.  I will have to come up with three new designs to make the quilt larger since the Native Flair pattern only has nine.  So far, I have decided to add Kokopeli, a gecko, and a hummingbird.  I might make a fourth design because the Llama doesn't fit in too well with my SW theme since they are not indigenous to North America.  I think a Quail would be more at home in this quilt.

I'm still working on my A to Zzz Snowman quilt.  Here's the latest block for U, T, and V!  This one took me a while to finish.  I can't believe that I am down to W, X, Y, and Z!  Then I'll have another quilt to make and I have no idea what I'm going to do with it.

Time to get back to my quilting.  I need to cut out my sashings today and start on my nine-patch corners.  Sew much to do...where to start?
Happy Quilting!