Stockton, TX and the US Postal Service mailbox. We spent the night of the 28th at a truck stop in Stockton. We were between 2 semis with their motors/generators running. At first the steady rythym was soothing, but by midnight I was trying to sleep with a pillow over my head. Needless to say we were up very early. Had our morning coffee and decided to kill some time at a nearby WalMart. It's amazing what a mile drive can do. The parking lot was small and when Jim was making a turn this mailbox with a top scoop for dropping mail into punctured our side. Unable to back up, forward we went. It then caught the lower rear panel of the RV. The pictures tell "the rest of the story".

After talking to police and insurance people we had to decide what to do next. It was Sunday morning and nothing would be open for estimates or repairs. We had reservations at a campground in Carlsbad, NM and there happened to be an RV service center right next door to the campground. Since the pulled out section seemed to be firmly wedged onto our towbar (we couldn't get the car off) we drove the 137 miles to Carlsbad. Fortunately it was a reasonably straight and smooth road. When the doors to the service center opened Monday morning we were at the door. Turns out they do not do body work but a fellow who had worked for them for 20 years did. He now had his own business and specializes in fiberglass repairs. We are now waiting for approval of the estimate. With damages along the entire back panels we don't want to take a chance of further damages so I guess we'll spend a few weeks in Carlsbad. Found a motel that will give us weekly rates and while repairs are being done will stay there. Luckily we have "trip interuption" coverage that will take care of most of the expenses. Of course we've had to cancel all of our reservations for our planned month long trip to Idaho. Now, when we can go, we'll just hit the road and stop wherever we can. We're still going to stop in Vegas to see family and friends there. Can't make any definite plans because we no longer have a definite time frame.

Are we having fun yet? Of course we are! When the knots in your tummy untangle it is best to smile and "Be Happy".