As previously reported on my 4th of July post, Ingrid and I have been staying in Tunbridge Wells at the Reynolds' flat. On Sunday, July 12, David and Tina arrived, with long time friends Murray and Cindy, to reclaim their flat for one night as a stepping stone for a trip to northern Europe. Their car had been equipped with a roof-top carrier, and they were scheduled to leave bright and early on Monday morning for Dover and a crossing of the English Channel (or French Sleeve). Sunday night they drove down to Tunbridge Wells' Pantiles neighborhood, to the hotel where Ingrid and I would be staying for the one night, to join us for dinner. While we were eating, Ingrid saw through the restaurant window the flashing lights of an ambulance or police car.
As we turned the corner on our walk back to the Reynold's car, we saw the flashing lights of both an ambulance and a police car. Unbelievably, we discovered that the Reynold's car had been smashed from behind, the rear bumper snug against the back left tire, and glass from the rear light scattered on the pavement. An elderly woman had lost control of her car and hit the Reynold's.
Amidst all the activity of checking on the wife's condition, taking information for insurance, and consulting with the on-scene police, it became clear that the Reynold's trip would be delayed at least a day, and that Ingrid and I would be spending a second night at our hotel (fortunately, they had another room available for tonight).
By late this afternoon, David was able to report that his insurance company had agreed to provide a loaner car for their trip to the continent, and a new crossing scheduled, and that the woman who had hit their car was doing well but had suffered some broken ribs. So tomorrow the Reynolds and their friends will resume their journey, and we will be back in their flat until Friday, when we take the Chunnel to Paris and the next phase of our Sabbatical.
In the meantime, tomorrow I hope to resume my posts on the first, Welsh, phase.
Gwela i chi yfory! (See you tomorrow!)
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