I forgot to lower the solar panels to the flat position. The wind caught them, and tore them loose from their moorings. The first time I knew something was wrong was when a loud BANG sounded from the roof. I pulled off the road and got some parachute cord, removed the dog fencing from the motorhome ladder, and climbed up to the roof. The wind was strong, and the big trucks were swooshing as they went past. I was worried about loosing my balance, but figured out that I had to get my courage up and the panels tied down. I had one tied down, and just as I was beginning on the second a highway patrol car stopped. This incredibly handsome, and kind hearted officer asked me if I needed help. I of course answered "yes." He came up on the roof, and used the tie down straps from the dog fence to get the solar panels strapped down. He made it look SO easy.
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| Note the strap running right to left to hold the panels down |
He helped me down the ladder, and then he picked up the dog fencing, placing it all into the car, and then he drove near me for about 1/4 mile to make sure the panels were staying flat on the roof!
I cannot thank him enough. I sent a letter to his bosses at the highway patrol to let them know of his help. I did manage to resist talking about his good looks!
I believe that I am going to make a note and tape it to my steering wheel, reminding me to lay the solar panels flat! I don't want to risk another situation like that.
When I return to Quartzsite, I will get the panes repaired and then I will be comfortable with their condition again!
Hope the repairs don't cost much. Glad you had a friendly policeman and nice that he was handsome as well:)
ReplyDeleteHe was wonderful!
DeleteEek! That must have been nerve wracking!
ReplyDeleteIt was nerve wracking, but my main problem was the difficulty keeping my balance on the roof due to the wind rocking the motorhome.
DeleteSo good to hear about the police officer helping you AND ensuring things were in good shape as you drove down the highway! Someone told me long ago "If I do something you don't like, tell me. If I did something good for you, tell my boss." ^5 for your letter, Hazel!
ReplyDeleteThank you Dawn!
DeleteOh, my God, Hazel! That must have been so scarey!! Thank goodness you still have the panels and they didn't come completely off and land on someone's car.
ReplyDeleteYES - I had a note on my dashboard and also over the speedometer glass that covers the numbers. I call Brian to lower my panels - but still - just in case I decide to head out and he's not available I was afraid I'd forget to lower mine, too. I can drive at least up to 45 MPH with mine up, though, per Brian, and I drove Highway 95 to and from the dump site and then back to town many times with the panels up with no problems. Of course, you don't have to do that since you control your panels from inside the motor home.
I'm sure glad that policeman stopped and was so helpful. I hope the repairs are minimal. :).
Got the repairs done and am glad that's over!
DeleteOh, what luck. But at least the good looking policeman was a silver lining.
ReplyDeleteWhat a silver lining!
DeleteThank goodness there are still some knights in shining armour to help a lady in distress.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you will be able to fix it.
Lynne x
Lynne, you are so right that there are many good people in our world.
DeleteI suppose any day you get to meet a handsome highway patrol officer is not too bad! Glad everything is repaired and all is well again.
ReplyDeleteAll is well again!
DeleteWhat a scary situation. Kudos to you for seeing the silver lining in that handsome face.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteBummer about the damage, but how lucky to have a helpful and handsome highway patrol officer to help.
ReplyDeleteI was able to get the damage repaired when I got back to Quartzsite!
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