I am always aware of the law of physics that holds that when entering an unpaved parking area that is laden with chunky stones, there is always the possibilty that a stone will be pinched by the wheel of a car and launched in my direction. Such a missive becomes similar to a speeding bullet that is capable of causing severe damage to property, and debilitating damage to tissue, and even death to persons and animals.
I had never actually seen a stone moved by a car, but, on Saturday it did happen to me under circumstances so perfect that I estimate the incident to be One Trillion to One.
I had left my car parked in such a car park as described above and drove off with my wife in her car. When we came back my car was the only one left. My wife drove alongside it, and as she backed away her tyre touched a sizeable stone precisely correctly. Too close to the centre of the stone and nothing happens. Not enough grip and the stone simply slides away. Just enough grip, and provided the stone in firmly set on the ground and the rock is launched with the force and speed of a large size bullet.
This stone was launched toward my car at an upward angle. It struck the wrap around rubber bumper of my Volvo. Had it struck the steel body it would have caved it in, as though it had been struck by another vehicle. Had the hit been flat on, the bounce back would have hit her car, caving in part of the bodywork. As it happened, the rock struck at an angle that caused the bounce back to deposit the rock in the sand next to my foot. Had I been standing in the way of the original trajectory my leg would have been broken.
I equate that with the possibility of a piece of space rock falling to earth and landing next to me.
I saved the rock because I think it a sign that this year I will finally win the Lottery.
Stay tuned!
Copyright (c) 2015 Eugene Carmichael
