Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

[Gary R.]

So I'm out in my 72 on Wed all day. Beautiful weather, 80* no RH, and stop a secluded state park, Gillette's Castle for those in New England. I parked away from any other cars and went to restroom. I was gone no longer then 5 minutes and when I looked out at my car saw about 10 kids around it taking pictures. I didn't think much about it and walked to my car, passing them as they went to a picnic. I overheard a teacher saying she didn't want the kids sitting on the car. I walked around it and didn't see any damage so again I didn't think about it. When I sat inside I found someone was in there and dumped my bottle of sunscreen on the carpet and seat. I was livid and cleaned it up without damage and went to find the group.

I found them and their teachers and explained what just happened and how it wasn't an accident by any means. I was told they were exchange students from Spain and wouldn't do that. With that the Spanish escort listened to what I had to say and ripped into the kids, I don't speak Spanish so I don't know what he said and was still going at it when I left. I was in my car no more then 3 minutes checking for lost items or damage when 2 boys about 13 came over and admitted they were in the car and made the mess. I asked why but didn't get an answer, I told them how costly old cars are here and if they were caught by some would have been hurt. I don't know if they got it or not, I suspect they got ripped good by that teacher but where was the supervision? I have nothing against exchange students but I was not brought up like that nor was my son. I suppose if I caught them and gave them a pounding I would have been arrested. So much for a pleasant cruise. Watch where you leave your car. I was at fault only because I left the windows down and unlocked.

[Ralph E.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

First sorry about what happened to your car. It was not your fault. The 2 boys who damaged your car should be arrested for damaging your car.
If that had been me I would have drag the asses over to the teacher, called the cops and had them all arrested. The teacher, the school and the kids should pay for any damage. The teacher obviously was not doing her job controlling the kids and allowing them near your car. As for not speaking english, that is BS. You know as well anybody they understood every word you said. If they are going to school here they speak english. Unfortunately you let get away with it. You can bet they will disrespect someone else's belongings again.

[James B.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

Gary,

I feel for you. Particularly in this day and age, it's unfortunate that one cannot leave their nice car unattended even for a moment for fear it will be stolen or vandalized. So sad.

Jim

[Gary R.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

Thanks guys, it was very frustrating to say the least. I don't think these kids were punks by any means, I just don't think they respect things that are not theirs. I did go on for another 4 hour ride and made the best of it.

I'm glad I didn't catch them in the act as I would probably have lost it and I would be in trouble. Nothing was missing or damaged and maybe, just maybe, they learned something. If not and they go somewhere else they may run into someone less tolerant and have a whole new experience in the USA.

My car is a driver, no show car as compared to some I see, but that still doesn't give someone liberty to do what they want.

[Gary S.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

Sitting in a classic car (really any car) that was unattended and you were uninvited? I would have been livid! Name a culture where that's acceptable? You were right in your actions.

[Dan D.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

I feel your pain. Unfortunately, this is another example of the failure of parents to educate their own children. True, the teacher should have kept them away from the car, But the parents should have taught them to respect other peoples property. I've had my "72 for over 30 years. Like you, my car's a driver, not a show car. The sad thing is that I don't feel comfortable parking it anywhere unattended, even for a little while.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

Thanks for your story Gary. My wife is way too lenient when it comes to locking up and windows up. I'll share this with her.

[Gary R.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

Hi Jeff
Well I generally don't leave it like that but I did that day and paid the price I guess. There wasn't a soul around when I parked either.

[Terry M.]

Re: Nice day yesterday for a 200 mile drive

Youngsters today are not brought up the way we were. That is not an excuse -- just a fact. Many of you know my daughter teaches elementary school. 90% of her students are respectful up to the fifth and sixth grade. The stories of the remaining 10% would curl your hair. After they get to the fifth and sixth grade probably only half remain decent kids due mostly to little or no parenting and pressure from peers and older siblings. Many of her students need a good smack to get their attention, but they know that can not be done now days. She also learned the police can not arrest anyone younger than 12 in the community she works in. The offender instead gets sent to counseling. So far that hasn't worked.