JUNE 2019 KunkelCase Files 800-467-5272 • www.KunkelLawFirm.com • GKunkel@KunkelLawFirm.com
FROM THE DESK OF
Gregory Kunkel, Esq.
CELEBRATE EVERY DAY WITH THESE ODD JUNE HOLIDAYS
1. Dare Day
15. Smile Power Day
2. National
16. Fresh Veggies Day
Rocky Road Day
17. Eat Your
3. Repeat Day
Vegetables Day
4. Hug Your Cat Day
18. International Panic Day
5. World
Environment Day
19. Juneteenth
6. National Yo-Yo Day
20. Ice Cream Soda Day
7. VCR Day
21. National Selfie Day
The first great American road trip took place in 1903. It was accomplished by automobile enthusiast Horatio Nelson Jackson and former bicycle racer and gasoline engine mechanic Sewall Crocker. They started their trip in San Francisco and intended to finish in New York City; it was a 4,500-mile journey they bet $50 could be accomplished in under 90 days. THE FIRST AUTOMOBILE ROAD TRIP An Adventure From San Francisco to New York
8. World Ocean Day
22. National
9. Donald Duck Day
Chocolate Eclair Day
10. Ballpoint Pen Day
23. National Pink Day
11. National Corn on the Cob Day 12. National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
24. Swim a Lap Day
25. National
Catfish Day
13. National Weed
26. Forgiveness Day
Your Garden Day
27. Sunglasses Day
HOW IT ALL STARTED
14. Monkey
Around Day
28. Paul Bunyan Day
Four days prior to the start of his journey on May 23, Jackson found himself in the middle of an argument in San Francisco’s University Club. The debate was over whether the new automobiles that were steadily appearing in the city were better or worse than horse-drawn carriages. Many of the people involved spoke against the automobile for its unreliability, but Jackson disagreed. Thus the $50 wager was made. Despite the failure of all previous cross- country automobile trips, Jackson was determined to make a successful journey.
29. Waffle Iron Day
30. Met eor Day
–Gregory
With 22-year-old Crocker at his side, Jackson purchased a used 20-horsepower Winton touring car, which he named Vermont in tribute to his home state, for their epic journey.
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... Cover story, continued
They packed the car with camping gear and cooking supplies and were soon on their way.
instance, a cowboy lassoed Vermont and towed the car with his horse to a nearby town in Oregon. After traveling for 19 days, they arrived in Idaho. There, hoping to change their luck, Jackson purchased a bull terrier they named Bud. Bud drove with Jackson and Crocker, and they fitted him with goggles to protect his eyes from the dirt. While he probably didn’t improve their luck, Bud did travel with them for the rest of their journey. On day 46 of their trip, the trio finally found themselves back on the road after having to wait six days for parts and repairs outside of Rawlins, Wyoming. With more than half the country still ahead of them, they nevertheless maintained their optimism, which was largely fueled by the reception they received across America. Word of their trip spread throughout the country and many people from the towns and cities they passed through gathered to see Vermont and the trio of travelers for THE LAST LEG
themselves. Larger cities, such as Chicago, welcomed them with automobile dealers as well as city officials, and a convoy led them through the city of Cleveland. Vermont finally rolled into Manhattan, traveling down an empty Fifth Avenue at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 26. The first cross-country automobile trip had been successful. Despite the delays they faced, their road trip only took them 63 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes, leaving them with almost a month left of the 90-day bet. Unfortunately, the journey cost Jackson about $8,000. The trio became national celebrities, being featured in many of Winton’s advertisements and newspapers across the country. As for Jackson, tried and exhausted after his adventure, he pointed his car toward Vermont on July 30 and began the last part of his journey. The car only had enough life left in it to get Jackson home before its drive chain broke and moved no more.
THE TRIP
One of the biggest problems the duo faced was the condition of the roads. While carriages were uncomfortable, they could handle the bumpy ride far better than an automobile. However, bumpy roads were far from the only problem they faced. Automobiles at that time were prone to frequent breakdowns, and Vermont was no exception. Fifteen miles outside of San Francisco, Jackson and Crocker experienced their first delay of many: a tire blowout. Making their way through Nevada and up toward Idaho, Jackson and Crocker experienced many more breakdowns and delays, including a clogged oil line, a broken clutch, wrong turns, and a gas tank leak. With every holdup they faced, the pair was forced to wait for supplies to be delivered by stagecoach or, if they were lucky enough, a friendly passerby to help them. In one
LAWSUITS FROM BEYOND Let’s Hope There’s a Courtroom in the Afterlife
We pride ourselves on being a country where everyone receives a fair trial. And while that’s not always the case, even the craziest claims still have to be heard in some capacity by a court of law. As you can imagine, this can result in plenty of spooky high jinks in the courtroom. Let’s take a look at some of the more baffling court cases in recent memory.
occasions after his lawyer missed certain deadlines to turn in proper documents. Thankfully, the issue was resolved, but not before he had his credit cards and Medicaid revoked after appearing to be dead.
SOLEMNLY SPOOKED
DEAD MAN TALKING
An unnamed New York resident — just what on earth is going on in New York? — claimed that the house they’d recently purchased was horribly and cripplingly haunted by unseen forces. The poltergeist was said to disrupt their daily activity, and the plaintiff was suing on the grounds that the home was notorious in the area for being haunted and had a reputation as such. Therefore, the owner felt it should have been disclosed to them before closing on the home. They won. That’s right; the court ruled that the seller misled the plaintiff and should have disclosed the nature of this potentially harmful house. Shockingly enough, this type of thing is required to be disclosed when selling a house in New York. Well, at least a buyer will have peace of mind knowing that they got a sweet new pad and a ghoul for pennies on the dollar.
In something straight out of a Coen brothers movie, a New York man had to sue The New York Times on three separate occasions to get them to stop reporting that he was dead. In all fairness, it seemed like an honest mistake prolonged by the ineptitude of his public counsel and a whole lot of terrible coincidences all rolled into one. Juan Antonio Arias just so happened to share the same first and last name as one “Juan Arias”who had met his untimely demise. After it was reported in a Times article, the living Arias accidentally had his own date of birth and Social Security number added to the death certificate of his now deceased namesake in a terrible mix-up from the coroner. As a result, he sued on three
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Hold On Tight!
Prepare for Family Fun at an Amusement Park This Summer
On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in the nation opened to eager and brave participants at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NewYork. In the years since the first riders climbed aboard the Switchback Railway 135 years ago, roller coasters and the amusement parks that house themhave changed dramatically. But the thrill that attracted all those first participants still remains. Celebrate the nation’s love of heart-stopping adventure by visiting an amusement park this summer. Follow these tips tomake the most out of your trip.
You’re spending the whole day outside, so make sure you’re considering the weather when you head out and always slather on a generous amount of sunscreen. Lastly, wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters and aching heels. You’ll have more fun if you know you’ll be prepared for anything.
WATER COSTS HOW MUCH!?
Amusement parks are expensive, and when you spend a whole day seeking thrills, you’re eventually going to need sustenance. Check the park’s rules before you leave, but most will allow your family to bring in a few snacks, like fruits or granola bars, and a reusable, empty water bottle. Many parks will have a drinking fountain near the entrance where you can fill up before exploring. If you plan to eat or drink at one of the establishments in the park, peruse the food options on the park’s website ahead of time to get an idea of what is available and how much money you should bring.
I’M LOST!
Before you head out, review park maps and ride descriptions. Create a list of the attractions everyone in your group wants to see and plan out your route ahead of time. While some spontaneity can be fun— it’s a vacation, after all — the sheer size of many parks coupled with high anticipation can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Planning ahead will save you a few headaches and disappointed family members.
Adventure awaits this summer! Don’t let a lack of preparedness keep you from enjoying a 135-year-old tradition.
PACKTHE ESSENTIALS
Find an over-the-shoulder bag or strap on a fanny pack to carry your cash, keys, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses.
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Take a Break!
BLT DOGS
Is a hot dog a sandwich or not? We’re not here to weigh in on the ever- contentious debate, but when you combine a hot dog with a BLT, it definitely becomes more sandwich-like —and way more delicious
Ingredients
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4 strips bacon
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1 head romaine lettuce, shredded 1 large tomato, seeded and diced Salt and pepper, to taste
4 hot dogs (ideally Boar’s Head Beef Frankfurters, but any all-beef variety will do)
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• •
4 hot dog buns
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1 tbsp mayonnaise
Directions
1. Heat a skillet tomedium and fry bacon until rendered and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain. 2. Fry hot dogs in bacon drippings, creating a crust, and cook until warmed through. 3. Using a dry skillet or oven, toast buns. 4. Spreadmayonnaise on buns, place hot dog and bacon inside, and top with tomatoes and lettuce. Serve.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Gregory Kunkel, Esq. PAGE 1 The First American Road Trip PAGE 1 Crazy Lawsuits Surrounding the Dearly Departed PAGE 2 Amusement Park Trip Tips PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 BLT Dogs PAGE 3 Exploring the River of No Return PAGE 4
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The Unspoiled Beauty of Central Idaho Journey Down a River of No Return
There’s more to Idaho than potatoes. Sitting square in the center of the Gem State is one of the largest contiguous areas of protected wilderness in the U.S. While the Frank Church-River of No ReturnWilderness Area may not roll off the tongue as easy as Yellowstone or Yosemite, this 2 million-acre swath of mountains, gorges, and alpine lakes offers something for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.
RIVER OF NO WHAT, NOW?
area, most of which are only accessible by jet boat, light aircraft, or good old-fashioned hiking. Some, like the Middle Fork Lodge, offer five-star accommodations, located conveniently close to one of the area’s many natural hot springs. Those with the right permits will find the rivers and lakes full of fishing opportunities, and the surrounding pine forests are teeming with game.
The name of the wilderness may sound a little ominous at first —who wants to travel down a river of no return?—but in truth, it’s a title from times gone by when canoes and small watercraft could travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River swiftly but couldn’t fight the current going back up. Today, those same rapids make the Middle Fork a wildly popular whitewater rafting destination, with plenty of local and out-of-state enthusiasts making a return journey every summer.
LODGES? I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL.
For those looking for a truly unplugged experience, backpacking to the many campsites scattered throughout the region can be an incredible journey. If you spend a night beside the crystal-clear waters of Langer Lake, hundreds of miles away from any light pollution, you’ll find peace, quiet, and a sky bursting with stars. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly untamed part of the United States, Idaho is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.
RAFTING ISN’T FOR ME. WHAT ELSE YOU GOT?
If crashing down 300 Class III rapids isn’t your speed, The Frank Church Wilderness has plenty of other ways to enjoy the wildmountain country. There are several lodges that were grandfathered in to the wilderness
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