Re: [Paddlewise] Lightning?

dave and wired folks,
>so it is not a major hazard for
> us, but it must be a regular occurrence for others.


Chesapeake Bay is like most places in that thunderstorms tend to occur in
the warmer months... when most folks paddle.

i have been surprised by t-storms on a couple of occasions.
(a) a sunday morning paddle with kathy at our usual tidal river local.
we knew that the conditions were right.. but the morning was sunny and we
wanted to go. i did *not* check the local radar before we left home. on the
river, i heard the low frequency rumble ... and stupildy thought that it
was the usual millitary bombing of an island on the bay.... trees along the
river blocked a good view of the horizon... so the storm got real close
before we responded to get off the water *now*

(b) evening paddle on another local river, new boat, second outing. trying
to act like fast eddy paddling with another guy who had a similar boat for
sometime. we knew that the weather was right for t-storms... but we went
anyway.... it is no fun paddling with lightning all round... trees and dusk
masked the clouds so that we did not appreciate that the storm was so
close.

what i learned.... (a) look at the radar before paddling; (b) be careful
when trees or night type of skys don't allow long views, (c) lightening all
around scares me, (d) don't paddle just because i want to paddle, (e) use
my weather radio more often.

AND in the john winter's logic mode: paddle a tandem and be sure that your
partner is taller than you, or if he/she is shorter, have them stand up...
are you with me John?

stormy conditions here tonight...
bye bye bliven



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