> From: "Craig MacKinnon" <elroca_at_earthlink.net> > I must admit that there's a perverse thrill in > being that intimately exposed to the incredibly powerful and absolutely > merciless forces of nature! I know what you mean. A small group of us were caught on the barrier islands off the Texas coast (read... FLAT terrain) in a fierce lightning and wind storm (was deafening), bolts of lightning hitting all around us. Came in after midnight and lasted about 40 minutes. We lost some gear to the wind and rising water. Fortunately, there were raised platforms, fishing cabins and sheds on piers in the area which likely acted as lightning rods. I don't know if the fact that none of us were hit by lightning (there was very little time-lapse between each strike) demonstrates how lucky we were or how how unlikely one is to be hit. Statistics don't mean much to you at the time you are caught in a storm like that with nowhere to seek shelter. We did keep low to the ground. Terrifying during the storm, but exhilarating once it was over. I think it's the adrenaline rush. Quite an experience that I don't recommend anyone go looking for. 8-} But if you paddle and camp out in the area much, it's bound to happen sooner or later. I've been "caught" while out on paddling trips several times but this particular event found us completely exposed and feeling quite vulnerable. Cheers, Jackie *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Mar 29 2001 - 12:23:38 PST
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