Re: [Paddlewise] Fw: tempting the angry gods

From: Jackie Fenton <jackie_at_intelenet.net>
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 07:08:00 -0800 (PST)
> From: Will Jennings <will_at_bigwoodenradio.com>

> In the end, I would think it wiser to learn how to read weather systems, 
> and how to gather  local knowledge about the behavior of electrical 
> storms and one's likely exposure.

That's true.  Lot of folks don't realize that weather may behave
differently to what they are accustomed in another area at different 
times of the year.  Here in southern California, thunder associated 
with rain is not very common and coming from Texas and the Gulf of 
Mexico region, this is very strange to me (days of rain and no
thunder... downright weird, I tellya).

I think most of the discussion was in reference to those times when 
things happen that just aren't anticipated regardless of planning and 
knowledge of local conditions.  Even meteorologists that study weather 
events as a profession get it wrong in some areas at certain times in 
the year.  And, there have been lots of camping trips where paddling 
was canceled because of conditions, but there you are... still somewhat 
vulnerable because you are camping out.  The sudden storm we experienced 
while camped out on the barrier island was not anticipated by the 
weather service (we had a weather radio with us, the sky was clear when 
the sun first set, moon was big and bright, light breeze, lots of stars 
when we went to sleep... common conditions for a calm evening along the 
Gulf coast).  I later bought a weather radio with emergency beeper
setting for sudden storm warnings to use while sleeping at night. 

If a paddler is suddenly caught up in adverse weather conditions 
regardless of planning, it's good to know what possible action that
he/she may take that can make a difference in his/her favor.  Like...
not running up and down the beach during a lightning storm trying to
save gear (one member of our group actually did this during that 
storm).  That preparing gear for a sudden storm in the middle of the
night regardless of what the weather radio and conditions indicate is 
a far better plan 8-)  I also learned to keep all my gear (clothing) 
I wasn't using packed away in dry bags as my tent was flattened and
subsequently drenched that night 8-)  This was my second sea kayaking
trip (nine years ago) and I had a lot to learn.  What a trip!

Cheers,

Jackie

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                            lightning rod 



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Received on Fri Mar 30 2001 - 07:01:56 PST

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