sorry, thiese replies little bit late, my mail program decides to make me crazy..... &%$$&$&$ >I've had three *interesting* experiences with weather storms. The first two >were lightning strikes in the water I remember a story happened to a close old school friend. He was paddling a river outside of somewhere, when he heard a thunderstorm several kilometre behind him. "Far away so keep on paddling", he thought. Few minutes later a lightning hits a small tree on the rivers bank 50m in front of him. The tree burns and the thunder and lightning are close behind him. Trusting the quote a lightning never hits one place twice a time in the same storm, he parked his kayak beside the burning tree and waited for the end of the storm. I´ve never been to a thunderstorm so close. So keep fingers crossed. But a few years ago I paddled with the same friend an off shore tour to an island, when lots of thunder and lightning were forecasted. All I could say, we got the best weather, no wind, no wave, no rain, just a little bit foggy. Sometimes we could hear the thunder and see some dark clouds far far away, nearby the shore. All the storms went to the shore, noone the the open sea. Next day we paddled 30 nm over a flat bottomed sea, I never thought the open sea, could be so flat. After arriving we heard the radio news and in the morning that day, two ferries crashed in a small harbours entrance in the fog. Unbelieveable! The ferries had to know their and each others position (radar), they got VHF, the timetable .... Driving on a ferry is more dangerous than paddle the open sea, believe me. 2c Jochen *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
'round here, on steamin' summer afternoons the odds are pretty much in the angry Gods favor when it comes to being hit by thunderstorms. I guess I've riled 'em up, 'cause I've ridden out my fair share; Thor occasionally reminds me of my human fragility. Riding one of these babies out, you quickly become resigned to the fact that you're playin' a game of Russian roulette with three or four bullets in the chamber. Fortunately, I've yet to find myself in the path of a water spout or tornado. The thunderstorm most indelibly imprinted in my memory banks was big and fast. You know they're commin'--the sudden temperature drop, the wall of black clouds, but you're never sure what they're bringin' or how close you're gonna be to ground zero. I knew immediately this one was a bad ass and was goin' to direct it's brunt in my immediate vicinity--posthaste. I paddled like a mad man for shore, shouldered my boat and ran deep into the woods. I hunkered down under a cluster of relatively smaller trees, making myself as small as possible, trying to minimize my contact with the ground. Then, it hit! Tremendous winds, relentless hail, nearby lightning strikes, and thunder like an army of chariots rumbling overhead! I was definitely at ground zero, and quickly became resigned to the fact that this might be the time there was a bullet in the chamber--although, I must admit that there's a perverse thrill in being that intimately exposed to the incredibly powerful and absolutely merciless forces of nature! --Just as quickly as it hit, it was gone...I was thankful to be neither hit by a falling tree or a lightning strike. As I looked around at the hail on the ground and in my cockpit, I noticed that I was shivering. The rapid temperature plummet, after an oppressively hot and humid afternoon, combined with my light clothing, had caused mild hypothermia. I went down to the water, submersed myself to the neck, and felt like I was soaking in a warm bath. I floated there for about ten minutes until I warmed up, then got back into my kayak and continued on my way... Don't tempt the Gods! Craig *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On 03/29/2001, at 11:33 AM (GMT -08:00), Craig MacKinnon wrote: >Fortunately, I've yet to find myself in the path of a water spout or tornado. A couple summers ago, there was a water spout here that came quite close to shore before dissipating. I was on the water that day (I do enjoy windy conditions), and saw it from a distance of about two miles. Out here on the open coast, it's pretty easy to see weather coming, as there's such a wide open view. Being able to predict where it's going and how soon is another story. I often enjoy the view of several separate and impressive weather cells in the distance, as I'm paddling under blue skies. Of course, I always keep an eye - or two - on them. When I paddle solo - which is most of the time - I'm usually no more than a couple miles offshore at any given moment. Always being aware of weather conditions - before, during, and after paddling (in short - all the time) - is something I enjoy and take advantage of. It's fun to learn about weather systems, different cloud types, air, ground, and water tempuratures, etc., and what they might mean in terms of "what's next, how soon, and where". One thing I do know without a doubt - conditions can and do change quickly and drastically. I'm sure we all know this very well. Awareness at all times - even when a day starts with clear skies and calm waters, is essential. 99% of my paddling is local day paddling (nearly every day), so I usually have a choice to head for shore/home in case of impending weather chaos. If I see a truly big thunderstorm coming, I usually prefer to head for home and wait it out, enjoying the storm from next to my fireplace. I'll only "tempt the angry gods" when it seems relatively reasonable to do so - given the choice. However... I do enjoy weather in all it's forms, and experiencing various weather conditions from a kayak - or walking on the beach - is something I really very much enjoy. I always feel a little irritated when I hear a TV or radio weather person talk about "good" and "bad" weather in terms of sunshine vs. something else. To me, they're quite missing the point, and much enjoyment of "different" weather. Melissa *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> 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/ ***************************************************************************
At 12:29 PM 3/29/01 -0800, Jackie Fenton wrote: >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-} I don't recall if I posted this before here (If I have I apologize). Last summer I went to NYC to see my cousins son perform with his high school choir at Carnegie Hall. They live in a little town way out on the Olympic peninsula (population < 100) and it was their first visit to New York City. Of course, they had to do the obligatory visit to the top of the Empire State building. On this particular night it was raining a bit when we got to the building and all the workers were telling us "there is zero visibility on top. You won't see anything" Despite all the warnings they still wanted to go up. When we got to the top, there were times when the visibility was zero but the storm was moving through fast so it would change from seeing nothing, to half the city lighting up, followed by nothing, all in a span of a minute. On the observation deck, we also happened to be right in the middle of a thunder and lightning storm. The thunder was deafening and there was lightning all around. Several hundred feet above the observation is that huge lightning rod. I watched as it was struck by lightning three times. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Most victims of lightening are not hit by primary strikes. The majority of people who have been 'hit by lightening' have been struck by secondary, reflected/deflected, or ground voltage strikes. Few people, if any, could survive a direct, primary strike. I'm not a statistician, nor a meteorologist. I do know from storm seasons spent above treeline in the Rockies and other western North American ranges, that measures taken by groups to avoid being caught in a storm are far preferable than acute methods undertaken to minimize your the potential of a debilitating strike. Much contention surrounds theories of 'cones of protection' and other ways of trying to hide out an electrical storm in relatively exposed places. It should bear consideration that spreading the group out is a survival strategy...that one or more of you will survive the strike and thus be able to render aid and comfort to the victims. While these acute, crisis-mode survival tips are worth considering, and may well save one's life, they are also prone to anecdotal source and conflicting evidence of efficacy. Someone gave me a copy of the "Worst Case Scenario Handbook" last Xmas. It reports to show me how to jump from a speeding car, out of a sixth floor window and into a dumpster, and how to land a small plane w/o any prior training or experience. I'm not likely to attempt any of these. Nor will I feel any particular comfort in having read that book in the event of actually facing these situations. 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. Will Jennings *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> 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 ___ __( ( )_ _( )___ _( ( ) __ _( )__ _( _( ) ( ) ( ( )_ ____( ( )__ __( ( ) ___________( ______( ) _( ( ) ______ _ (___ _ ___) ( ) / (_______ ( _ _ ) /_ _______ _____(_____ __ _(_ _ _ ) / /_ /_ / / /_ / / ~~~%%~%%%~~~%%%~~%%~~%%~%%~~~~~%%%%%~~%%~~%%%%~~~~~%%%%%~~~~~%%%%~ ~~%%%%~~ ~~~~%% ~%%~~ ~~~%%%%%~~~~~~ ~~~%%%%%~~ _ ~~%%~~ ~~~~%%%% ~~%%~~ ~%%%~ \\ ~~%%%%~~ ~~%%%%~ \\ ~~ ~~%%%~%%~~ ~~~~ ~~%%~~%%%~ `\ ~~%%%%~~ ~~%%%%~~ ~~%%%%~ ,sSSs,\, ,sSS..)/{) ~~%%~~~ ~~~%%%%~~~ ~~%%%%~~ sSSS_-)/ \ ~~%%%%~~ ~~%%~~ %%~~ sSS[(\_]___\ ~~%%%%~~ ~~%%% %%%%%~ 'sS[_`-+---+) . \----------------'---`-----\-------------'/ ~~~~~~~ ~~~ ~%%~~%%~~ ~%%~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~\~ ~%%~ ~~%%~~%%%~~ ~%%~ ~~%%%%%~ ~%%%~~~ ~~~%% %~~~ ~~~ \ ~~%% ~~%% %%~ %% \\ ~~%%~ ~%%~ \\ ~~%%%%~ ~%%%~ ~~%%%~~ ~%%%%%~~ ~%%%~ ` ~~~%%%%%%~~~ ~~~%%%%%~~ ^ ~~%%%%~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~%%%~ ~~%%%~ /|\ ~~~~~~ %% ~~%%%%%~~~ ~~ ~%%%~ ~~%~ ~ | ~%%%%~~ ~%%~ / / / / lightning rod *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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