Just returned from my club's trip to the Everglades in Flamingo last week. It was memorable. We had a close call Friday night when our campsite on Florida Bay was hit by a waterspout (tornado over water) at about 1:30 AM. We had no injuries, but lots of damage. Several of us had already abandoned our tents in favor of alternative dorms (vans and trucks). I was awakened by a slamming force on my van followed by another slam several seconds later from the other side. It was so strong it felt like the van might tip. Out of over a dozen tents, only 3 remained useable; a Walrus, a North Face, and another small tent tied to a picnic table that was still dragged several feet. You can see my photos on our Photo Album at http://www.spacecoastpaddlers.org I found what was left of my tent in a heap nearby anchored by a large bag of food and utensils and the marine gas grill I'd left inside it. The fiberglass support rods had torn out of the sleeves and many sections had broken into splinters. Based on the damage to trees that fell, winds were estimated at over 120 mph. The path of the tornado was only about 100 feet across, but unfortunately it passed right through the middle of our club campsite. Campers next to our group were unscathed. One of our member's tents pictured in the photos was found about 200 yards away 30 feet up a tree (see photo). Despite the waterspout, we had several good paddles in the area, all of which we'll be posting soon on KayakGuide. Noble Hammock was my favorite. -- Al Vazquez KayakGuide.com tm the Place to Share Kayaking & Canoeing tm *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Wow! those are some photos, Al! Looks like it was the larger dome tents that cratered, yes? -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Yes Dave, Lower tents fared better than higher domes. And studier, high wind construction helped, as did staking probably. -- Al Vazquez KayakGuide.com tm the Place to Share Kayaking & Canoeing tm *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 03/05/2002 8:20:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, dkruger_at_pacifier.com writes: << Looks like it was the larger dome tents that cratered, yes? >> we were once in a heavy rainstorm on Dry Tortugas (Ft. Jefferson NP)...my "aerodynamic" (!) Slumberjack Raptor tent was fine...but two friends in domes were ready to evacuate to the Fort. sandy kramer *************************************************************************** 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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