A beautiful sunset boat ride on Saturday evening was the calm before the storm. A big storm. As the four of us were sitting beside a fire we were able to see large cloud cover over the sky and lightning. Ironically, there was also what we were able to all see as an "angry face" in the cloud formations. Now, I'm sure it's no surprise that what I see as an angry face in the clouds (by it's formation and just the overall look) may intimidate me some, but mostly intrigues me. [Insert: Seriously, am I not a trained weather spotter yet?!] Anyway, Eric and I hustle into my parents camper to get ready for bed knowing that weather is coming our way and we don't want to be hauling our keesters out to the tent when it's raining. After a successful trip to the tent we relax for a bit (and check radar) before deciding that it's time to sleep. Let me add, it's hot and muggy. Sleep was just not in my cards. After about two hours of laying there and one trip to the bathroom later - the wind picks up. DUN DUN DUN. To quote Twister, "This is the fun part, sweetheart." Eric wakes up and we just look at each other. We immediately check our phones to see a large blob coming at us of the usual green and yellow, but in this mix there is also orange and some red. At this point you may be thinking 'you idiots - you're in a tent with a camper right there! Get inside the camper!', but in all honesty I wanted to see what our cozy three person tent could handle! Plus, I grew up camping and consulted with the 'rents - we were good. Plus plus, do I really need to remind you? I'm a weather geek. So, as I was saying, the wind picks up and really starts to whip. Of course, I can't just let my imagination do all the work - I need a visual! Peeking out at our lot from a slightly unzipped screen I could see the trees whipping and our fire, that was left a somber coals, flaring up wildly with sparks dancing wildly across the lot. Yeah, that's enough of a visual. I lay back down on the mattress feeling extremely humbled by nature...and a little uneasy! Rain is pelting our tiny structure and getting in through some of the ventilation flaps. The lightning was SPECTACULAR and was basically nonstop. It was actually more freaky when it would stop for a brief second and you were in the pitch black with only the sounds of the rain, wind and your imagination. And the thunder...oh the thunder. Aggressive rumbles and couple good cracks that were a little too close for comfort shook our mattress. I texted my parents knowing that (bless their hearts) they were both awake and looking out from their camper at our pathetic little tent as it was being shoved from side to side in one of Mother Natures games. Since they had windows and a much better visual of what was taking place than we were going to have without getting drenched, I just asked that they keep us informed about what they are seeing and tell us if we need to bail...or if we fly away. I tried to take some pictures and video from inside the tent however it didn't turn out as I had hoped since the rain hitting the tent completely drowned out the sound of the constant cracks of thunder. Darn phone cameras...why can't they capture the moment like they do in freaking National Geographic and the movies?! That's it...I need a GoPro for stuff like this.
This round of the storm lasted about 30-45 minutes (I'm not sure, I was waaaaay too excited!). After the weather calmed we beebopped into the camper to discuss the event with the 'rents. After making it back into the tent and deciding that we should try to sleep again, we were greeted with the sound of round 2. Less intense, but pretty similar to the first round. And then about 30 minutes after round 2 ended, round 3 decided that it wanted to join the party. Again, pretty similar, but wanting the add a little extra punch and go out with a bang (round 3 is a drama queen), included hail.
I am happy to say that Eric and I were perfectly safe as the storms went through - so no, we are not idiots, just one curious weather crazed female with a camping background and the lucky and trusting guy that was a long for the ride :) It was only after waking to a sunny, beautiful morning with just a couple hours of sleep under our belt that I felt comfortable enough telling Eric all of the Twister quotes and references that I wanted to say last night but A) was too afraid to, and B) didn't want to freak him out. I had some good ones, like when the tent's air pressure inside pushed out all of the sides of the tent then quickly sucked then all in I wanted to say "Bill, we're in the core." and numerous times I felt like I should be getting Dorothy ready (if ya'll don't know these quotes or references, you need to watch Twister again.) Oh, and the tent handled everything perfectly - even with a bum part!
Besides the weather excitement we had a wonderful weekend celebrating America and all those that have fought/are fighting for our freedom by going on boat rides, having morning coffee with a spectacular view, fishing, playing yard games, floating in the lake, visiting with friends, campfires with s'mores, and being a part of nature and seeing critters (a baby skunk and beaver - both so adorable!).
I hope your 4th was less eventful weather wise, but just as enjoyable!
Until next time,
Coffee, Cats and Wine and I'll be Fine
