Re: [pct-l] Weekend

on 11/25/00 4:04 PM, AT1996@aol.com at AT1996@aol.com wrote:

but I'm afraid of bears, lightning and getting lost on the PCT.

I had a close call with lightening during my thru hike. Here's how I
described it in my journal.

-----------
The trail turned northwest near an overlook that revealed intensifying
rains. As I moved to round the corner I was enveloped by a bright intense
white light. As if in slow motion I turned my head to my left shoulder and
my eyes upward to see a bolt of lightning reach down from the dark sky. At
the moment it contacted a tree top not 10 yards from me there was an ear
drum splitting explosion. The tree top was instantly destroyed in arcing
flames. Debris rained down upon me and I could smell smoke and fire.

I was in shock for an instant then I threw my poles and dropped to the
ground curled up in a ball. It began to hail intensely and I was enveloped
in more flashing white lights as thunder erupted all around.

I was scared. I got up to try and run to lower elevation but another large
explosion sent me to the ground again. I stayed there as hail pummeled and
chilled me. The whole mountain side was under attack by the storm.
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Troubadour
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