[pct-l] Lightening on the PCT

[jmertes at verizon.net (John Mertes)]

Glad you survived your close encounter with lightening.

However from what I've read, huddling next to a tall rock is not a good 
refuge in a lightening. Your body is a much better conductor of 
electricity than the rock so if the rock was struck, the lighteneing 
would jump out of the rock through you (path of least resistance) and 
then into the ground. If you take refuge in a cave, you need several 
times your actual body height of air gap between your highest point and 
the roof of the cave to be safe. Safer place is among a stand of trees 
(not just a few) and stay away from the taller trees. When crossing open 
space, spread your party out so if lightening strikes one of the group, 
it won't affect several members and they may be able to give first aid 
and CPR to save the struck person.

All of you heading out, read up on safety during lightening storms 
before heading out.


then back in about 1971 I was leading a day hike in Yosemite near Tioga 
Pass. Weather was cloudy and threatening. We reached the top and took a 
snack break. I stood up and could feel something moving over my body. 
Someone sitting on the ground told me my hair was standing on end. I got 
the hint. Got my group going ASAP _down_ the mountain as fast as we 
could travel. Kept moving until we lost a 1000' or so of altitude. We 
got rained and hailed on and none of us got struck

John