Dark Skies and Lightening Strikes.

Tomorrow the 'Stone Crab Kids' give their first presentation in front of about 40-50 fellow mariners. AnnahBelle is going to demonstrate how to crack open claws and we thought it would be a neat idea to have some cooked claws there for folks to try to crack and eat.

This afternoon we checked the weather forecast ( lights breeze and 10% chance of T-storms ) and went out to pull traps to gather claws for the presentation.  As we prepared to pull the last couple of traps the skies rumbled and clouds rolled. Soon columns of rain appeared in the distance and lightening strikes darted to the ground. We were about to get every bit of 9.999% of the projected 10% chance of T-storms.

The light breeze had had a gentle ripple to the river. The on-coming weather churned the dark water into a confused chop. It was going to get rough and it was going to get rough fast. I powered up, headed away from the storm, and tied fenders ( flexible bumpers that keep the boat from banging against the dock ) to the rail. Nearby was a private dock with a covered shelter area.  As I turned the boat into the current to dock, the wind abruptly shoved the boat up against the dock. Amen for fenders.

We all survived unscathed and we didn't get nearly as wet as we could have.

Sometimes late at night I get anxious about putting my family through the upheaval to get this new boat ready to fish. But after a day like this ... I want that covered helm and a cabin to keep my children and the other little researchers that desire to tag along, out of harm's way.

Buying this boat may have a been a stretch but the alternative .... really stinks!

* Photos by - Josiah