Lightning

[trailfinder]

Is it wise to carry a weather monitoring device, i.e., something that will let you know that the barometer is dropping and hence severe weather in on the way?

Also if you get caught in an afternoon summer thunderstorm and you are on the AT on a ridge line, then obviously you have to get off the trail, but where is it safe to go? To a cluster of trees?

Also, is the safest position that a hiker can assume during a thunderstorm a squatting position with only the soles of his boots in contact with the ground?

Thanks!

[TakeABreak]

The barometer is just extra weight as far as I am concerned, but that is only my opinion.

Well there are a lot of tree's on the A.T., so getting off the ridge line and into the tree's would be safer than on the tree line, also with a quick glance find the tall tree's and stay away from them, they are more likely to get hit by lightning.

Getting into a squat, with only your the rubber of your boots touching the ground is correct, you want to make yourself as small of a target as possible. Also try find a low spot, where you will be a smaller target.

[TOW]

don't worry by the time you've hiked a few miles you'll become your own barometer and learn what and what not to do in case of severe weather............ http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/28/28_2_1.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZUxdm020YYUS)

[TOW]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/28/28_2_1.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZUxdm020YYUS) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/28/28_2_6v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZUxdm020YYUS) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_6_8.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZUxdm020YYUS) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/28/28_2_2.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZUxdm020YYUS)

[TakeABreak]

That was pretty cool.

[mark10203]

Question: Are there any opinions on whether you are safer from lightning:

1) In a shelter?
2) in a tent?
or 3) In a hammock?

Just wondering.


Thanks.

[Bolivershagnasty]

Sorry but sqattin aint doing anything for you but streching out your quads and your little rubbers on your feet aint helping either in that enviroment. But stay away from any clusters of tree's in an open areas. The lighting is not going to "hit" YOU it's going to hit the ground, you get caught from the ground current if your close enough. I have never understood why people take off on secluded trips where they are more likley to die from anything else during their trip other then lightning, even in storms, and are so scared of lighting. It's "entertainment" out in Oklahoma and Arkansas where I grew up. How many people do you hear about getting hit by lighting much less out on the trail? Sure 1000 people get killed every year by lighting but more people get killed from tripping on curbs than that. There freak acidents at best. Use your head and don't go parading around on the ridgeline with your Leki's over your head but KNOW that the chances are very slim and he's out of town that you will have anything other than a great "show". Concider it like a great roller coaster. Get off the ridge line if your scared as far as you can down hill in a gap or shelter. Grab some cocoa and enjoy the show that Mother Nature provides you. "Don't worry....Be Happy" Whooo Whooo whoo hoo whahoo ...

[trailfinder]

Thanks for the advice!

[Rockjock]

Loved the smileys