Thunderstorm Camping

We had told the girls we were going camping, but after a long day of rain, we chose not to go and see what the weather would do the next day. The next morning, Jess and I were up early reading our Bibles in a quiet house. We checked the weather and there was a strong chance of thunderstorms so we were thinking we probably wouldn't go when all of a sudden we hear Rose shout "Campin!" We looked at each other and said "Well, we're going to have to try to go now!" Rose was so excited to go! So we decided to take the chance and go!

We got out to the campsite at Taylorsville Lake around 1:00, set up camp, and then went for a beautiful hike. We have hiked quite a bit out at Taylorsville Lake, but this trail was our favorite because there was a lot of pine trees along the way. Reminded us of the mountains! As we were hiking back to camp, we could hear thunder behind us. A storm was following us in! We got back just in time and had a small thunderstorm. Dinner was cooking while the storm was going, compliments of a covered grill. When the storm finished, dinner was finished so we came out of the tent and ate. While eating, we could hear and see another storm coming. This one was turning the sky black! (See above picture) We finished eating and went up to use the restrooms. As we were coming out, I heard the growing sound of the rain coming as it blasted the leaf covered trees. I've never heard that before! It sounded like throwing a handful of gravel into a lake. That is probably a redneck description, but it is the best I got! The sound roared toward us until we were caught in a torrential downpour. We only had about 50 yards back to the tent, but by the time we ran back there we were soaked.

The storm settled in right over the top of us with a lot of lightning and loud thunder. It lasted for nearly an hour and we waited it out inside the tent, anxiously watching the seams. Fortunately, the tent faired well, even though a small river was flowing under the tent. To occupy the girls, we played Simon Says. To date, that is the longest Simon Says game I have ever played. But, it was fun and a good memory. The girls did great in the storm.

Finally the storm cleared and we were able to go outside and enjoy a beautiful evening. The moon came out and large clouds moved by, majestically silhouetted against it's light. It was a beautiful evening.

The next day we just relaxed around the campfire most of the morning. It was great! I hadn't camped in a thunderstorm since backpacking in Montana! All in all, it was a very relaxing trip and it went well.





The Girls Enjoy a Loooonnnnggg Game of Simon Says!!!!