“Rain, rain go away, come again another day.”
Are you afraid of storms? When your home has a 54-foot metal tree (mast) extending through your living room and up into the sky, electrical storms cause a bit of angst. According to reports from BoatUS Marine Insurance claim files, the odds of Casstaway being struck by lightning in any given year are about one in 1,000. Contrast that with our chances of being hit by a hurricane (which our friends and family are the most paranoid about), which hasn’t occurred in Palmetto in over 80 years. Either our marina is well protected or we are long overdue.
A lightning strike could put a hole in our boat’s fiberglass, which in worst case could cause the boat to sink, or cause a fire, which is the greatest fear on a boat. But mostly, it just takes out your electronics – not a life-threatening problem, but certainly an expensive pain in the butt (make sure the insurance is paid!).
Are you afraid of storms? When your home has a 54-foot metal tree (mast) extending through your living room and up into the sky, electrical storms cause a bit of angst. According to reports from BoatUS Marine Insurance claim files, the odds of Casstaway being struck by lightning in any given year are about one in 1,000. Contrast that with our chances of being hit by a hurricane (which our friends and family are the most paranoid about), which hasn’t occurred in Palmetto in over 80 years. Either our marina is well protected or we are long overdue.
A lightning strike could put a hole in our boat’s fiberglass, which in worst case could cause the boat to sink, or cause a fire, which is the greatest fear on a boat. But mostly, it just takes out your electronics – not a life-threatening problem, but certainly an expensive pain in the butt (make sure the insurance is paid!).
So, while this morning’s storm was a good excuse to hunker down and enjoy a lazy Sunday morning, the frequent loud and nearby lightening cracks were a bit unnerving. Seeking to capture the event on video Todd poked up through the companionway door, cell phone in hand. As he was poised and ready to hit “record”, a huge lightning bolt and monstrous thunder clap practically scared the s*#t out of him – he almost fell down the companionway stairs! My fear on the other hand, was now overcome by laughter.
Although I was hoping to wash bed sheets today (and now Todd’s shorts), all the laundry room washers are out of commission (possibly due to a lightening strike?). Laundry aside, I am happy to say that we continue to rock and roll our way through Florida’s rainy season, soggy but safe. And our electronics are fine, including the TV and cable – meaning an afternoon of watching the Brickyard 400 (much better than doing laundry)!
PS. How ironic that the Brickyard was red flagged due to rain and lightning.
PSS. Todd did manage to get a short video after all. To view it on Facebook click here.
PSS. Todd did manage to get a short video after all. To view it on Facebook click here.