Bubble Cave LLC was camped behind Martha and Tri-State. Here's what our canopies ended up looking like.
But first the story. It began to rain so we rushed around getting all our tent windows zipped up. Then someone said that we better get the windows up on our cars. We then got all the gear under the canopies into the middle of them. We had three people from our camp and were joined by three gentlemen from Alabama. Deciding we had beaten the wrath of Sister Winkie, we broke out the wine and began a wine party to celebrate. WRONG. Shouldn't mess with Sister Winkie.
We had two 30' canopies end to end. While I was getting some wine glasses from the kitchen area under the first canopy, the winds picked up. I grabbed the canopy, but was lifted at least 5 feet in the air. I weigh 235 lbs, so no little feat. I let go and rushed over to the other canopy and along with Vik, Ellie and the three Alabama guys, managed to hold it down. Josh of BATS came by and helped us lower the other canopy while we were having driving rain and hail hitting us.
There were three extremely close lightning strikes before the mayhem started and the winds shifted approximately 270 degrees from beginning to end. Also heard that the winds got up to 55 MPH.
I know you all think this might be crazy, but this was one of the best natural rushes I've ever had, including many a caving trip.
After-wards, we were able to replace the couple of bent poles in the Front Royal Grotto canopy and we were able to resurrect it. Guess I should report that the Front Royal canopy is in better shape than when I picked it up from Janet. Vik donated many poles to replace bent ones, figuring one good canopy was better than no canopies.
Needless to say, we all got drenched and missed the photo salon.
Here is some of the other canopies being cleaned up.
I want to thank all the Public Safety response units that came to our assistance and the American Red Cross. You guys are the best!!
BTW, this convention was the best I have attended since I began coming in 1995.
Jep.