10/26/2010 DITTO LANDING IN HUNTSVILLE, AL AND TORNADO WARNINGS

10/26/2010 DITTO LANDING IN HUNTSVILLE, AL AND TORNADO WARNINGS


TUESDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRAIG PORTER!!!

Windy, windy and dark clouds are being pushed across the sky at an alarming rate this morning.

While listening to the howling wind this morning I am aware of some of the other sounds around us. The ducks are, of course, constantly begging and beckoning for attention. We had a flock of geese hovering around the marina’s waters and they called to each other, attempting to organize their imminent flight. We can also faintly hear the hum of the cars traveling over the nearby US 231 bridge and the “whoosh-ting, whoosh-ting” from the sailboat’s masts. Each morning we hear the distant “booms” from the Redstone Arsenal Testing site.

CARS SWEEP OVER THE BRIDGE

"TING, TING.  WHOOSH, TING"

Image via WikipediaRedstone Arsenal is a US Army post that consists of Army Aviation, Missile Command and the NASA’s Space and Flight Center. This was originally a chemical weapons manufacturing facility during WW II but geared up for the space industry in the 50s. They are now responsible for research, development, testing, repairs and maintenance on the high-tech weapons that the US soldiers use. Sometimes the blasts from the facility go on all day and sometimes they are limited to just a few. Today one of the booms actually vibrated the boat.

We experienced a new sound today. It was that of the Tornado Warning Systems. Being aware of the possibility of severe weather, we were closely monitoring our Garmin’s satellite weather station as we plodded through our chores. Around 1:45 the Garmin sounded its tornado alert and the public sirens followed almost immediately. George, Ditto’s dock master, walked over and assured us all was safe at that time but to be prepared to move to the pavilion if necessary. By 2:00 we had our second alert and by the 4th sounding of the sirens George guided us all to the pavilion. We hung out undercover in the open patio for a while but soon were told to move to the far side of the building and get into the bathrooms. The clouds were tumultuous and the rain was pounding but nothing developed except the amazing rainbow. It appeared to end almost right at our feet. Quite a sight!

TORNADIC SKIES

GARMIN'S VIEW OF THE STORMS

THE RAIN HAMMERING DOWN

SEEKING REFUGE IN THE BATHROOMS

WHERE'S THE POT OF GOLD??

Back on the Quest, we again kept a close watch on both the skies and the satellite. The sirens sounded again twice more and we all sought shelter one more time but it proved to be just a precautionary measure. More sounds than I had anticipated for this day!!  Oh yes, least I forget the sounds from the ice cream truck, cranking out its melody in the middle of the afternoon's commotion.

DAN POINTING TO THE SWIRLING CLOUDS

ICE CREAM TRUCK MAKING ROUNDS

THE SKIES ARE STILL WORKING

Between these exciting moments, we did manage to get the new bar sink faucet installed, the lights in the guest stateroom replaced, the new pads put on the guest bunks and the pilot house cushions recovered. Not bad between running to the hardware store and seeking refuge from the storms!