Preparation for the Storm

Now it’s about 7pm on Saturday. Radar is lighting up and storms are heading this way. My buddy swings by and picks up the chicken, just in case you forgot about the tacos that have still yet to be made. I’m wiring up my DJI Osmo action camera to the mirror mount just in case there is something interesting to record while driving. Spoiler alert: nothing to be recorded

Rain gear, check!
Chargers and extra batteries, check!
Camera bag and tripod, check!
Ham radio, check!
Extra set of dry clothes and towel, check!
New gimbal from Amazon, 3 stops away??

Awaiting the Amazon Delivery

I swear to God it took this delivery driver nearly 30 minutes to make these 3 stops less than a half mile from the house. I am sitting here in the truck tracking wind speeds and estimating the ETA of this cell while impatiently waiting for this package. I didn’t want it to stay on the porch and I thought there may be a slight chance of it getting some use out of the trip. The Amazon dude finally shows up and I throw the package in the back seat and on the road I went. So excited some end of the season weather and a chance to try out the new camera on some weather.

The Anticipated Storm Front

I plotted a course to one of my favorite spots for catching in bound weather form the west and took the back roads. If I just hammer down a little bit, it should put me about 20 mins in front of the storm. Rolling up to the location I can see the storm about 40 miles out. Almost perfect timing. I jump out of the truck and get the camera ready and start just taking a few test shots. That was about it, nothing interesting to be had. All I saw was a big wall of grey heading towards me. No lightning, no interesting front line or clouds, Nothing but water and wind.

By this time, it is beginning to rain on me which means camera time is over, so I pack that up now. Jumping back into the truck I start listening to NOAA and running scouring the radar looking for something, anything. As a doctor would state, nothing remarkable to report. It also looked like nothing would happen later either. This has now become disheartening.

Reevaluating Weekend Plans

So now to recap this weekend’s devolving plans in my head. The hike, interview and other related content for YouTube nixed. Camping nixed by this weather I have no issue standing in but don’t feel like sleeping. Tacos! I really could eat right about now, I forgot to do so, and tacos sounded good. Storm chasing and weather photography was now a bust until maybe later that night. What to do now? How do I salvage this Saturday without going home depressed and nothing creative done?

 An Unexpected Social Call

I texted my friend Jake to see what he was getting into that night. He’s always off doing something music related and/or debaucherous. I had a good idea what he would be up to, but I needed to confirm. He replies, “I’m going to the Mel!” I decided that it probably would be a good yet a bad idea to follow suit, drive all the way up to Indianapolis and go be social and maybe do some photography. Tonight was not the night to go home with my tail between my legs, to remain in an introverted state. I needed to go out and be Aaron and do Aaron related activities. My soul needed it. I replied, “see you around 9!”
Here I go, do not try to stop me!