Sunday, May 29, 2016

Post date: May 29, 2016 12:19:25 PM

Sunday, May 29, 2016 @ 0700 CDT: Yesterday was a day for a bit of rest, some exploration of the Oklahoma City area and, most of all, reminiscing about our experiences. And wow, what we have seen has been truly incredible! I count twenty tornadoes --- Yes, TWENTY of 'em! --- while chasing in six states and almost 8800 miles during the four weeks in Tornado Alley with Cloud 9 Tours. And that doesn't even begin to touch on all of the great structure... the hail... the flooding... the ferocious winds... the jokes and good times... the food... the friends... What a great time it has been!

As is always the case when the tours are over for me, I'm pretty damn depressed about the idea of leaving Tornado Alley and my friends here. I will admit, though, that this tired old body of mine will be grateful to get home and sleep for about a week. Tour 2 has really taken its toll on all of us. No complaints, though, because I would definitely do it all over again if I had the opportunity!

Many many thanks to everyone during the last month: To Charles, for doing it all (and working himself way too hard in the process, while never losing his sense of humor); to John, Rocky and Brian for their endless hours of driving --- and doing it incredibly well --- and for their endless tolerance of our idiocy *lol*; to my Tour 1 compatriots for enjoying our "Restaurant Tour" and the "Large & Bizarre" tour ALMOST as much as the storms; and to all of the Tour 2 crazies for sharing in the experience of a lifetime! It was a tour for the ages, and I hope everyone understands how special it really was! You guys were an absolute blast, and it was an honor chasing with you!

I hope to see you all next year. We'll try to do it all over again!

So anyway, you can see a few shots from my Saturday experiences HERE: https://kingkey.smugmug.com/TornadoChase/Chase-2016/2016May28/

This morning, I will be heading to the OKC airport and then begin my trip back to the Keys. If all goes according to plan, I will have sufficient time for another crawfish etouffee meal at Pappadeaux in the Houston airport, and then it's on to Fort Lauderdale and Key Largo. My bed will feel REALLY nice, that I know for sure!