Thunderbolts and lightning

I've been sitting on the lovely porch of the Falls Village Inn in classic small town New England listening to nearly continuous thunder and lightning. I had a short hike planned this morning before catching the Metro North train back to NYC. When a storm comes in the middle of the day, my general approach is to hike on. I'm prepared for it. When the storm is at the beginning of the hike and I'm still dry from a comfortable night in a well restored village inn, then the decision to stay put for a bit seems wiser. Will the storm pass quickly? Will it rain all day? After 45 minutes, there's a hint of light in the western sky behind the clouds.

Gold!

All those shiny flecks in the bottom of the stream may be hard to see in the picture, but it sure looks like Stony Brook is full of gold to me! Season 3 of Gold Rush in Kent, CT? At least taking off my boots and splashing in the stream for a bit seems every bit as valuable on another really hot day.

What would any sensible person do in a record setting heat wave?

Checkout the latest weather updates at http://www.weather.com/

I chose to go hiking! Not the best plan given my heat stroke risk factors but I did make it through a brutal day. Less miles than i hoped, but enough to keep on track and enough given the truly sweltering conditions. More updates over the course of the summer with happier weather if we are all lucky. Drink plenty of water wherever you are!