Clinton, MD (USA)

Woke up at 0645 again and started inspection around 0745 (drill and follow-up). Made great progress - enough to have a leisurely lunch at Jiffy's (they have great gyros!!!). Back to work after the meal and actually finished everything (hoping for debrief, but other people didn't end up being ready in time...). At 1600L, started to get the idea that Mike would be late again, so I sent back to the hotel with Randy. After the last few experiences waiting on Mike, decided not to wait to get dinner (Raul was going out with friends) and borrowed Randy's car. Just as I was leaving the hotel the weather began to degrade rapidly (huge rainstorm with wind and lightning. Made it to MD-5 (and into the clear weather) and found a little Chinese take-out place called "Number 1 China." They made great noodles! While I was eating, all the Chinese cooks and servers ran out into the parking lot and were pointing frantically at the sky and speaking in excited Chinese. I went outside and saw the beginning (or remains) of a funnel cloud. Raul started texting me and asking if I was OK - I assumed he meant the weather, but then he mentioned sirens were going off all over town (I hadn't heard them). Finished my meal and waited for the ominous weather to clear. Around 2030, went back to the hotel (after stopping at the exchange) and found everyone in the lobby - the power was out. Apparently, I missed the storm by just a few minutes (again! - see DEC 2000). There was talk of a tornado... I was able to get in touch with my cousin, Tim (we'll get together later in the week). Back in the lobby, people were bored - and more had arrived for our next inspection - so I went out with Ginny to get beer. We drove around for a while and tried a few convenience stores and grocery stores before we figured out that you can't buy any kind of alcohol in this area without visiting an actual liquor store. We eventually found Allentown Liquors and headed back to our hotel. Our arrival improved the mood - and we all went outside to wait for power to return (it finally did at 2300). It turned out to be a good evening, even with the weather, since it forced a social event (just like the old days!). I'll miss this kind of day...