time...

A big thank you going out to David Drummond on this entry on his blog. I have to say he summed it up perfectly for me.

We never had lots of severe weather here in my neck of the woods. Enough to keep it interesting from time to time. Back in the day I chased anything that had a raindrop or a roll of thunder in it. Now around 17 years or so later I find my interest in it fading. With gas prices over 4 dollars a gallon and needless wear and tear on my truck it isn't worth it now. No, I don't chase like any of the multitudes out West or have the volume of storms they have, but I do find that the drive I once had isn't there for now. Sure, weather dictated my life for a long time but now when I cant chase due to work, it doesn't really bother me anymore. Sure, I love to shoot lightning but I find the chaser in me slowly fading away. We have always had the luxury of being alone during storms here in my area and not have the throngs of chasers like they have out on the plains, lined up for the latest storm. I have seen a few new chasers materialize in these parts and I am not impressed to say the least. So now a finalized divorce, working more hours, relocating to another place (locally) just to much of life that needs to be lived, has taken hold. So where to from here?

I noticed lately how much my photography blog has surpassed my stormtracker blog concerning the amount of postings. Admittedly photography and videography are my passions. A lot like chasing used to be a long time ago. I never thought this would be as weather was my identity and my big passion in life. I would say it is still a passion but I now keep it in the proper perspective. Everyday I check the weather and the SPC outlooks, etc, etc. I guess that will always be a part of my routine. When nasty winds or weather come knocking I will still answer the door. It's hurricane season so who knows what will happen....So with that being said this blog will be updated whenever its needed or a nasty storm comes by well whenever....

To quote David he says "I think perhaps it’s time to move storm chasing into much more of just the “hobby” category and enjoy a lot more of life than condensed water vapor".

The man is on to something.

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by from time to time.

Rick