Good Riddings July, Hello August

During Friday morning’s deluge I was so awe inspired by nature that I did something for the first time in 15 years (since January 1994, the coldest day of the 20th century). I pulled myself from a comfy sleep, threw on a rain slicker and went out at the height of the rain to take some pictures.

Behind my house, there is a woodland where a small stream runs. Normally a babbling brook, this morning a raging rivulet had formed and an enormous waterfall was cascading from an industrial pipe. The wall of water was several feet high and the force of the water surely enough to drown someone caught in its surge. I thought to myself how even Michael Phelps would have a hard time surviving in this current.

Such was the nature of the sudden cloudburst that engulfed parts of the region this morning. Your e-pictures were equally jaw dropping. My story on Newchannel 3 at 11 barely scratched the surface of the best shots we received.

But the tropical air responsible for the monsoon has been eroded to the point where a warm and more comfy day is on tap for Saturday’s outdoor activities.

Among the more popular events on tap include the Regional Girls Softball tourney at Mitch Stadium in Kenova. Here some 1000 gallons of water were siphoned from the field today by an industrial sized suction tank to allow for pool play to continue.

In Charleston, the beach volleyball tourney at Magic Island and Ribfest are a perfect pair. You can eat and watch a sporting event at the same time. On the Kanawha River, jet ski races will be a “cool sight” on the 80 degree waters. My concern here is that the rains on Friday will create a few feet rise on the river. Waters will be muddy especially at the mouth of the Elk and some driftwood will be a small hazard to racers.

County Fairs continue in McArthur and Wayne with Saturday night always a great time to walk a midway. If you are into Bluegrass Music, the Wayne Fair is the place to be on Saturday evening. And remember, the Go Cart Races at the Vinton Jr Fair that were postponed on Tuesday will be held at noon on Saturday.

As for the flip of the calendar from July to August, the football season is here and that means the Massey Energy Pike-Mingo Senior Bowl will kick off the season Saturday night.

My Call for the game and other Saturday night outdoor fun is for a pleasant night with showers and thundershowers holding off until after midnight. Fingers crossed that timing holds.

Look for new showers on Sunday morning.

Have a good weekend.