Caught in a Hail Storm

[MtnMike2]

Sunday eve I was hunting with my muzzleloader in Golden Gate State Park, on the northeast side near the quarry. Not really the high country - I was at about 9,000' or so and I was only about a mile from camp. I saw the storm moving in but it was to the north and I figured I could get back to camp pretty quick if need be. Well, the storm expanded as it formed and moved south toward me. Temp dropped 20 degrees, from about 80 (it was hot before it started) and all hell broke loose: lightning in the sky and hitting the ground. Sounded like cannons going off. Rain turned to hail, got harder, turned to big hail stones about the size of a dime. Hurt when it hit your shoulders. I was playing mountain man with broad brim hat (which helped), possibles bag, sheath knife and old timey canteen - no rain gear whatsoever. Can't believe I didn't even have a trash bag with me. Between taking shelter in trees, I made it back to camp. Had about 3" of hail on the ground and my camp was flooded / covered in hail. Had to bale out my tent. Fortunately had some dry clothes to change into. Got some hot coffee and food in me, put on some rain gear and I was ok. Sleeping bag was dry even tho the tent floor wasn't (bag was on inflatable mattress) so was able to stay the night.
Everything turned out ok, but a lesson I already know was emphasized: be prepared - especially in the mountains!

Mike