Donner and Blitzen

[mwaynebennett]

I was out MDing today in the field where I had found so many quarters last month. Today it was dimes! Anyway it was cloudy and a lightning storm started. I didn't want to stop until I was finished scanning a particular grid portion of the soccer field. Was I wrong? How likely was I got get a jolt out of the experience? The strikes were at least four miles away so I continued for another 5 minutes until I got through with that section.

BTW, the soil was VERY wet and the signals were VERY strong and distinct. The digging was easier also.

Mark
Elite 2200

 

[dave5710]

The original spelling was Donder, it was changed somewhere in the retelling of the tale. Donner was the name of an unfortunate party of pioneers who got caught in a snow storm in the mountains.

Speaking of storms, WHAT THE H@%&, ARE YOU THINKING? Aren't the wife and kids more important to you than a few dimes? Thunder tells you it's time to go. Lightening tells you it may already be to late. It just ain't worth the risk.

Besides if something happens to you, I'll have to find someone new to badger.:sad:

Take care, Dave

 

[mwaynebennett]

"Donner" and Blitzen" are the German words for "Thunder" and "Lightning."
In the original poem "A visit from Saint Nicolas" the names were "Dunder and Blixem."

Mark
Elite 2200

PS: Since the storm was miles away, the field was in a depression with many higher conductors around, I figured the chances of gettin zapped were low. Also, that woudl be a fast was to go!

 

[dave5710]

PS: Since the storm was miles away, the field was in a depression with many higher conductors around, I figured the chances of gettin zapped were low. Also, that woudl be a fast was to go!

What only a two or three % chance. And it may not be a fast way to go. You might lay there and smolder for a long time.

 

[turtlefoot]

I personally would stay out as long as possible. I love storms to begin with and I try to get decent lightning photos every now and then although I get "the look" when I get home as my wife was struck by lightning when she was 17.

Doug

 

[edjcox]

You'se have a vision of your MD serving as a grounding rod, a bolt in the top of your head, a well cooked arm, and depending on your insurance and estate .......

Lightning doesn't pay to mess with. It can also be an agonizing way to go as peoples entire lymphatic system is disrupted....

Get ounder cover, in a car, house or sturdy grounded structure.... If stuck in a field lie down low as you can and stay low. If you feel anything get low fast... Lightning dendrils reach down and probe the way for a major stroke....

Donner or German for thunder and Blitzen German for Lightning...

Remember people were lousy spellers back then and phoenetic words were often used and misused based on pronunciation, dialect, ethnic origin, etc....


My German Shepard Weisser Blitzen or White Lightning knows better than being out in a storm. He seeks shelter immediatly and can hear thunderstorms miles away....

 

[mwaynebennett]

I didn't know it but when I was out there, a tornado touched down about a mile to the east and knocked down building and trees etc. That is a VERY VERY VERY VERY rare thing to happen around here.

Mark
Elite 2200

 

[sven925]

no. no. NO! Have you ever heard of ground surge? Lightning has been documented to kill 2-300 yards away under the right conditions! Especially
if the ground was wet and your holding a metal rod and grounded by wet feet! Imagine lightning hitting a tree nearby and your in the area. Toast!