Apparently, “growing up” and “storm chasing” is a contradiction in terms according to some. My sister said (not relating to this subject at all, just as a comment in general about my sanity – thanks for your opinion, Sherry )

“I dont really think you are losing it all that bad (yet) Unless you do the storm chasing thing. Then I might think so. It does sound interesting, however, it does sound just a little crazy too. Not so sure that that is the thing I will do when I get as old as you (just had to throw that in there) I mean have you watched Twister???”

Regardless, I still intend on spending a summer doing just that. At least one summer.

That’s what the little logo for this blog symbolizes. It’s supposed to be a ribbon, twisting up like a tornado.

Most people never see a twister when they are storm chasing. I don’t expect to be one of the few lucky ones. If nothing else, it will be a chance to see some parts of North America I’ve never seen. I plan on doing it as cheap as possible – camping as often as I can, cooking my own food, etc.

I checked out some storm chasing stuff after that comment, beginning at Wikipedia, and then at Google.

Wikipedia had this to say:

“Storm chasing is broadly defined as the pursuit of any severe weather condition, regardless of motive… While witnessing a tornado is the biggest objective for many chasers, many chase thunderstorms and delight in seeing cumulonimbus structure, watching a barrage of hail and lightning, and seeing what skyscapes unfold.

“Storm chasing is chiefly a recreational endeavor, with motives usually given toward photographing the storm for personal reasons.”

So, as crazy as it may seem to some, I’m sticking with “recreational endeavor” and “personal reasons.”

I have more to say about my storm chasing ambitions at Storm Chasin’.