Earl Faubion
EF3
I'm sending you their cell phone # via PM in a minute. If you have time I bet they'd love to hear from you, maybe you can get together after all.
Paul Knightley
EF5
We love meeting people out on the Plains, as it's so far removed from London! We did meet a very odd chap at around 2am one night though, in N-Cent NE. He wanted to race us, but we declined!
Last year we were in CO outside a motel picking up wi-fi, and posting on Stormtrack. Suddenly one of the chasers in the car next to us got out and came over, asking if I was Paul! He'd seen my post on here - that was pretty cool!
Last year we were in CO outside a motel picking up wi-fi, and posting on Stormtrack. Suddenly one of the chasers in the car next to us got out and came over, asking if I was Paul! He'd seen my post on here - that was pretty cool!
cdcollura
EF5
Good day,
Met many interesting people (besides great chasers) during my trips to the "alley" over the years...
1). In May 2005: Waiting for storms in the 3-corners area of SE WY, W NE, and NE CO. Greeted by 2 US Army officials and asked to leave as we were 100 feet away from a missile silo.
2). In May 2003: Hotel desk clerk (man) in Amarillo, TX with more flying "colors" (more like "flaming colors") than a "proud peacock". Only in Texas.
3). In May 2002: Pimps and midgets collecting money (drugs / prostitution - duh?) at the Imperial Motel in Wichita Falls, TX. This was the ONLY place open after Memorial day. We took turns sleeping / watching the car(s) at night.
4). In May 2003: Rough-neck guy running the "ghost town" at Mobetee, TX - One man with a huge story to tell, ran the whole small town, including tourism tours at the ghost town, oil worker AND farmer on the side. Great guy though.
5). Many many people in those small towns who say their "prayers" when they see a chase vehicle with equipment / antennas on it thinking the world will end that day!
6). May 2002: A small motel owner in Nebraska who looked like some "wash woman" out of an old western movie (aka Waltons, Little House on Prarie, etc). She yelled at all of us for using the towels in the bathroom for wiping something on the car mirror. After she reeemed us, I wiped my A__ with it and left it under the bathroom sink for her.
7). May 2005: Met (not on purpose of course) quite a few strange folks at the Motel 6 in Greely, CO. This place was obviously full of hookers - so we were out of there pretty fast!
8). Sept 2000: While on a hurricane chase. Getting gas and overheard attendants (very "flaming" obviously) saying "He's gonna pump that gas in the rain" and the other joking and twisting it to "aaah, he's gonna pump that A__ in the rain"!
Obviously, much more positive and less funny things occurred meeting some while chasing (such as running into farmers and scientists chasing). I just figured the crazy and funny stuff here would stir some laughs.
Met many interesting people (besides great chasers) during my trips to the "alley" over the years...
1). In May 2005: Waiting for storms in the 3-corners area of SE WY, W NE, and NE CO. Greeted by 2 US Army officials and asked to leave as we were 100 feet away from a missile silo.
2). In May 2003: Hotel desk clerk (man) in Amarillo, TX with more flying "colors" (more like "flaming colors") than a "proud peacock". Only in Texas.
3). In May 2002: Pimps and midgets collecting money (drugs / prostitution - duh?) at the Imperial Motel in Wichita Falls, TX. This was the ONLY place open after Memorial day. We took turns sleeping / watching the car(s) at night.
4). In May 2003: Rough-neck guy running the "ghost town" at Mobetee, TX - One man with a huge story to tell, ran the whole small town, including tourism tours at the ghost town, oil worker AND farmer on the side. Great guy though.
5). Many many people in those small towns who say their "prayers" when they see a chase vehicle with equipment / antennas on it thinking the world will end that day!
6). May 2002: A small motel owner in Nebraska who looked like some "wash woman" out of an old western movie (aka Waltons, Little House on Prarie, etc). She yelled at all of us for using the towels in the bathroom for wiping something on the car mirror. After she reeemed us, I wiped my A__ with it and left it under the bathroom sink for her.
7). May 2005: Met (not on purpose of course) quite a few strange folks at the Motel 6 in Greely, CO. This place was obviously full of hookers - so we were out of there pretty fast!
8). Sept 2000: While on a hurricane chase. Getting gas and overheard attendants (very "flaming" obviously) saying "He's gonna pump that gas in the rain" and the other joking and twisting it to "aaah, he's gonna pump that A__ in the rain"!
Obviously, much more positive and less funny things occurred meeting some while chasing (such as running into farmers and scientists chasing). I just figured the crazy and funny stuff here would stir some laughs.
Adam Lucio
EF5
I just ran into a guy at Dorothys House this past Saturday as well, he was askin all sorts of questions about what we do and also asked what way he should head to avoid the storms, I told him that we were heading west and that should tell him where he can head. It was my first chase in the plains and yes, there does seem to be a great deal of nice people out there.
Martin Kucera
EF2
The supercell that produced on 4/24/2007 in central KS had a strange fella following it. I was parked, watching the meso when this tiny, messed up looking car pulls over right behind me. A "local" looking nice guy walks up and starts talking about the storm, all excited. When the TIV drove by, he excused himself in a hurry and climbed through the driver side window into the car and sped off, following the TIV. Which makes me wonder... it seems like number of the locals would tend to follow the DOW/TIV convoy, once they see them in the neighborhood, guessing they might see some action... 
Susan Strom
EF5
Something strange is afoot at the Circle K...
When I visited Dorothy's House, at first I didn't have plans to go there, just passing through Liberal. I pulled over to fiddle with a map or something and looked up to see two men, dressed as wicked witches, coming out of the Circle K with Big Gulps. So I KNEW Dorothy's House had to be around there somewhere! Then...at the intersection of Pancake Blvd & Yellow Brick Road, I knew I was warm. Then I found it, and Dorothy in her little blue gingham dress greeted me at the door! I had to go in!
Bob Schafer
EF5
This is why we allow some women on the forum. How would we have ever learned that Dorothy wears a gingham dress otherwise?
<<running for cover>>
Glenn Dixon
EF2
I will always remember the time my wife went chasing with me and we ended up somewhere on a small road in central Kansas, surrounded by crop fields. We were observing a low-topped cell with amazingly beautiful structure and stopped to take a picture of an abandoned stone farmhouse with the cell in the frame. We hadn't seen another vehicle for miles, and suddently within 10 minutes two other chasers pulled up beside us. It was great meeting Chris Kridler (whom I have seen a few times since) and the Science officer for NWS in Fort Worth (I have forgotten his name - Mike?) This was the day before the infamous Sitka, KS tornado that so many missed by getting cut off and making that one wrong road choice. (at least they were close - we were a few counties away in NW OK and the TX panhandle busting in the traditional way.
Other than that, I can't say I've had many memorable encounters that weren't other chasers. I usually try to avoid locals. I'm grumpy that way.
Other than that, I can't say I've had many memorable encounters that weren't other chasers. I usually try to avoid locals. I'm grumpy that way.
Susan Strom
EF5
That's right. And ruby *sequin* slippers. Pay attention
:-Dhttp://thewizardofoz.warnerbros.com/movie/img/photos/photo16.jpg
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Wayne Hlinicky
EF0
Saturday April 21, 2007 My chase partner, Earl and I met a wonderful couple from England just north of London. They followed us and had a great time. Seeing a tornado for the first time and most likely the only tornado they will see. But what I am writing about is another incident that occured that night. We were on 285 about 4 miles east of I27. While sitting on a dirt road waiting we noticed the OU DOW truck, the TIV and several other vehicles go by. Like a scene from Twister. We decided to follow them and as Earl said in his post they doubled back. While there I got out of the car and stated to this one guy I know its around here somewhere. He gave me a go to h ll look and never said a word. Most of the people there were from a college in Colorado and were happy to meet other chasers. I shook their hands and thanked them for their time. While sitting in the car with Earl the same guy that gave me the go to hell look came over and thru a badge on us and stated give us room and then walked off. We would have been happy to give them room but they had the entire road blocked. In a bit everyone headed back west with this person, he was driving a dark green suv with Colorado plates and a white Ford 3/4 or 1 ton blocking the road traveling about 30 mph while the rest of them went on. These two people intentionaly blocked and impeaded the flow of traffic. They showed complete disreguard for the traveling public, the safety and welfare of other chasers out there. The one who thru his badge on us is described as a w/m 50's 5'9" 220 235lbs stocky build and a very bad attitude. He walked around like he was gods gift to law enforcement in other words he looked like an angry bear, arm way out to the sides. Beware this person as I described above in my belief has a serious problem with his attitude and was showing signs of stress. Most of the other people there were quite friendly and enjoyed meeting other chasers and exchanged great intel. But again beware of the man I described stay away from him. If he is in law enforcement and is an example of Colorado law enforcement we don't want him in Texas and we don't want him in Oklahoma.
In 15 years or so of chasing I have met wonderful people and have run across some not so friendly folks but never have I ever met someone like him. This post is for information purposes only. Be safe and enjoy the chase
In 15 years or so of chasing I have met wonderful people and have run across some not so friendly folks but never have I ever met someone like him. This post is for information purposes only. Be safe and enjoy the chase
Susan Strom
EF5
Reminds me. One time I was photographing at 4:30am in Liberal. Huge CGs were lighting up freshly-painted grain elevators. One would think I could be alone at that hour, there was absolutely no one around. But a cop saw me and came over, and asked me if it was okay if he had a cigarette (in the middle of really violent weather). I could understand if I had looked suspicious and if he was just checking out what I was doing. But it wasn’t like that. I did not feel comfortable at all, he gave me the creeps. So I politely said “I’m just wrapping things up†and got the hell out of there.
Joshua Jones
EF0
The supercell that produced on 4/24/2007 in central KS had a strange fella following it. I was parked, watching the meso when this tiny, messed up looking car pulls over right behind me. A "local" looking nice guy walks up and starts talking about the storm, all excited. When the TIV drove by, he excused himself in a hurry and climbed through the driver side window into the car and sped off, following the TIV. Which makes me wonder... it seems like number of the locals would tend to follow the DOW/TIV convoy, once they see them in the neighborhood, guessing they might see some action...
Martin, I think I know which vehicle you are talking about. I believe I saw it on the Rice/Ellsworth County line yesterday 4/24. And it was just after the TIV/DOW passed by. Yesterday was pretty fun, left the house around 2 was back by 8. Had to work today so I didn't get to have as much fun as I could have. Was parked at McPherson for about 2 hours talking to some chasers in one of the Motel parking lots. Was a lot of fun... Wish I wouldn't have forgot my memory card at the house, but Oh well.
Tom Romero
Reminds me of when we were chasing in east Texas with a large group. 3 vans and a British film crew. We got lit up and did our best to get into the hail core before we pulled over...which was not appreciated.
The 5'4" state trooper was not amused and asked to see license and registration. Of course the chap driving was from the UK and when he pulled out his license the officer looked very confused. He gathered all three drivers together and after trying to figure out the British and Boston licences gave up and let us go.
We met some real characters outside a gas station in Boise City. They were farmers in overalls with 100 one liners. They told us the story of how Bose City was the only U.S. city bombed during WWII. Apparently by our own air force who accidentley bombed the baptist church. You can see a replica of the bomb in the museum there (which is great fun to visit).
Oddly enogh we rarely meet other chasers. We're shy.
The 5'4" state trooper was not amused and asked to see license and registration. Of course the chap driving was from the UK and when he pulled out his license the officer looked very confused. He gathered all three drivers together and after trying to figure out the British and Boston licences gave up and let us go.
We met some real characters outside a gas station in Boise City. They were farmers in overalls with 100 one liners. They told us the story of how Bose City was the only U.S. city bombed during WWII. Apparently by our own air force who accidentley bombed the baptist church. You can see a replica of the bomb in the museum there (which is great fun to visit).
Oddly enogh we rarely meet other chasers. We're shy.
Earl Faubion
EF3
My guess is the guy Wayne and I encountered near Wayside last Saturday evening was working security for either the OU DOW, the TIV or the IMAX film crew. He didn't specify and there were no markings on his SUV which had CO plates. (Yes, I wrote down his tag #)
What I thought was kind of cute was how quickly he flashed his little badge before turning around and walking away. There was no time to read it which was probably his intention. What's funny is I have one that looks just like it, and I would hazard a guess mine carries as much weight in the TX panhandle as his.
I considered approaching him to inquire about his authority but our English guests were there, the ones about whom this thread was started, and I was more focused on making sure they enjoyed themselves so I blew it off. The last thing we needed was a couple of retired LEO's getting into a pithing contest in the dark and the rain with a tornado bearing down on us if you know what I mean.
Judging by Matt's comments to me since the chase, both he and Jen had a great time. I'm glad they elected not to backtrack into OK yesterday since things went bust here. After reading through some of Matt's travel blog it appears he and Jen have experienced a great deal in their recent travels so if they look back on their experience last Saturday in a positive way I will be happy. He said in a few days he'd have his blog updated to include the weekend. He also had good things to say about Joey and the other chasers he met.
Update: Matt's travel blog now has the story. http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/SharkStalker/
What I thought was kind of cute was how quickly he flashed his little badge before turning around and walking away. There was no time to read it which was probably his intention. What's funny is I have one that looks just like it, and I would hazard a guess mine carries as much weight in the TX panhandle as his.
I considered approaching him to inquire about his authority but our English guests were there, the ones about whom this thread was started, and I was more focused on making sure they enjoyed themselves so I blew it off. The last thing we needed was a couple of retired LEO's getting into a pithing contest in the dark and the rain with a tornado bearing down on us if you know what I mean.
Judging by Matt's comments to me since the chase, both he and Jen had a great time. I'm glad they elected not to backtrack into OK yesterday since things went bust here. After reading through some of Matt's travel blog it appears he and Jen have experienced a great deal in their recent travels so if they look back on their experience last Saturday in a positive way I will be happy. He said in a few days he'd have his blog updated to include the weekend. He also had good things to say about Joey and the other chasers he met.
Update: Matt's travel blog now has the story. http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/SharkStalker/
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Jon Faubion
EF0
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2005
- Messages
- 13
Sounds like a good time y'all had out there, I shoulda skipped the race and went to the panhandles. BTW Earl (Dad) is a good person to have ride shotgun, got me out of a ticket yersterday, and I didn't have to drop his name THIS time as he was in the truck LOL........
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