I was a young Boy Scout (yes I know) camping in a mountain range known for its beautiful scenery, amazing fishing, and unpredictable weather. On the third day, we decided to hike about 4 miles to a different lake. We started the hike, and all was well. About 3/4 of the way through the hike, we saw some intense dark clouds closing in on our position. We continued to press on regardless. By the time we reached our destination, the storm system had rolled in and we were dealing with a light drizzle. No big deal! That’s great fishing weather.

Within 20 minutes the rain went from a light drizzle to pouring rain. We knew we had to go back to camp. We moved as quickly as we could as the storm intensified. It got to the point where the wind was so strong, and the rain was so intense that I could barely breathe. We finally made it back to the pasture our camp was in, about a mile away from our camp. At this point the storm was so intense that two of the strongest leaders decided to run ahead and bring the truck to us.

We make it about another half mile before they come back with the truck. The storm has only intensified in the meantime. But, there was another problem. There wasn’t enough room in the truck for everyone (including the bed). Three people had to walk the rest of the way. I was dumb enough to volunteer.

The truck departs and the three of us start running towards camp, as the storm continues to intensify. Then, as we’re running through the pasture, lightning strikes within 100 feet of us. So close you could feel the shockwave, and the sound was deafening. One dumbass leader suggested we take cover under a tree and pray, and I just respond with “are you actually that stupid?” And continued to run towards camp.

By the time I got back to camp, I had severe hypothermia. And to top it all off, one of my tent mates left our tent door open. So all of our clothes and sleeping bags were soaked. I had to borrow thermals and sit way too close to the fire to eventually warm up.

I will never go back to that place.