A group embarked on another island survey, setting two single high, one double high, and part of a triple high in time for a huge driving, blowing, pounding, gale of almost worrysome proportions plowed through the Kanawha River valley near Smithers. We creatively gutted a portion of plastic sheeting used in our triple high system and created a makeshift tent and rode out the storm(s). We deserted the island by 11:00, with no breaks in the rain.

The second group at a new site downstream of Kanawha Falls managed no better. The tornado-ish winds spilled at least one net set, converting it from bat mode into walleye straining mode. Being much closer to their vehicles made for a much shorter night.

Left: Neil Bossart happy and dry just after launch from Montgomery.

Below: Neil is not happy. He sees the sky darken to the west. He begins to realize he won't be dry again for another night. He would mutiny and go home, but he has no vehicle of his own in West Virginia. Added to that, he's stuck now in the middle of the Kanawha on a sloppy wetland.

However, this does afford a closer look at the wetland. Our triple high net setup fits rather neatly in the gap in the center.