Lightening Does Strike Twice!!

During the summer months with afternoon and evening thunder storms, the mountain was struck twice by lightening.  The first time was high up on a ridge.  A tall pine tree was struck.  The lightening hit the top of the tree, completely knocking the top off the tree.  It then went down the tree and into the ground, causing the tree to burn and smolder.  The smoke from the tree was noticed on the ridge, and then missionaries went into the area and found the burning tree before it could spread. We rode up on our ATV's and saw the "lightening tree"  several days later.  This is part of the tree that was blown off the top.

 

 

About a month later, during high fire season, another tree was struck by lightening.  This time the bolt struck the tree, splitting it from top to bottom, only this time there was no burning.  The camp was really protected because if it had started burning a huge fire could have been started.  We went over to see the tree and marvel at the power and force of nature.

               
All over the state fires were being started by lightening strikes.  The miracle of these two strikes was that a fire was not started.  It would have meant that 2500 campers would have to be evacuated.  We were certainly blessed and kept safe.