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#207193 - 09/27/23 09:57 AM Caught by Lightning on Half Dome Yeah, well, this
balzaccom Online content
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Registered: 04/06/09
Posts: 2224
Loc: Napa, CA
Yeah, well, this is amazing: www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/half-dome-storm-lightning-strikes/3327580/

And yes, there is a jumble of rocks on the east summit of Half Dome known as the Cave.
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#207194 - 09/27/23 09:37 PM Re: Caught by Lightning on Half Dome Yeah, well, this [Re: balzaccom]
Arizona Offline
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Registered: 02/26/02
Posts: 294
Loc: The Southwestern Deserts
That’s some crazy stuff. It is impossible not to be filled with angst when bolts are striking all around you. You start thinking this is it. I figured one might be fairly safe in a rock cave but now it seems there is no such place for safety.

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#207195 - 09/28/23 09:37 AM Re: Caught by Lightning on Half Dome Yeah, well, this [Re: Arizona]
balzaccom Online content
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Registered: 04/06/09
Posts: 2224
Loc: Napa, CA
In fact, caves are NOT a recommended refuge for lightning strikes. Turns out the lightning likes to follow the ground through the caves.

You are better off croching in a low area, keeping your feet underneath you, and separating from your companions. Doesn't sound like much fun in a thunderstorm.

The other alternative, climbing down the steel cables on Half Dome, sounds like suicide.
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Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

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