5/17/02

The best thing to do with down days is to make the most of them and keep
"occupied", so we worked to find things to do today.  The second group of
our chase was due in as well, so we moved from Alva, OK to Wichita, KS to
give them a shorter drive to meet us.  We had a lot of time to rest and
relax, which is ultimately a good thing for team spirit in general... as
we've been out here a week already, and we need to rebuild that first-day
excitement and optimism for the people coming in.  It may be our 8th day
of our 5th chase, but it's their 1st day of their 1st chase.

On the way to Wichita, we made a roadside stop to check out an ASOS tower
(automated weather reporting station) and to make a unique addition to
Allan's "Roadkilll Chronicles" (www.allandetrich.com).  Once in Wichita,
we made yet another trip to the local Walmart to get pictures developed
and/or scanned.  Unfortunately, the scanner there was a bit fluky and what
we thought was a successful trip turned out not to be once we got back to
our computers (so some prime photos for the webpage will have to wait
longer still).   We also watched The Perfect Storm in our rooms to at
least get some kind of stormy action under the "severe clear" we're
experiencing.

Star Wars: Episode II opened Thursday night, so we figured we'd go see it
tonight.  We bought our 10pm tickets three hours ahead of time to assure
seats. after all, it had JUST opened 24 hours prior, it's a Friday night,
and we're in a rather large city.  Just a commentary: the movie is
terrific and well worth the $7.

We ended the day/night by hitting a Wendys drive-though at 1am and are
anxiously awaiting the two additions to our team who should arrive here
Saturday morning sometime.  Looks like we'll be spending at least another
day here for lack of any thunderstorm activity.

Beginning to experience mild Supercell Deprivation Syndrome,
Brian, Nancy, Chris, Allan, Josh, and Grizz
www.mcwar.org