5/20/02

Today was the first day in what seems like an eternity when it looked as
though we may see a return of warm, moist air that is a significant factor
in normalizing the storm season here.  In other words, we are once again
going from tourist mode back into chaser mode.  We are looking at the
period from Wednesday through Saturday as showing promise; not
overwhelming indicators, but promise.  

After spending 3.5 days in Wichita, it was finally time to leave.  We
headed up to Smithville, MO to pick up Brian's Jeep, and unfortunately, we
had to say goodbye to Chris, Allan and Grizz today.  Work schedules
wouldn't allow them to stay the full time.  It's always tough to say
goodbye, and it seems like the time we spent together simply flew.  We
caught some great storms, and captured some of our best shots ever. but
more importantly, we had a ball. In the absence of any overwhelming need
to analyze data, forecast, navigate and plot courses, we had a lot more
time to share more of ourselves, and pursue a lot of light-hearted
entertainment and to get to know the "other side" of Tornado Alley.
  
We also said goodbye to the rented minivan, and now the convoy consists of
Brian's Jeep Cherokee, Josh's "Silver Torpedo". (Toyota Tercel), and the
rental car that Lisa and Moose share.  We have set up at least two modes
of communication within our fleet (walkie-talkies and cell phones in all
vehicles, plus radios in the two MESO-member-owned vehicles).  We're now
in Topeka ready to move into position over the next day or two.  Dinner
this evening was at the Coyote Canyon Steak Buffet in eastern Topeka,
which certainly earns a high mark on the MESO-Scale of restaurants.

On the meteorological side, it seems all the ingredients seem to be on
their way, we just need them to MEET somewhere.  Our quick looks at the
Tuesday 00Z model runs seem to indicate the eastern Wyoming plains for
Tuesday (no good for us. very far and likely high-based) then central
Kansas for Wednesday (in perfect range).  We'll see how things evolve
Monday night and the first half of Tuesday.

Downsized MESO Team,
Nancy, Brian, and Josh (with Lisa and Moose)
www.mcwar.org