The Tornado's Toll

By Tuesday morning, everybody in our town had a storm story – their own or one they'd heard.

On our way to Isaac's cross-country practice, we noticed trees – that had been leaning Monday night – now uprooted by their crowns' weight. Later on a walk with Moose, we more closely examined the uprooting.

At practice, Isaac's teammate told how Monday's power outage intrigued his family to go outside to see what was happening with the weather. There above their home, the clouds joined and released a few times before forming a funnel cloud. Their dad said, "That's kinda cool."

Then the funnel cloud gained power and headed south toward the lake. There it wreaked havoc at the public park. His teammate reported trees were down over the driveway, on the beach, atop a shelter, the bathhouse and the park host's camper.

After morning music lessons, the boys and I headed to the park to see the damage first-hand. A half mile up the highway, I said, "Look! The eagle's nest is gone!"

The platform above the power lines was wiped clean. For years, a giant nest had weathered the elements and housed multiple broods.



Getting into the park was a challenge with the fallen trees. Crews were on hand moving and sawing debris. Since the boys were determined to see their favorite fishing and swimming spot, I found an out-of-the-way place to park. The damage was devasting.

While looking at the Norway pine fallen over the shelter, Isaac slipped – as the ground gave way – into the hole left by its uprooting.

Aaron and Noah checked out the beach and fishing pier to find things mostly in order.

For me, the bur oak tree standing in the middle of the beach was the best sight.

This tree provides relief for those who seek shade near the water on hot summer days while watching the kids play.

Hooray! Our beach keeps its #1 status among those in the area.

While wandering the park, I noticed another woman photographing the disaster. She introduced herself as one of the park's hosts. I said, "So you were one of those in the camper when the storm hit?"

She nodded, "My husband and I and another couple were having dinner inside when it got very dark. The wind picked up. Hail pounded the camper. And then a few trees blew over on the beach and the bath house. Our friend said: Maybe we should get out of here? I shook my head and said: I think we're safer in here. It got quiet and then the winds picked up again. We could hear trees crashing all around us. One landed right on top of our camper."

No one was hurt. When the storm ended, they went outside for a look. She said,

"I told them: Next time you come to visit, I'm collecting a cover charge for entertainment!"