Once is enough?

I've always been fascinated by severe weather; in fact I think I missed my calling as a meteorologist despite a lack of knowledge on the subject. I love to watch thunderstorms, and enjoy trying to predict the paths of the tropical storms and hurricanes right along with the forecasters as they discuss air currents and low pressure systems. I've always wanted to see a tornado, though I've always said I'd like to see it from the top of my basement steps as it moves in the opposite direction.

On Sunday, my wish was granted. As we headed to the Northshore to look for properties for my parents, a good thunderstorm was brewing over the lake. Just as we pulled out onto the Causeway bridge I saw the funnel cloud. And then we saw it drop down to the water, forming the continuous line from cloud to lake. A waterspout!!!!

Waterspout on Lake Pontchartrain

The circumstances were definitely not ideal... on a bridge extending for 26 miles, with the occasional turn around every few miles. I think it was moving towards the bridge, because initially it looked quite far away, but by the time Jeff took this picture, you can actually see the water disturbance on the lake. I had a hard time driving, wanting to do nothing but stare at this amazing force of nature.

I'd like to say that seeing it once is enough, but I think I'm just as fascinated now as before, if not more. In fact, I would have loved to just sit and watch the waterspout until it disappeared back up into the clouds, and I hope I'll have the chance to see another one ... preferably moving away from me :)