Whoops, a Canoe incedent

While fishing at a local Bass lake yesterday I saw the clouds approaching
and was hearring thunder in the back ground.
I made a last cast before heading in to shore when I got a strike on a green
worm. As I began to set the hook a lightning strike hit close by and that
put a bit of a scare in me as would be expected.

Well as I was setting the hook and this happining, yes it the rarely thought
about happened. Being alone in a 16 foot canoe with 1 pole, tackle box, and
small cooler the ballance thing was over come and over and out I went!

Thank goodness the pond was only 4 feet deep fishing in the lilly pads and
no I did not have my vest on as it was about 100 degrees (heat index)
outside.

Silly me but lesson learned. Just as I regained my senses and stood up the
canoe filled up with water (old town so it did not sink) funny first
thoughts came to mind. Durn there goes my cell phone, and nuts the wallet is
soaked.

Well being alone and not wanting to loose anything (more) I could not empty
the canoe and get back in very well but still made it to shore. Thank
goodness it is a small pond!

Just as I was struggling to get back to shore the clouds opened up and
dumped, so here I am soaked from head to toe and now it rains to boot!

Well getting to shore I was able to retrieve most everything (that floated)
and got to the car and loaded it up. (oh did I forget to say my car alarm on
the key chain was soaked so it did not work?) But now what? Well I stripped
down to my skivies and headed home

Thinking nobody would be out in such a down pour I just put my straw hat on
and made a break to the appartment on the second floor. Figures that 2 guys
were standing just to the side as I ran buy!

Ah well shouting something about a boat capsizing I scooted past them
hearing a giggle or two, and got inside to a hot shower and clean up.

I only retell this story so that somebody might take note and think of
safety measures. If I had been in deeper water I am not sure how it might
have turned out. Oh I forgot to mention I was wearing steel toe shoes, I
know now that is not a good thing!

Happy and safe boat fishing!