How to Survive a Frightening Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM--Julia Frangenberg

          Here at Keeners we have learned to appreciate our rainy days, because they bring up the river level and provide us with amazing features that are known worldwide, such as mini bus. Throughout these past couple of weeks we've been given fantastic opportunities to run all of the rapids on the Ottawa at some of the highest water levels I've ever seen. There are some of the best play spots around, and all the rapids from low levels just get bigger and even more insanely fun. However, there is a point in a storm where people can become pretty frightened, and there is more to think about then just the water level.

Step 1: Become aware that it is storming. This is a significant factor because if one cannot hear the sudden sound of pounding rain, blasts of thunder, and intimidatingly nearby flashes of lightning, then there is an issue. Be sure to be considerate of any other roommates who could have fallen asleep and become oblivious of the fact that the weather is rapidly deteriorating, as they will become aware of the weather on their own time.

Step 2: Make sure that you are not on the top bunk. This is not vital, but at the same time it is not exactly comforting and peaceful to hear and occasionally see the ceiling rattling frighteningly close to your face. Grab your sleeping bag, pillow(s), and other necessities to see if you can sleep on the floor of a fellow cabin mate's room. 

Step 3: Talk for a bit with your new roommate(s) as it gets later at night and deeper into the storm. Many people may come up with ways to stay up during a storm, such as that they "always stay up later when they're at home" or "they have to finish the last level of Rolling Sky on their phone". However, all of these are mere excuses to cover up the real reason why they can't go to sleep: they are afraid of the thunderstorm.

Step 4: Go out into the living room because you are beginning to feel more and more afraid only in your room with your friends. Discover that the other people in the cabin have gotten the same idea and are gathered together nervously chitchatting about the weather where they live. Bring your sleeping bag to the couch or floor and huddle to yourself as lightning lights up the night.

Step 5: Be vigilant as the storm begins to subside. It sometimes stops for a couple of minutes, only to come back pouring a little later. Feel a mutual sense of relief with your friends as the storm stops for good, and enjoy the rest of the night safe and cozy.