We took the single span cable car from Lake Skalnaté, at 1751m above sea level, to Lomnický štít which, at 2634m above seal level, is the second highest peak in the Tatra mountains.
The peak was covered in cloud with little wind. The air was highly charged with static, I could feel what hair I have standing up and my wife got shocks from the metal handrails that surround the narrow ridge.
Suddenly I felt a slight but definite slap on my head. I was taken by surprise and was wondering if I had been hit by a bird when, perhaps two seconds later, there was a crack of thunder. I had seen no flash when I felt the slap, but had been looking down at the time.
My wife did not notice the effect but felt it prior to a second thunder clap, I did not feel the effect the second time, the lightning was again unseen.
The sensation definitely felt like a physical contact and I firmly link it to the lightning.
What was it we experienced and how could it precede the sound?
I avoided holding the handrails, which were earthed, after hearing the thunder. Was I correct in assuming this would be safer than holding them?
Would the steel cable to the ground over 883m below not have been very attractive to lightening and how would this have been protected against at the winding gear?
Regards
Hal
