Chester by Mike Olbinski Via Flickr: I've had a few favorite days chasing...and May 9th has moved right up to the top. I still cannot believe I saw what I did. I mean...turning down this road, and seeing it right in the center, hovering just a few miles away was mind-blowing. Have always seen tornadoes like this one on video or TV...but seeing it in person was so incredibly different, I don't even have words for it. I can see why chasing them can get so addicting. This is likely one of my top 3 favorite storm images I've ever shot. I do wish I hadn't been on f4/ and had used a tripod, but hey, at least I remembered to focus! Also, this tornado was just upgraded to an EF4. It also took the life of 76-year old Chester Barnes...who his family called Uncle Mike. They said he wasn't afraid of anything. His wife had died a year ago...and one of his nephews talked to him three weeks ago about it: "He said I miss her. He said I'm just ready. That's all he would say. He would just say I'm ready." I wonder if he just stood there watching it get closer, saying "I'm ready. I'll see you soon." RIP Chester Barnes