Friday, July 4, 2008

Those Skies . . .


Every where we travel in New Mexico, the skies amaze me. No matter where we go, the sky, while always stupendous, is also always different.

And Tucumcari is no exception to that rule.

For some reason, since we've been here, the sunset has been the most intense shade of lavender (see the previous post for pictures). It actually looks like something you'd see in a movie. I look forward to it every day.

Today was a lovely day. For the 4th of July, we decided to stay close to the rig. We're not drinkers and find we generally prefer to stay out of the holiday rush. We did laundry, I baked a banana chocolate chip cake and as is our personal tradition, we watched 1776 and Yankee Doodle Dandy. I've already covered both of these classic films in a previous blog, but suffice it to say, if you haven't seen them, don't wait for next year. Watch them as soon as possible.

This evening, as the sun began to set, a large storm moved in from the west. Since we've been traveling, I've discovered a weather phenomenon called virga. It's when the rain evaporates before it reaches the ground, which sounds kind of boring, but visually it's a sight to behold.

So as I was watching the sun begin to set, I noticed a huge wall of virga hanging from the clouds. Then all of a sudden, lightning began to brighten the sky, which was still bathed in all its dusky glory. Quite a vision, I have to say.

Then I noticed that off in the distance, fireworks were exploding! Wow, a dramatic sunset, lightning AND fireworks. Could it be any better?

I really did try to get pictures, but the lighting was just too tricky and all I could get was some rather noisy, mediocre shots. I'm including them here as memories for me, but you'll have to take my word for it, the sky this evening was a light show of epic proportions.


Life is good!

2 comments:

Mimi said...

Nice shot Kate!
I keep thinking I'll try sometime for the storms we get here. Hope one of mine is half as good!

Kate said...

Mimi, Thanks!
I can't help but think they would have been MUCH better if the focus wasn't on macro! I'd love to see some of your storms over the ocean.

Kate