Jan. 10, 2008 - Cloud Cover

Canon 5D, 70 - 300 mm f/4 - f/5.6 IS @ 250 mm, f/13, ISO 200

This image, taken on the same day as the previous entry, was an attempt to capture some of the most interesting cloud activity I have ever seen anywhere, let alone the desert southwest. When conditions are right - as they were on this day - the mountains to the west of Red Rock Canyon act as a kind of "cloud making" mechanism. I assume it's because slightly warmer air coming from the west (California) is forced upward as it crosses these mountains, thereby squeezing out moisture in the form of clouds. On this day, the mountains and eastward facing cliffs of Red Rock were draped in constantly changing patterns of mist and blue sky. The sad thing is that no two dimensional image can adequately represent what I saw that day.

Heck, there were times when I got so wrapped up in the "show" that I forgot I was carrying a camera! The truth is, I would have been perfectly content to sit and watch even if I hadn't had the camera. Amazingly, there were very few others in the park. Too bad for them.