Lenticular clouds are so named because they are lens shaped. They form over very high mountains, although I have heard of some that didn't. I used to see them on Mt. Rainier all the time. The popular expression in Western WA was that Mt. Rainier was wearing her hat. The most dramatic ones I ever saw are in the photo in this blog's header. I broke A LOT of traffic laws trying to get home that day, December 5, 2008. I didn't routinely take my camera to work with me every day, so when I left for home that Friday afternoon and saw the clouds when I got on Highway 16 in Tacoma, I had the pedal to the metal. They could dissipate at any time. I called my office to tell Steve and Debby because I knew they'd want to see them. I called Brian at home and told him to get my camera and wait in the driveway with it. I flew into the yard, and he practically tossed it through my window because I don't remember actually stopping the car, so that I could get to a good vantage point to shoot.
The following sunrise photos were taken on December 23, 2009, from the same place I shot the 2008 picture (I had a fave mountain-shooting spot in Bonney Lake).
They are sometimes mistaken for UFOs
A teensy one on Christmas Day, 2009.
These were also pretty funky. I shot this on January 26, 2011. At that time, I had already decided I was going to pursue a new life with Russell on the east coast, so it was somewhat bittersweet, knowing that these would probably be last ones I'd see. And they were.
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Wow Jo Jo they are some pretty amazing photo's
ReplyDeleteThose clouds are wow - have never seen the like.
ReplyDeleteThose clouds r gorgeous. Never saw them
ReplyDeleteGOod luck with challenge
Fellow A to Z er
JoJo, what great photos of these amazing clouds! Can't imagine how amazing it was to see them.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are fantastic, but that first one - WOW! It looks like from another world!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! I have written the blog since we started the RV trek; 2 years on another site and the rest with blogger. You can read past posts in the archives tab on top .....the one listed to the side is going to be removed (I'm thinking) once the challenge is over.
I want to post a picture of Snape waving his wand saying,
ReplyDelete"Nimbus Lenticular!"
I've never seen these, JoJo, so I'm thankful you've shared them. In BC, I've never seen this happen, but I love the effect! And that one does look UFO-ish.
ReplyDeleteThanks all! I only learned about the clouds the first time I saw one on Rainier. I, of course, thought the volcano had come alive and it was steam! Was very relieved that it was just a cloud.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved your header. I've been to Seattle many times, but The Mountain was rarely OUT, so I never saw any of these amazing clouds. I can so totally see you speeding and getting your camera tossed to you - great story. Love the hat thing, too.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge
Hey Jojo,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, thank you. I've been struggling on with the A - Z this year because I have a huuuuge uni deadline on the 22nd and I'm really behind with my work. As such I haven't been visiting other blogs much but you always take the time to come and comment mine. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate that! You're keeping me going :)
Second of all, amazing clouds! I bought my boyfriend a cloud book one christmas with all the different types but these are the prettiest! I love the mountains :)
Amazing I've never seen anything like that before and didn't know that the header photo was taken by you it's so good.
ReplyDeleteA.W.E.S.O.M.E.N.E.S.S. Really those photos are breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteWow, so amazing... they look like whipped cream.
ReplyDeleteGad. I must be hungry.
Nevertheless, they are incredible. So glad you have an eye for these; I love watching clouds and appreciate you sharing these beauties with us.
I thoroughly enjoyed your pictures and loved learning something new. This is a first for me. My daughter and son-in-law are in Tacoma for another week and then back to Salt Lake. I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I never knew that's what those clouds are called, thanks for the new word. :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun with a-z.
Are you the person who left so many comments on my blog? Seriously? You're a photographer? I'm a photographer, AND I have a weather blog! I am so in awe of your work. The lenticular clouds are amazing. We get these often here in New Mexico. I tell my grandchildren they are spaceship clouds! I need to subscribe to your blog! Thank you for reading my posts--I left you a message. The settings still are not working on my blog, but I have a friend helping me out. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate the help.
ReplyDeleteThis photo is stunning!
ReplyDeletethis is such a wonderful post! and, thanks for the science lesson and stories with the photography.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog during the A-Z Challenge! :)
WOW! You are a great photographer. I love the story about you racing home to get the photograph.
ReplyDeleteWOW, those are some really cool clouds! I can see why some people would think at a quick glance they might be a UFO.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen anything like them!
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
I've said before, your pictures of lenticular clouds are miles better than those I've seen in published books about clouds.
ReplyDeletethanks everyone! It's really 60% ma nature and 40% camera. All I did was point and shoot!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I can see why someone might confuse them with a UFO!
ReplyDeletesandy :)
Those are gorgeous! and I'm glad you got the camera in time for the ones in your header.
ReplyDeleteI really like these photos. We have some great mountains in Colorado but Mt Rainer is an awesome peak. I'm glad your were able to get "the shot" back in 2008 it turned out pretty good.
ReplyDeleteThose are brilliant shots....so cool...
ReplyDeleteWow JoJo those photos are amazing!!! I love cloud photos and yours are some of the best. Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
Beautiful--I've never seen anything like this. Thanks for the meteorological lesson!
ReplyDelete