Thursday, June 25, 2015

Smoky Desert Skies

These photos were taken last weekend out near Joshua Tree. There is a forest fire burning in the eastern San Bernardino mountains, and the wind is pushing all the smoke right into our high desert community. Fortunately, no structures have burned or injuries that I am aware of, but lots of acreage burned. However, it does make for some dramatic skies!
The sun trying to break through the smoky clouds.
Photoshopped for dramatic effect:  Added a texture which included the lightning and rain.
The smoky skies didn't slow down my granddaughter!
My wife pointed out a very faint red glow off on the distant mountain. Using my 400mm lens and tripod, the glow and smoky clouds are much more noticeable in the photo that to the naked eye. It's been a week since these photos were taken, and the fire is still burning. Pretty sure we're going to see a lot more fires this year in Southern CA given our drought situation.
Linking with Skywatch Friday. Click on the link to check out great skies from around the world!
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29 comments:

  1. JimJune 25, 2015 at 3:57 PM

    Beautiful sky shots. Great colours.

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  2. Photo CacheJune 25, 2015 at 4:13 PM

    My lord, these are just awesome! I'm a big fan.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  3. Ruth HiebertJune 25, 2015 at 4:18 PM

    Yes,the smoke does make for amazing skies. Gorgeous pictures.

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  4. From The HeartJune 25, 2015 at 4:56 PM

    So sorry about the fires. The pictures are gorgeous!

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  5. Sylvia KJune 25, 2015 at 5:18 PM

    Glorious, dramatic skies and superb captures!! I, too, hate to hear of the forest fires!! Hope you have a good weekend, stay safe!!

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  6. Yogi♪♪♪June 25, 2015 at 6:01 PM

    I hope they get some rain soon. Great photographs!!

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  7. TexWisGirlJune 25, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    they are dramatic, but i sure hope the fires are contained.

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  8. ak_utJune 25, 2015 at 9:32 PM

    great sky photographs!
    i also hope, the fires are contained

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  9. AnonymousJune 25, 2015 at 10:18 PM

    Wow - that is just lovely!

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  10. Billy Blue EyesJune 25, 2015 at 11:53 PM

    Not something I would want to see though it does make some dramatic pictures. Happens in the UK but not on that scale

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  11. Laura~Pretty PixJune 26, 2015 at 12:13 AM

    Eerily beautiful. Wonderful captures!

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  12. UnknownJune 26, 2015 at 2:40 AM

    Awesome !!
    Those photos are Postcard quality types..

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  13. eileeninmdJune 26, 2015 at 3:37 AM

    Hello, the fires are scary but the smoke does make amazing photos. Gorgeous colors and beautiful skies. Your granddaughter is a cutie! Have a happy weekend!

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  14. Author R. Mac WheelerJune 26, 2015 at 4:23 AM

    yep...very dramatic views. Wish we could share some of our rain with you. We broke the record in May.

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  15. trav4adventuresJune 26, 2015 at 6:19 AM

    We saw the smoke from this fire on our way back to CA from Arizona this week...about Quartzite, I believe. I thought it was clouds. As we drove closer, along Interstate 10, we realized (with horror) that it was smoke from the fire. Yes, beautiful sunsets, but what a cost. Praying for the firefighters and all in the path of this fire.

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  16. IndraniJune 26, 2015 at 6:37 AM

    Very dramatic shots! The fiery red color is amazing!

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  17. carol l mckennaJune 26, 2015 at 2:43 PM

    Very beautiful sky photos ~ little girl is adorable and that red in the sky is amazing that your wife pointed out ~

    Happy Weekend to you,
    artmusedog and carol

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  18. NatureFootstepJune 27, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    I would love to have that lightening texture. Is it free to use and if so, where do I find it.
    Your granddaughter is a sweety. Mine is now 21 yo

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    Replies
    1. Spare Parts and PicsJune 28, 2015 at 11:16 AM

      Sure... here's the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pareeerica/sets/72157603745560932. The lightning texture is about the 18th posted on this page.
      There are so many great textures on Flickr. Paree is just one of many who create and share high quality textures. As you are probably aware, just follow the rules for use (no commercial use, etc.).

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  19. Janice / Dancing with SunflowersJune 27, 2015 at 3:11 AM

    You've captured these skies beautifully. The first one is my favourite. The lightning texture fits the scene perfectly.
    I hope the fires won't cause too much damage to people, wildlife or buildings.

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  20. AlJune 27, 2015 at 6:55 AM

    Given what's happened around here the last few years, I can't stand forest fires. But they certainly do make for dramatic skies.

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  21. LOLfromPasaJune 27, 2015 at 1:46 PM

    I enjoy visiting your blog. Nice reminder of places I used to visit when I lived in Pasadena. Who could ever forget those beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Your photos here are perfection.

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  22. AngieJune 27, 2015 at 7:02 PM

    Fire is adevastatingly beautiful thing, super shots!!

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  23. StreetLoungeJune 27, 2015 at 11:56 PM

    Some really cool shots! :-)

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  24. John's IslandJune 28, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    Hi S P & P, So glad I happened to see your comment on Mac's blog and came over to see what was going on. Your sunset and fire photos are just awesome. Hard to say which one is my favorite but perhaps the one with the lightening. I must do a better job of keeping an eye on your blog. Have a fine week ahead!

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  25. Gail DixonJune 29, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    Gosh, I hate to see those wildfires every summer. The photos are glorious, though. Be safe!

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  26. IleanaJune 30, 2015 at 12:02 AM

    Excellent photos!

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  27. SaunJuly 1, 2015 at 5:29 PM

    Gorgeous ❤️💛❤️💛

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  28. Journey is lifeJuly 2, 2015 at 11:47 AM

    Awesome pics

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