I know this is my writing blog, but one of my other creative pursuits is photography. I’ve shot everything from aerobatic aircraft to the Space Shuttle to landscapes and, of course, grandchildren.
I’m lucky to have an incredible view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from my back deck (at least until my new neighbor builds his McMansion–or as I call it, ten pounds of shit in a five-pound bag) and they’ve been a recent, favorite subject. So, indulge me, if you will, in a little picture blog. (All photos (c)Phyllis A. Duncan and were shot with a Nikon Coolpix L110 camera set for “Landscape.” A great little camera, by the way.)
The following photos I took on May 20, when severe thunderstorms were building and deluging counties east of the Blue Ridge. These storms brought severe flash flooding to DC and Maryland, but the Valley was beautifully sunny.
Here, I like the foreground scud clouds, which make such a great contrast with the cumulus clouds in the background. These were actually building over the Blue Ridge.
Then, a good-sized rain cloud came over the Valley to “join” the updraft over the Blue Ridge.
A good idea of exactly how a cumulus cloud builds.
And here, the cumulus clouds get a little color from the late afternoon sun.
I’ve had a fascination with cloud formations since I studied to become a weather observer for one of the first major articles I wrote for then FAA General Aviation News. These shots, taken early this morning, intrigued me because of the “cloud within a cloud” appearance.
About 0730 this morning, an amazing “churning” of the atmosphere.
- This “column” of moister air was just such an interesting construction, I had to take several shots. This is the best.
- And, just a few minutes after I started shooting, it brightened considerably.
unexpectedpaths.com 
Amazing photos. The cumulus cloud formation is really fascinating.