Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Theme Day: Big

Update, 3:50 PM: in case you missed it, here's the alternative link for updates from Mount Wilson while the regular site is down: http://joy.chara.gsu.edu/CHARA/fire.php

12:01am
For two days I've been trying to capture a compelling photo of the pyrocumulus cloud that hangs over the San Gabriel Mountains north of Pasadena and Altadena. It can be seen for at least 70 miles. I know this because I shot pictures of it yesterday from Huntington Beach. (100 miles my friend Michelle says--she saw it from Santa Barbara.)

But I can't do it justice. There's no way to show you how big the Station Fire is--how much acreage it has burned in our hearts, how the sound of the air conditioner has become the sound of the flames, how we listen for the water-dropping aircraft overhead, how we wonder and worry about the creatures, the views, the smells, the land and the paths we walk--because the fire burns differently for each of us.

There are over 1,000 City Daily Photo blogs around the world. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in today's theme.

(Take a look at Gem City Images. Keith captured the cloud extremely well. Or view the cloud from San Pedro Daily Photo, where Lori Lynn got a great shot of it.)

26 comments:

Cafe Pasadena said...

I think you caught it, PDP!
A good, clear, powerful, skywatch day pic.

However, the Pyro's aren't my fav species of cumulus clouds.

USelaine said...

And imagine how much worse the air quality is up in places like Palmdale. I've been checking the various fire websites and blogs, and hope the Pacific storm will quickly come up and put it all out, and clean the air. I'm thinking of you all.

Dina said...

Oi, this cloud is way too big.
If it didn't have pyro- in its name the cloud would be awesome. Being where it is, it is scary to behold.

Jilly said...

Well, you've captured it amazingly. A beautiful shot. sad that this theme day has to suit California and I just hope the weather changes and the fires die out.

Hilda said...

That cloud is awesome, but so sad too. Continuing to pray for all of you.

Virginia said...

You did it justice. Is there a possibility of a good rain in the near future? You all are in our thoughts.
V

marley said...

I think you did an excellent job. Keeping my fingers crossed that this ends for you all soon.

Petrea Burchard said...

We can't see Mount Wilson at all this morning. I guess that's why the aircraft aren't flying--they can't see either. We do have 47% humidity according to the web, which is amazing. It must have to do with that cloud. Rain in the future? I doubt it. It's been so long since we've seen rain here.

Thank you all for your prayers. I'm okay. Please pray (or send up your good vibes) for the firefighters, and for the people, animals and property in the fire's path.

Lori Lynn said...

We're thinking alike Trea.
Your sentiments are so wonderfully expressed.
LL

Keith said...

We had the same idea today. So many images on view everyday of this fire - clouds, smoke, haze, flames, destruction, evacuations - none of them good. It's somewhat overcast this morning but I don't think it's supposed to last.

Italo said...

Oh my God it's huge! Beautiful photo, Petrea.

Margaret said...

I don't know. I think you did it.

Hughes said...

Great pic but these fires are horrible..
Found a video of a time lapse of the clouds/smoke:
http://vimeo.com/6335740

Andreea said...

I think you achieved a very moving picture.

Petrea Burchard said...

Been out trying to take more pictures today, but it's more of the same. And so, so hot.

I think how sad this makes me, then compare that to how it must have felt in Australia last year. What's it like in Greece right now? They will have a water shortage, as do we.

It's overwhelming.

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

Gosh Petrea, I'm just catching up with your excellent blogging of this terrible situation. I do hope you stay safe. Do go if and when they tell you. Thinking of you. Great shot by the way.

Christina said...

You put this beautifully. Thank you.

pasadenapio said...

You really captured it, Petrea. How could something that looks so dramatic be so destructive?

Laurie Allee said...

Stunning capture, my friend.

Cynthia said...

I just saw the movie 'Adam' and when they showed Mount Wilson I thought of how it must look at this minute and my heart broke. I'm so thankful for all the wonderful firefighters working to save it...such dedication. My thoughts and good vibes go out to all who need same; grasp them as they fly by!

And that is an amazing photo!

Ms M said...

Your photo captures it very well. It seems like the land explodes into flames with this kind of fire. I hope the weather brings relief soon.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, guys.

Cynthia, right now I believe they're bulldozing and chopping and clearing and praying up there on the mountain. The fire is expected to reach Mt. Wilson tonight. Here's the article.

So far, the lights are twinkling and all looks peaceful up there.

tapirgal said...

The picture is telling, and your text was even more so. It was beautifully written.

eamon@ewmphotography said...

Oh dear, I've missed all of this drama. Hope all is well and the fire is now under control and not too many have been badly effected.

All best wishes,

Eamon

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, tapirgal.

Eamon, unfortunately the fire has grown to more than 140,000 acres and continues to threaten communities. The good news is it is thought to be 20% under control. But we expect another two weeks of drama.

Dave Knight said...

Hey Petrea....just checking out the blog. The cloud caught my attention....I saw that the other day and was talking about it with some friends. Funny to see a picture of it on your blog! Hope you are doing well.