Virga is rain that evaporates before hitting the ground. It’s also called ‘dry storm’. This one I saw in Olympia, Washington and was backlit by the sunset.
Virga in the Sunset
Stormy Weather
I like stormy weather (as long as there’s no damage and as long as I’m inside … or at least dry). These two images are of frontal systems coming in and both brought high winds … and both blew over and there wasn’t any damage. And both provided a good photo op.
Budd Bay and State Capitol Building
Budd Bay runs down from the southern end of Puget Sound into downtown Olympia. This photo was taken from while I was out kayaking. Budd Bay is an excellent kayak location when you want a quiet paddle with little excitement: it’s a very sheltered area and there is minimal power boat traffic (and they mostly obey the “no wake” law.
Crescent Moons
Well, there’s really two photos of a crescent moon, not two moons. But I figured you’d all figure that out. I have worked at getting crescent moon photos for years and these are two of my favorites. These are both waning crescents: very old moons. The thin waxing crescents (thin new moons) are more of a problem for me, since you have to get up early. Even before breakfast.
Nisqually Delta — Mountains in the Sky
The Nisqually Delta is outside of Olympia, WA and is home of the Nisqually – Billy Frank, Jr. National Wildlife Reserve. It had been diked, drained and converted to farmland back 100 years ago or so, but the dike was intentionally breached and the interior is now salt marsh and provides home to young salmon. They built a wonderful walkway that runs most of a mile out for viewing birds and other critters. I took this image across to Luhr Beach (the buildings on the water) and the boat ramp. I didn’t notice the mountains visible in the cloud gaps until recently. They are the southeast corner of the Olympic Mountains from about Mount Ellinor to The Brothers.