In mid-January the Pacific Northwest was experiencing a temperature inversion. Whereas it might be 35 degrees in Seattle, at Paradise, a location well up the side of Rainier, it might be in the mid-60s. Besides turning temperatures upside down, the conditions also served to trap clouds at ground level. Those are the conditions that existed on 1/14/14, the day of this pano.
From about 2 PM to 3:30 PM the atmospherics above and at the base of Rainier went a bit crazy. As the afternoon wore on, though, clouds to the West sufficiently blocked the available light so no significant sunset colors were to be had. No matter, Ma Nature had already put on a show.
Shortly after I began shooting, a helicopter flew overhead heading for the Mountain. There it hovered or moved slowly across the face for well over an hour. In fact, when I left, it was still hovering. About a week ago, I saw an ad (don't recall from whom) with a short timelapse of Rainier from that day. Mystery solved.
Pretty much my reaction when I first saw it. I was walking my dog at the time. Shortest walk I've ever given her. I turned around and headed back to the house for my gear.
I grew up with Mt. Rainer in my backyard. I've been there hundreds of times. Our entire family, (all 8 of us) have taken countess pictures of the mountain. Basically what you're telling us here is that they all sort of suck.
CarlG wrote: That is a special image!! Lucky man!
You're right, I do feel lucky. I wish that it had continued through sunset but that would have just been icing on the cake.
Kee Woo wrote: Ha Ha.. +1 added here. I cannot spell the words out myself!! SORRY. Great opportunity and stunning picture. Congratulations!
Being lost for words is a compliment - thank you.
Bob wrote: Wow, oh wow. Oh wow. Sorry, that's all I've got right now. I grew up with Mt. Rainer in my backyard. I've been there hundreds of times. Our entire family, (all 8 of us) have taken countess pictures of the mountain. Basically what you're telling us here is that they all sort of suck. This is absolutely stellar.
Thanks, Bob, but I'm sure that you have many, many keepers. As you well know, though, displays like this rarely come along. I've been living at this location, with a full view of Rainier, since 1987. I would have to put this day in the top 3 that I have seen.
Thank you Mr. Gale, Keith, and Ute. I'm very happy that you like it and have taken the time to comment.
docsmiles17 wrote: Wow, love the drama in the high clouds and the subtle clouds down low. Nice B&W conversion too.
Lenticular clouds are always a welcome sight over Rainier. They are not rare but, because of the overcast, infrequently seen. The clouds down low, however, are quite unusual. Thanks for the comment.
Jim wrote: What a super cool shot! Love the B&W conversion, and just really like what you captured here. What a beautiful shot.
Thanks, Jim. I'm loving B&W more and more.
