Rare

Interesting evening skies over Maple Lake can be a rarity.  We look out east over Maple Lake so the sun sets above the fields across the road.  Sometimes we are lucky to see some of those sunsets reflected in the clouds over the lake.

 

Here is the moon rising a few evenings ago.

 

 

The wispy mare's tail clouds (scientifically known as cirrus uncinus) tell of rain soon to come.  The evening that followed this was full of heavy rain, lightning and wicked winds.  That is a lesson I learned from my Granddad, and one of the many reasons I think of him when venturing through the natural world.

 

 

 

A Mountain of Cloud

Sometimes, having rain overnight produces the most interesting sunrises.  Not every beautiful sunrise is bright and fiery.  I often find the most beauty in the cool blues and purples and creams.

 

 

Sunrise Surprise

As I have mentioned, most days the sky over Maple Lake has been heavy and grey.  Low cloud cover has been bringing many snowy days.

This morning, though, on what seemed to be just another drab day, I was surprised to see a perfect pink sky over breakfast.

How appropriate for Valentine's Day.

The rest of the day was snowy, but the pink morning was lovely.

Something Missing

I was really looking forward to winter this year in part because of the spectacular sunrises of last year.  They just aren't happening, though.

 

I wonder why.

 

Mornings have been generally dull and grey over the lake, with the occasional hint of pink or orange at the horizon.  I've taken very few sunrise pictures - last year I took them almost every day.

 

Was last year an anomaly created by day after day of high pressure and cloudless skies?  Certainly we have had many more days of dense cloud low in the sky this year.

 

Here's hoping for more days that start like this:

 

 

 

 

Through the Clouds

Peace

The holiday weekend is over, and Maple Lake is quiet once again.  Clouds have moved in, and I don't mind.  We need some rain.  It will be a peaceful, calm day....with no fireworks.

A chaotic lake, and loud cottagers make me appreciate days like this so much.  I like it when everyone goes home.  Somewhere inside of me, there is a grumpy old man shaking his fist.  I'm okay with that.

Sunrise, Sunrise

"Looks like morning in your eyes...."

5:30 to 6:10 a.m. this morning.