August is usually a tranquil month in northeast Oregon. That’s one reason that I work here this time of year. The days are long, skies are blue, humidity is low. A stray thunderstorm might appear on occasion, but it comes and goes, and I can go about my business without much interruption.
August 2019 has seen several waves of storms roll through the area. When skies threaten, I arrange my field work in a manner that allows me to return to my truck on short notice. And I keep the camera handy.
Out in the country, big-sky photo opportunities abound. When the clouds and the lighting are right, I often find myself stopping to take another picture. The towns are small; but like anywhere else, buildings and power lines are constantly in the way. In the town of Enterprise, there is high ground near the airport with a clear view of the Wallowa Mountains. This photo diary, and the companion diary to follow, will have a combination of vantage points.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns spinning around us.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
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If you wish to see a bigger version of any of these photos, click on the “enlarge” link.
August 9 and 10 were the stormiest days. Even then, it was dry most of the time. I worked on the 9th, frequently glancing up to see what was brewing. The day began with a few puffy clouds which gradually increased in size and number. By the middle of the afternoon, the sky to my east looked like this, and thunder could be heard in the distance.
When I finally made it to the town of Enterprise, I went to the hill near the airport for another round of pictures. The storm over the mountains was a separate cell from the one in the previous images. A hawk (later joined by another) showed up to ride the gusty winds, and made it into several of the photos.
If you liked these pictures, stay tuned to Part 2, which will have even better pics. With that bit of humility, I open the floor to all Bucketeers and visitors. What’s going on in your slice of the natural world today?
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