A variety of cloud formations cluster around Mount Shasta sunset.
I got up much later than I normally do Thursday morning, only to find that there was a fine set of lenticular clouds in the sky on the north side of Mount Shasta. Of all the mornings to sleep later than normal, I had to miss the lenticular at sunrise. Not to be defeated, I headed to the southern side of the mountain, in the hopes of getting the clouds in the frame alongside Mount Shasta. The view from the south was as impressive as I anticipated it would be. I managed to capture a couple of interesting shots of the mountain with the cloud formations and then I headed back into town. Once there, I got one more shot to show a different perspective on the most distinct disk in the group. These clouds seemed rather stable so I planned to head out in the evening and try to get pictures of them at sunset.
As I suspected, the lenticular cluster lasted through the day, but right as the sun began to set, the distinct shapes began to dissipate. One of the lenticulars seemed to have caught a wind current and stretched out across the sky as a rather dramatic spread. I had taken my three kids with me after dinner and they scrambled on the rocks at Castle Lake before I got into position for the sunset. As happens frequently, they played contentedly while I played with the camera. Of course, they practically ignore the magnificent sunset taking place right behind them, instead being quite focused on the rock obstacle course they set up for their cars. These kids really have no idea how fortunate they are. In the end, it was another stunning sunset. It may have lacked the great lenticulars that were present in the morning but the unusual clouds and great light made for a memorable evening nonetheless.
Click to enlarge:
Nevermind the sunset, there’s rocks to play with!
Have you ever hiked it? I am putting it on my to do list the next couple of years.