As I drove to work on an unusually rainy day for El Paso, Texas, I was struck by the beauty of the clouds as they engulfed the mountains. Every morning, I drive over the Franklin Mountains on the way to work. The regular simpler days display the picturesque mountains as the bright sun shines and reflects on and off different spots along the ride. When the rain clouds arrive, the mountains take on an entirely different look. They become smoky, sinister, and dark.
Driving along, I imagine how to photograph them—as the clouds roll over the crevices and hills. The clouds seem to fill the roadway, but dissipate as I approach. Carrying these clouds is the strong wind that makes me not only photograph them, but to measure the wind speeds as they beat against my truck.
I think also about hiking, something I haven’t had time recently to do—as I have been focusing on running more, taking time away from hiking and skateboarding. I see the tops of the mountains covered with the clouds and imagine the wonders of climbing through to the top.
Descending from the peak of the highway, I see the other side of the mountain slope. These clouds look different as a canyon opens up. The clouds remain low, but the early morning sun begins to change the light as I wind my way down.
It is an amazing experience, one that I am reminded that I will greatly miss when I’m gone.
(Photo: dailydwelling.com)