Fire in the Sky

© Rui Vale De Sousa | Dreamstime.com

Time has gotten away from me this week, so I'll pick up the dream posts again next week. In the meantime, I thought I'd consider an awe-inspiring natural display that can also sometimes disturb sleep.

Last night strong thunderstorms moved through the area. Summer is a great time to see some spectacular lightning. I have to say, though, I could have done without the very loud thunder.

© Andra? Cerar | Dreamstime.com

I have been known to sleep through heavy storms, but not last night. Having a skylight in the bedroom lets the lightning's illumination reach me directly. Then I have to consider whether the storm is severe, which would require me to take shelter. Usually I consider the possibility, then just stay in bed.

© Rui Vale De Sousa | Dreamstime.com

Because my home is at the top of the hill, I have a long view to the south. If there is bad weather in that direction, I sometimes wait until nightfall and watch the lightning dance across the sky. Very impressive.

© Jerry Horn | Dreamstime.com

I hope you like these images of night lightning. I think the secret to these shots is to have a high vantage point. It's still not an easy shot. Here's
one final lightning image from a photographer who tried for years to get a good lightning picture. It wasn't taken at night, but I love the three bolts and the mall in the foreground - humans can make as many changes to the landscape as they want, but nature will continue on as it always has, and will always have the last word.