In the valleys of North West England, blue skies are elusive. When one does deign to grace us, it inevitably arrives with an entourage of fluffy clouds. So, for me, an unbroken expanse of blue sky is always something of a miracle.
That may be what motivated me to try a few experimental shots of trees and their canopies as dusk was falling at the wonderful San Diego Botanic Garden. If only this was a technique I could practice back at home! If there’s such a thing as blue sky envy, I’ve got it.
I’m sharing these for this week’s photo challenge: atop. Perhaps aloft might be more appropriate, but what’s a few consonants between friends?
Susan Rushton 
Susan, your blue sky observation struck a chord. My husband, who is English and who has Alzheimer’s, constant remarks about how blue the sky is on cloudless days. ‘How often do you see a blue sky like that?” he says over and over. Maybe he’s remembering cloudy London growing up, and Manchester in his student days. We live in Virginia and have our share of blue-sky days in spite of everything.
It’s not easy to take them for granted after living in England. I often catch myself rather suspiciously sweeping the heavens for clouds. I’m glad you still have blue-sky days, despite all the challenges. I couldn’t find my way through to your blog through your gravatar. Will you leave a link if you have a moment?
Here’s the way: juditheclarkecares.com
Thanks, Susan. (BTW, our blue skies clouded right over this week, with snow and frigid temperatures. Only my hellebores survived. Daffodils limp and defeated.
I, too, am a big fan of bluebird skies. The key is low humidity, so the US Southwest has gorgeous skies. Today here in MA we are graced with one such expanse, a gift from frigid north. Cold, but blindingly beautiful!
A blue sky is just as lovely on a cold day – I hope you had chance to get out and enjoy it.
Yes, I go out for at least one long walk each day – it’s a must for mind as well as body!
These are lovely images.
Blue skies are the stuff of literature and art, so we are well conditioned to imbue them with almost magical properties. Having said that though, I’m a total sucker for them too. I do remember a few glorious cloudless days in England. When they’re good, they’re very very good.
Magical is the perfect description.
Ah, the San Diego blue. I lived there for a while, so I know. ‘Tis a lovely thing to contemplate, even in memory. Thanks for the glimpse again. And I admire the touch of copper on the trees in the top photo, where the sun brushes them. Trees always know how to strike a pose!
The copper glints were coming from uplighters, if I remember correctly. It’s interesting how the black silhouettes have a flat, two dimensional effect and the ones with the extra lighting are more 3D – a bit like actors in front of a stage backdrop, to extend your theatrical image.
It’s just easy to be envious of San Diego!
It’s a lovely part of the world.
We had blue sky most of the day in Northamptonshire on Wednesday, and I have evidence! I remember blue skies from childhood in Argyll, with only a few clouds just above the horizon- well, those were the memorable weather days. I love the reddening light on the larger branches, in your pictures.
That could probably make a new BBC programme – Blue Sky Watch. Imagine hush-voiced presenters stalking them around the country and waxing lyrical when they spotted one.
We need blue skies, even in photos, to cheer us up during the dull days.
They do make everything look brighter and better.
Oh I hear you!!! I said to my husband this morning “does it ever stop raining here”, let alone have a blue sky!! I am desperate for a dry and blue spring!!
We’ve been treated to flurries of hail stones over the last day or so.
It’s only in the last year or so I started equating the word canopy with the lacy trees overhead in a forest. I love the idea of that. And hey, since you’re one for flying back and forth across the pond, any tips on how to survive the 11-hour flight we’ll have from Salt Lake to London in September?
Keep in mind I’m a little terrified of flying! Ok… a LOT terrified of flying. Thinking about taking my whole bottle of Xanax and hoping I just pass out for the whole time!
When I first started flying for business I noted that my colleague seemed no more concerned about flying than if he was taking a bus. So I try to keep that spirit – as if it’s nothing unusual. That’s easier said than done if you’re terrified, I know. I have no miracle tips, sadly. Dress for comfort and go with the flow. Keep a few essentials with you, whatever yours might be. Mine include a small tube of rich moisturiser, eye spray (Optrex Actimist), one of those neck pillows you see at the airports plus basic emergency supplies incase the main bag gets lost for a few days. And make sure you have some entertainment planned. If you don’t sleep eleven hours will seem like a long time. But the main thing is to focus on all the fun you’ll be having on this side of the ocean!
If I sleep at all, I will be SOOOOOO amazed! LOL But then our flight does leave at 8:30 p.m. I should be tired, but I may be wired. It’s sixes… 🙂
I recall, when I lived in Spain, how I prayed for clouds. After several months of perpetual blue skies, the sight of yet another one actually got me down. Upon returning to England, the reverse was true. I sympatise.