Dear Amy,
Do you remember lying in the grass as a kid and watching the clouds go by? Did you search for shapes like I did? They seemed tangible enough to hop across, with the possibility of a quick-grab of cotton candy along the way.
Yes, we know better, and even as we try to grow up, we can still see a guppy floating across the sky at White Sands.

Skyscapes and Cloudscapes:
Technically, most people have touched a cloud. Those who have ridden in a hot air balloon or enjoy skydiving know that feeling. And fog, that’s a low cloud, right? A Yellowstone sunrise from a few years ago stopped us near Madison Campground.
I call this, The Spumoni Sunrise.

During a trip to Bavaria, we took a lift above Zell Am See. Our plan was to hike. Rain gear was necessary with the deluge in town. And to our delight, the ride took us to the sunny top. The clouds below appeared to be a snow-covered valley. I wondered, once again, if I might walk on the clouds as I dreamed.
Coffee was probably a better choice.

And in a few hours we could see Zell Am See below.


More recent travel took us north to the expansive views of Utah where clouds and their shadows seem to dance with the landscape. Does anyone else see the chubby airplane cloud waving at me from Monument Valley?

In Moab, the windows offer the best views.

Or do they?

Pictures aside, it was imperative to watch the skies behind the La Sal Mountains, since we spent many days driving in river washes. Interestingly enough, the mountains seemed to hold back the storms, keeping our campsite dry as well.
Thank goodness their wet winter filled the lakes and valleys with water, and also gifted us with abundant wildflowers.

Pretty sure there is only one cloud for that… Cloud 9.

Wind Kisses, Donna
Thank you to Amy for giving us the chance to showcase our Skyscapes and Cloudscapes. Grab your camera, go outside, look up and join us. For me, it coincided with our 10 days in Moab, but it also evoked feelings of nostalgia from childhood and memorable travel. Read Amy’s more eloquent post here.
Thank you to John for allowing me to feature some roadside art for Art in the Park last week. Responses to all the challenges continue to fascinate me. We all feature what is close to our hearts and/or homes and no two are ever alike. Art in the Park was proof of that diversity.
Next week, check in with Anne for Len’s Artists #251.
Learn more about the Lens-Artists here.
Yep, as a kid, I enjoyed watching the clouds go by, it seems a century ago…
Breathtaking image of the Spumoni Sunrise.
Drinking delicious coffee while watching a sea of clouds, what a life, Donna!
…clouds and their shadows seem to dance with the landscape. Ahh…
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Amy.
LikeLike
Beautiful skies and clouds! The Spumoni Sunrise is my favorite!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a great reason to stop. thanks for enjoying
LikeLiked by 1 person
Must admit I had to study that Cloud 9 sign much longer than I should have to figure out what it said LOL. Lovely post, enjoy your memories as well as the recent journey. Especially loved the skies behind the mountain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha. Thanks Tina. It was fun, and I wasn’t sure what angle to take. I’m glad you mentioned hesitation at Cloud 9 even though it was funny. I edited it
LikeLike
What a grand adventure – and there is something ethereal about clouds!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is! And ever changing
LikeLike
This post captures the magic of childhood. Beautifully written. The first photo is so simple, it’s captivating. And the first Bavarian photo, wow, what a spot to stop for coffee. I’m glad you made it to Cloud 9! And came back 😀👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi dan. Our trip to Moab was indeed a cloud 9 week. Such a fascinating place. Always something new to explore. But yes, clouds and childhood sure go together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You sure know how to capture the clouds and skies, Donna! You have a similar imagination as my hubby, who sees the shapes of everything in clouds. I could see yours once you pointed them out! Love the Spumoni sunrise and the Cloud 9 sign! It all looks like cloud 9 for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always . Life is meant to be looked at in detail. Thanks Terri. The Spumoni was time well spent on the side of the road.
I saw your theme this week is pets and playgrounds. Moab with dogs would certainly be applicable. I will try…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to it if you have time, Donna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes I searched for shapes and enjoy doing so still! Love that White Sands guppy, and the Yellowstone sunrise is breathtaking. Also love your final shot – what a find!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lindy. It is amazing how a simple cloud can change perspective of a photo….and our mood.
LikeLike
I absolutely love that coffee photo! What an awesome view! And the coffee looks delicious! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Coffee is great anytime, but sometimes the view calls for it. We stumbled across this mountaintop cafe. How could we not?! Thanks Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I 100% agree!! ☕
LikeLiked by 1 person
We live high enough on a hill to sometimes see clouds below us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a whole different view, isn’t it?
LikeLike
The sun is always shining. But sometimes you have to get above the clouds to see it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I learned that in Seattle too. That why skiing is so nice. Breathtaking the mountains.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I still look for shapes in the clouds even today! I love your finds, and the drama of the shots from your Moab trip! The low cloud shots from Yellowstone and Zell am Zee are wonderful too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sarah. Moab sure gave us some interesting look at the weather by the day. And oh how I loved Zell Am See. Such great memories from that area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos. That first one is amazing. I could have it on my wall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you I.J Hmmm. that might be a good one for my guest room. Hadn’t thought of that. I have so many photos around the house. thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That first one and the clouds on the mesas are my favourites Donna 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought of you when we were in Moab. Overlanding at its finest. Someone asked us if were Australian (before we spoke) because they only place they had ever seen rigs like ours was Australia. Funny. I figured you’d be proud. lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then you have a true Aussie rig. That will do you well when you come to Australia.
My nephew has a overland rig and is now on another adventure doing a small patch they didn’t get to last time they did what we call “The Big Lap” which is driving all around Australias coastline
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow. I admire them. They have had quite a life in their rig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was around six months and included some border closures during Covid19 where they had to stay for a month extra
LikeLike
Excellent photos. 👍 Love Moab, and the lonely cloud over white sand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you John. Moab never disappoints and I loved the simplicity of White Sands.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wherever did you find that Cloud 9 sign?? How perfect for this challenge! And the childhood memories….And your beautiful photos. Wow. That spumoni sunrise stole my heart….as well as the Zell….:) Enjoy your travels, Donna. How much longer will you be on the road?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha. That sign is actually from a few years ago. Apparently it was a closed down motel/RV park in Sierra Vista, Arizona. This was definitely a u-turn moment. It has been a fun photo.
We returned home yesterday, so it is nice to catch up a bit. Our next trip following Memorial Day. We will just be gone a few days. Taking our youngest grandson to the Grand Canyon to camp. Hopefully he will enjoy participating the Jr. Ranger Program. Otherwise…marshmallows and hot chocolate for the win.
LikeLike
The Cloud 9 sign was the icing on the cake! Outstanding pictures! So happy you had incredible clouds for your Utah visit.
Enjoy your week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nancy. Always beautiful up there. We are pretty tired. Him from driving, me from getting out on the tough climbs and for pictures. It is always different too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful cloud images Donna! I also see images in clouds and are amazed at how they change in just a minute. My mom always loved clouds and knew all the types.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This challenge and something about your post specifically reminded me of the poem High Flight. Especially the image from Monument Valley. “Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that! Thank you John!
LikeLike
I’m always in awe, Donna. These clouds are almost edible, but I think I’ll have coffee instead. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always coffee!
LikeLiked by 1 person
amen!
LikeLike
Lovely photos Donna,
I call this, The Spumoni Sunrise gorgeoous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the very first click. Unique!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you. Sometimes simple is the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing these images. Looks like small cloud sailing by. Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Anita.
LikeLike
Wonderful post, so pleasant to read and admire the photos! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Nicole. The skies bring lots of beauty, that’s for sure. I appreciate your note.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely shots Donna! Coffee above the clouds and not having to be inside a metal tube (plane) – perfect 😀!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. It was eerie in a way, but special to feel we were above the earth. And the coffee tastes better with a view…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe I enjoyed your narrative as much as your gorgeous photos 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Marie. You made my day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the clouds framed by the rock arch, Donna! Also liked the simplicity of your first picture.
LikeLike
I was more of a stargazer…
It’s such a different part of the world, your Utah photos are breathtaking. I also enjoyed the Zell Am See, a bit more of the scenery I’m used to but it looked awesome. Especially with the coffee 😀
Favourite as to be the Spumoni Sunrise, there’s a bit of magic going on in that one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sofia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful language and thoughts, Donna. As always making us think…And that Spumoni Sunrise is pure magic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks AC. Loved the chance to share.
LikeLike
Such a beautiful and clever rise to the challenge, Donna. I loved your entire collection.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kellye.
LikeLike