Photos by Kevin Takumi, Skyfox camerman/reporter
These pictures just do not do what we saw justice. Also, on every corner and in every yard, kids were playing in the snowlike hail. It was as if everyone in the community came together to have fun and play. This is just one little example of some kids playing.
Wow, what a crazy day flying! Stormchasers was what I was going to title this, as we spent all afternoon chasing wild weather. How strange to have been hovering over brush fires yesterday and then snowfall today! I left my house on the way to work wearing cool clothes as it was hot this morning, but I arrived at Van Nuys Airport and quickly jumped into SKYFOX to chase some wild storms. Some people would have paid to see what we saw. Others may have thought we were crazy and have been scared. We had front row seats to an amazing lighting show. Just south of El Monte I parked the ship in a hover and spent most of the afternoon filming the lighting to the north. Watching transformers blow and multiple lighting strikes to the ground was truly exciting. On the same note, every time it hit the ground I was hoping it didn't hurt anyone or cause damage. We chased floods and all sorts of weather related incidents, even a structure fire being fought in the downpour. At one point I was exhausted from chasing the weather and flying in it. Then, voila, I got my wish, the sun came out. It was beautiful. Next thing we know, we were flying over the aftermath of the hail that rolled through just east of El Monte. Kids and adults were playing in ankle deep hail which was thick enough to have snowball fights. I had just as much fun as they were on the ground just by watching them and seeing the amazing coverage of how much hail had covered such a large area. A couple of square miles were completely covered. It was so cool to see from above. Kids were waving at us and throwing snowballs up at us. It was exciting and fun. I've never seen anything quite like that before.
Adding a bit more to the day..........
Yikes, it just won't stop! lol. Now we have been chasing structure fires, swift water rescues and pursuits all evening. You would think the day after sweeps it would be quiet, but we sure have been flying nonstop. The night is still not over. It's only 10:47 now.
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9 comments:
Desiree the weather today reminded me of living in Missouri. If you didn't like the weather, just wait 20 minutes. I mean that kind of hail near EMT, the tornado down in Moreno Valley, snow in Big Bear and Wrightwood.... Sheesh it was 103 just over the weekend!
Desiree,
Sorry you don't get much chance to blog, but don't feel pressured--it's always worth the wait.
Richard
I had to respond to these snow photos. I sent them to my sister in Tucson so she could see our global warming weather. I love your blog's great photographs. I used to fly for Skyknight for many years. I miss seeing unusual things and once in a while check your blog for fun. I met you a couple of times at Airflite in Long Beach a long time ago. Be safe and keep up the good work.
Was gonna do a skud run this Saturday morn but something in my gut said "no" so I hung it up. Always listen to the gut, at least most of the time.
Like the newest images on your side bar. Especially the Eastern Sierra pix.
Arthur nailed the tone of Independence. It is a magical strip of earth, haunting in the most addictive way. An actress friend of mine had a Bauhaus type home built out on the flats E. of the Hwy. Love the idea to hang it all up, build an airstrip out there and start pouring the concrete and setting in the glass walls ala "Phillip Johnson" and take all that desert right into the living room.
Hell, I'd settle for an Airstream under a cottonwood. Hey, you've done that!
Have a great weekend and let us all not forget our finest who are in harms way and the one's who went before.
Take care sweetie.
Just now noticed your expanded explanation of "HOW I GOT STARTED" and the slide show on your blog. Not sure if you just added it or if I had missed it in the past. Really good stuff.
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Desiree, Great blog! I wonder if Kris Kelley is still flying and if you know her? I saw the picture of her flying on your blog. I used to work with her in Wa. State (how cool). I moved to OC/Newport. Great pictures. I'llkeep a watch out for you now :-) Awesome!! ~ Cindy
Watching lightning... makes one feel real small and tells you where you stand in the universe. Nature has a way of doing that so simply.
I did a western up on the base of the Big Horn Mtns. near Sheridan, Wy. awhile back.
Trucks couldn't make it up the mountain where the director wanted to shoot so in order to grab a "Magic Hour"shot the camera crew and a few of us got on horses supplied by the Eaton Ranch where we were put up. As I rode up through the greenest grass I had ever seen I from time to time caught a glimmer of white. I dismounted and there just under the blades of grass were bits and pieces of bone, antlers and a skull of any elk. One of the ranch hands said that getting struck by lightning was pretty common especially amongst the cattle and elk that spent time on the mountain.
Just as we got toward the tree line the sky opened up and tripped the light fantastic. Thunder bolts near and far had at it. Some lightning struck the ground and bounced right back up where it came from, other lightning shot straight into the ground and left the smell of ozone in the air.
Our horses were getting more spooked by the moment so we kept them moving and move they did, right back down the mountain and toward the ranch.......!
Just goes to show you that a horse has more sense than most movie directors.
Have a great weekend Dez!!
Every couple of months I check out your blog, and I always leave envious as hell (in a good way!), and with my mouth wide open, going "dang, lookit you"!! You rock girl, like no one else. Been a big fan since the KTLA days, and I know I'm living vicariously thru your adventures. You've got to write a book someday! You are living out loud! Thanx, and safe flying. Alfonz.
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