...is one of the most unique and interesting of flights! I love seeing the Earth's changing topography, and this particular flight shows off some of the most drastic.
Below that lovely airplane wing is the Sierra Mountain range. It houses Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States with a height of 14,505 ft (4,421 m for my metric friends :D ). And just 85 miles northwest is the lowest point in North America, Badwater in Death Valley National Park at a DElevation (no, that's not really a word) of -282 ft, or -86m.
Our dear pilot flew us over the Sierras, Death Valley, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, and we landed in Phoenix. Ben and I will be making that drive in a few weeks *wipes brow*. At that point I hope to share some photos from a different perspective...the ground.
One thing I always contemplate while flying is perspective. Everything seems so small and insignificant from the air - even mountain peaks like Mt Whitney. But when you're down in the thick of it, you see things like Mt Whitney as a looming, impassable obstacle.
It also reminds me of the stories we write - omniscient vs first person POV. Overall story arcs vs the little chapters and skirmishes along the way. And why it's so important to step back and see the/your world as a whole, and appreciate how magnificent and complex it is. You can't understand what makes Death Valley a "deadly" desert without realizing the highest mountain peak in the US is right beside it, blocking it's rain :)
Wow! I've never been to that part of the country before. It certainly looks like a sight worth seeing. Awhile ago, I read a book by Charles de Lint where the MC traveled between the southwest and somewhere lusher, like Minnesota I think, and so much of it was about the startling differences in the landscapes and how it affected the MC. I've wanted to see it for myself since then (the closest I've gotten was Colorado). Maybe some day. *grins* You should check out the book though. "The Wild Wood". It's kind of a haunting story, but very good.
ReplyDeletePS did you take that pic with your phone? It's gorgeous!
*Sniff* That has to be one of the most beautiful sights I have EVER seen!
ReplyDeleteI so envy you!
Please share more photos, and FAST!
That’s a great analogy, one I can learn from… I just can separate myself from my work, I can’t see it for what it is, I've waited months and when I go back to edit me work, I still read it the way it is in my head--not what’s is on the page.
ReplyDeleteThx for the pic, it is awesome.
I love that analogy, it's very fitting to writing! That view looks amazing, and I'm sure the whole flight was as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty brilliant way to think about it. I have to remind myself constantly to take a step back from my writing and just look at it. Most of the time the minuscule problem that I'm obsessing over is lost in the overall story. Looking at it from up high, it's not really a problem at all.
ReplyDeleteRoad trip!!! Excited for more pictures!
I love your photo, and especially your comparison to points of view. Happy travels!
ReplyDeleteWow it's sooo beautiful! Very interesting insight into POV. From now on, I will keep that photo in mind when I'm writing
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments everyone! And Tyson and Brittany...I will be sharing (many) more photos in the next few weeks! Gotta make sure all the camera batteries are charges...
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see more photos, Barbara! I'll live vicariously through you while you go on your adventure. ;)
ReplyDeleteI went to a dinner last year where a NZ woman called Lisa Tamati talked about doing the Badwater Ultra-marathon which is from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney. She's done it twice. It sounded absolutely nuts. Over 50 deg C during the day, 217km (135 miles), snakes, sickness. I have to wonder about the sanity of the people who choose to put themselves through that. O.O
Oh my goodness, Sari, that's CRAZY!!! Yeah, I'm nervous just to DRIVE through it, but running?! Wow. I'll post photos of Badwater...from my CAR! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, pretty picture!!! You're right, perspective is absolutely key. I did a post on perspective once that is a great companion for this one, but I can't remember when it was LOL! If I find it, I'll send you the link:)
ReplyDeleteWow! Fabulous photo (woot, woot for NON writing related material!)... and such deep comments. But so true! That is actually probably one of my biggest worries in writing: does the overall story arc makes sense? I think we get so caught up in writing the individual chapters sometimes, that we forget there is a bigger picture out there we need to be worrying about. Its definitely something I'm always working on!
ReplyDeleteAwesome comparison! And what a great pic. I'm always amazed as well that peeps can ride on a plane and never once look out the window and admire the beauty of the Earth. I love seeing it thru my kids' eyes as they enjoy it for the first time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your move!!!! :) I'll email you soon.
Beautiful pic! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDelete*waves* New here! WOW that is a gorgeous shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments!
ReplyDelete...and nice to "meet" you Sophie! Thanks for stopping by *waves*