STORM2K

Well this week is my Spring Break and my family just got back from a 3-day trip to Asheville. This was my first time visiting, and I really enjoyed seeing Mt. Mitchell (highest point east of the Mississippi), and Chimney Rock provided some great views. Also saw the Biltmore Estate and looked around downtown Asheville.

The weather was pretty cooperative -- a little chilly on Monday, but clear and warm Tuesday and yesterday. We went to Mt. Mitchell on Tuesday with temperatures near 70F in the lower elevations, but the thermometer at the top of the peak read 47F!

Here are some pics for all to enjoy, especially those who have never been to the area.

Mt. Mitchell State Park

Lenticular Clouds? (I think they are... please comment)

Chimney Rock

Downtown Asheville

Misc. W NC

WOW!! Those are excellent.

Lenticular clouds are generally quite rare since the mountains aren't generally high enough, however, there's always exceptions to the rule, and this is one such exception ...

The Blue Ridge Parkway photos are IMO, of a lenticular cloud being subject to strong mid-level winds ... but the last photo doesn't appear to be of a lenticular cloud.

More of a classic look to lenticular clouds...much like flying saucers, which the first two photos you took have that appearance.





http://www.ucar.edu/educ_outreach/webwe ... dpic2.html

Absolutely awesome shot of a lenticular cloud...

Thanks a lot for the info, stormsfury! I was pretty suspicious since I had heard that they were pretty rare, especially in the Apps, but I guess I was pretty darn lucky to see the ones over the BRP. I'll change the title of the other one outside the park, though.

Great pics, Brett

Beautiful pics Brett! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us......and Stormfury.....the pics you posted are somethin' else!.......p

Wow! I really need to check that area of NC out again the only places i visited on your list was the biltmore estate! That home was just enormous!