Somewhere, Over The Rainbow

I've never much cared for the drive between Tucson and Phoenix. The highway spooks me, always has! It's rich in dilapidated motels left over from the 50's and 60's, pistachio groves, dust and trafficking. (drugs and human) It's the kind of road that you see giant tumbleweeds blow over, dust storms engulf and too many little white crosses dotting the sides of the road. Human remains are often discovered under rocks in shallow graves not far from the interstate.

The Rooster Cogburn ostrich ranch is a popular stop, as is The Nut House (mostly pistachios with an occasional human "nut") and the outlet mall in Casa Grande. BTW, Casa Grande is the birth city of TV/Movie star David Spade. For all of you ladies that love Kate Spade purses.......Kate is married to David's brother.

The sign in the middle of the pistachio grove warning you NOT to pick up hitchhikers because of a state prison is certainly an eye-opener. Look to the West and you will see lots of huge airplanes parked in the middle of the desert. Oh my......It is a part of a huge airplane graveyard and the other half is located inside the city limits of Tucson.

I had spent several days in Tucson visiting friends and relatives and also the largest gem and mineral show in the world. People from the world over gather to sell their gems. I am lucky enough to go with friends who make and sell jewelry. It is during this time I get to explore the world. The countries of Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Argentina, Columbia and even the good ole USA are well represented with their jewels.

Last Saturday afternoon at 4:30 I left Tucson to drive back to Phoenix. Wanting to get back before dark, but obeying the speed limit, (75 mph) I noticed the beautiful sky, with high thin clouds streaking across. The sun was not setting, but lower in the sky when I saw it. It was a vertical rainbow in the western sky. How could this be? I have only known rainbows to be in the eastern sky and never vertical. I stared at that sky for over an hour until it was dark and I was pulling in my driveway to greet Luke, The Wonder Dog.

I have been lucky enough to see many beautiful sunsets and sunrises here in the Valley of the Sun. I have even seen a complete triple rainbow but I have never seen a sight like that beautiful sky and a vertical rainbow.

After doing a little investigation, I have discovered what it is called. What I saw is called a "SUN DOG" It is produced when certain clouds are present, the sun is at a certain angle and there are ICE crystals present at a certain altitude. It's remarkable what a little sun, dust and ice crystals can create when Mother Nature has her hand involved. It had been over 110 days without rain, but there were ice crystals dancing in the sky. I have found a picture for you. I hope you enjoy it.  What I saw was even larger.