I opened my Inbox recently to a variety of cloud formations that Joe Kirkish has collected from the Keweenaw skies. He told me that he has become obsessed with clouds of late and that in all his 91 years, he's never seen such strange ones, with a mix of high up clouds and others almost close enough to reach up and touch. Joe added that he's been told all these different clouds are a result of climate change and will continue to morph as the seasons go on.

Looking at these photos you get the feeling like you're going to run right into the clouds or that you could reach up and touch them from where you're standing. Some of them rush quickly across the skyline, others float slowly overhead. You can even predict the weather with the appearance of the clouds... rain in the distance, red skies in the morning, sailors take warning, red skies at night, sailor's delight.

No matter the meaning, the cause or the effect, they sure make for some beautiful scenery.

Nice photos Joe, the last is my fav!

These are cool cloud pictures!

Each and every one..."Beautiful"! Thanks for the cloud photo exhibit , Joe.

Great photos Joe!
Seems like the last one could be used for the end of the month photo..... just sayin'.

That is a very good looking group of cloud pictures. I like the low hanging clouds best. Don't like rain clouds, there's been to many of those this summer so suit me.

AMEN! The clouds have been WILD this year! Joe is
right on! Cool photos!

Rushing Across Great Sand Bay: Monet

Wild Streaks Over Lake Superior: Van Gogh

Thank you, Joe! Wonderful photos!

Very beautiful shots! Especially the last one - Awesome!

Cirrostratus Clouds are my favorite cause you can usually catch a moon halo at night (when it's out)

The shot with the mares' tails is outstanding!

I think we're becoming connoisseurs of fine photographic art.

(Ooops, post failed, See below.)

Picture #1, Clouds over Ruby Street [sic] — That sure looks familiar, I lived at 1111 Ruby Avenue for a number of my years at da Tech!

From Google Street view:
1. Approximately the same view as in Joe's "Ruby Street":



2. a view just a few houses to the East (the house at the red arrow is at 1111 Ruby Avenue):



The place has changed a bit: the front porch used to be open, with a stairway at the front, directly toward the street; it's since been enclosed, and the entryway is now at the left. Of course the parking is still about as tight as it was in the 1960s! <grin!>

Colorful! It's amazing the colors and shapes clouds can make.

I love the pics today but its no wonder. They are
by the amazing Joe Kirkish!

I neglected to mention that I knew Joe K. to be quite the skilled photographer 50+ years ago as well. I really regret that I never had one of his classes!

See more about Joe here, from Michigan Tech's TechAlum Newsletter (Oct 9, 2012): (click →) "Talking With Joe".

It just keeps getting better and better. Keep it going, Joe!

I met Joe in an third floor garret/cubbyhole (ca. 1960?) in I forget which building in campus while I was working on improving my reading speed and comprehension with a shutter tachistoscope¹.

Very nice pictures. That last one is my favorite
but they are all spectacular. Clouds are always a
favorite. Even children like to guess what clouds
look like. It just never grows old. Thanks for
sharing these!