The striking chimney of Saltaire's New Mill (see also yesterday's photo) and one of the old lamp-posts (once gas, now electric) outlined against a 'mackerel sky'. These clouds, properly termed altocumulus or cirrocumulus, are known as a mackerel sky as they resemble the scales of the fish. There is much folklore attached to them, rooted in fact, as they often herald a bout of wet weather on the way in 6 or 8 hours. I have a particular fondness for them. My old geography teacher - an inspirational man - once enthusiastically dragged me outside on the way out of the school morning assembly to show me just such a sky and teach me about it. I've never forgotten that special little lesson.
"Mackerel sky - never long wet, never long dry."
This is a Skywatch Friday entry - for more please click the link.
WoW! Oh how pretty!
ReplyDeleteHiya,
ReplyDeleteDid you get the font to your satisfaction?
We have one of those old lamp-posts in our garden and I always get dizzy trying to photograph the sky behind it :-)
Mackerel, of course.
Great shot and interesting info. I have never heard the term Mackerel Sky.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific thing for your teacher to do! And I love your photos, they're really superb! I've heard of Mackerel Sky, but didn't know what they really looked like before! Great post for the day, Jenny! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
There must have been something special about you that the teacher wanted you to know about mackerel skies!
ReplyDeleteNeat photo with the lamp post and tower in the foreground.
Some teachers are better than others. I didn't know this was called a mackerel sky but yes, it is perfectly appropriate. Are you sending us clouds? ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful sight. The sky is gorgeous and the foreground dueling towers are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I've always loved skies like this, but never knew they were known as "mackerel skies." Now I don't think I'll ever forget it, thanks to you and your geography teacher!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting, I didn't know that. And a beautiful shot too!
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Just up my street! Very nice composition.
ReplyDeleteThe picture, with that victorian streetlamp, makes me think of a Christmas greetings card!
ReplyDeleteTeachers can influence well beyond their years in the classroom. I will have to remember mackerel skies as the term for these cloud formations. Lovely photo!
ReplyDeleteCool teacher. I agree with EG, you must be a special one, Jenny. And I'm glad you remember the lesson to pass it on so now I know too. That's a very neat photo of the chimney and lamp-post against the mackerel sky.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating sky. The whole photo has the feeling of a watercolor. Nice!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Almost watercolor-ish. I just love photographing the sky. Always changing. Always beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA lovely composition to set off your mackerel sky.
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeleteLord knows I love me a mackerel sky too. Very nice capture! ~Lili
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