San Diego had a storm blow threw today and I spotted this waterspout from the highway. Luckily it was still there the time I exited, parked and got my camera out and about. Not the best shot, but, full zoom too. Nikon D200

Gb

you are absolutely correct that it might be a "once in a lifetime" shot. (cue a "texas" song)

the non plussed attitude of the guys on the beach though ~ seems like they have seen them all of the time.

given that weather in tejas ~ we'd be running for the hills ..(but that would take us at LEAST 24 hours to do)..

:eek:

nothing to suggest with regards to crop etc. because it is the nature of the shot that is the key..... (besides those guys who couldn't give a flip make it all the more scary).

3L - I used to live in Houston and I recall that this kind of weather isn't unusual there. Almost never happens out here though, but like you pointed out you would never have noticed it by looking at these beachcombers. Note that the wind was blowing north pretty hard, so it was highly unlikely it could have hit us. But your comment made me realize that whenever there's something crazy happening, you usually see Californians rushing to the scene instead of the reverse.. maybe their curiosity overcomes their fear? (or maybe they're just not that bright .. :D ).

btw I was climbing Mount Laguna about 75 miles east of S.D. one Labor day ~ 6 years ago, very crowded on the trail, and when I got to the top there was lightning - yikes - so I immediately headed down. I warned multiple groups heading up "Watch out - lightning coming in, better turn around now" Well, none did, and about 45 minutes later -- POW -- lightning hit the top and killed someone (who I believe I read was holding onto a metal railing, I might add..). :(

So thanks for commenting. It is centered but not sure if there was any better composition. Check out the other shots here btw ....... you can see another maybe trying to form and how dark the sky was.

G

GB,

Very nice capture from Torrey Pines. Really pays to keep the camera with you at all times.

CF

Thks CF - I went out to TP to do some pix of cliffs and clouds that day, just so happens the waterspouts where there ... would have never anticipated those here in SD, the most docile weather location in the world......

G

i was able to capture a waterspout as well on a cruise last summer. i was so excited to capture it.