The clouds are so very beautiful this trip, not that they aren't on every trip we've made, but this year they just seem to be extraordinary. This is surely NOT meant to be a scientific accounting of the different types of cloud formations but merely an observation that every day they seem to present themselves in a different way. Did you ever really stop and take the time to look at them?

Typically, when I awaken while at the Towers I look out my window towards the French hills and I never know what I'm going to see. A couple of mornings the clouds were just plain ugly - a heavy shroud that almost completely obliterated the waking sun and laid a heavy gray pallor to everything within my view, and other mornings there were big puffy cotton candy-like clouds and the sun broke through and sent strong shafts of glistening sunlight through them for all our enjoyment.

And then there was the morning of all mornings this trip - the clouds were spread out thinly in the sky, vaguely resembling stretched out cotton batting - you know, the stuff quilters put between their fabrics to give their beautiful creations both heft and warmth. And the colors - OMG - the pinks and purples and blues and yellows and even some shades of orange, were glistening through the thin spots creating an incredible palette for all to behold.

And then there are the ones I like to call 'wall clouds' because of their heights and width - and they usually are the ones that forewarn you 'weather' is imminent and you might want to take cover if you don't want to get soaked. But usually, by the time I actually see them it's already too late and I generally end up drenched.

They all come and they all go and they change constantly which lends but one more facet to Mother Nature's incredible offerings but of all the different variations, I think my very favorites are the big puffy solid white ones - the ones that resemble cotton balls piled on top of each other - that occasionally dance their way across an otherwise brilliant blue sky and give you the opportunity to let your 'make believe mantra' run wild and see things you can only just imagine.

I have noticed the clouds in St. Martin and you have described them delightfully...

A lovely description of the clouds Pat. However, I am mainly a fan of clear blue skies and abundant sunshine and not a big fan of clouds especially when on vacation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

I think we'd all prefer blue skies and lots of sunshine but clouds in general just fascinate me. From the cotton ball skies to the cotton candy clouds - they're all gorgeous and the presence of many don't automatically preclude the idea of sunshine reigning over our blue sky vacation days. It's those tall wide dark ones that trouble me, though. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

You can see many things in clouds, and love the ones rolling by on top of a sunny day... Plenty of clouds when its a perfect day... Everyone sees different things if they really look...

Many of my photos I took this year have beautiful clouds in them. The clouds, at times, are the most interesting part of the photograph. Thanks for all you stories you just posted this year. Loved them.

I would almost swear that one afternoon as I was lazing on a chaise lounge by the Towers pool, I looked up at the clouds and I know I saw the Pillsbury doughboy - or maybe it was Mr. Clean!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Pat, I have not posted in years but was compelled to do so after your post. What beautiful prose! Your description of clouds inspired images from long, long ago. Have you written professionally? You should, if you are looking for something to kill time while at the Towers, or any other place. I would buy what you write. By the way, your tag line about keeping words sweet is something I've used for years; may I have your permission to continue doing so? Best wishes from the left coast.

Wow! Thank you for your very kind and generous words. I wish I had the wherewithal to actually 'write' something worth reading but all I do is ramble on for my personal enjoyment. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

When I read what you write, I smile. Thank you for sharing your gift.