Firestarter
Crested Butte, CO
I was out near Crested Butte in the early morning when this storm just exploded over the mountains. The air grew cold and heavy, and you could smell the ozone before you even saw the first flash. The thunder wasn't just a sound; you could feel it vibrating through the ground. Then the sky just tore open. For a few seconds, the entire landscape was lit up by this incredible web of electricity. It was a humbling display of raw power. It's a complicated memory, though, because I later learned this same beautiful storm sparked a wildfire that did a lot of damage in Black Canyon National Park. It’s a stark reminder of the dual nature of these forces.